Canada's continuous commitment to addressing the growing demand for home care workers has led to the introduction of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWIP). This pilot program is all set to commence on March 31, 2025. This new pilot program aims to streamline the Canada PR pathway for skilled foreign professionals in the child care and home support sectors.
This article will provide complete information about the HCWP, its structure, eligibility criteria, application process, and its implications on prospective applicants.
Home care worker immigration pilot program - an overview
This new home care worker immigration pilot program is divided into two distinct pilot streams:
- Home care worker immigration pilot: childcare
- Home care worker immigration pilot: home support
Both programs include two application streams:
- Canadian Workers in Canada Stream: For individuals already working in Canada with legal work authorisation. Applications for this stream will begin at 10:00 AM EDT on March 31, 2025, and remain open until March 30, 2026, or when the cap on intakes is met.
- Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream: Applicants living outside Canada or not currently employed there. More information on this stream will be released in the future.
As of March 31, 2025, the Workers in Canada Stream is now accepting applications and submissions until March 30, 2026, or until the intake cap is reached. Information about the Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream is anticipated to be released later.
What are the eligibility criteria for the home care worker pilot program?
To become eligible for this Canada PR pathway, candidates are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Language Ability: Obtain a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French.
- Education: Hold at least a secondary school diploma or its foreign equivalent.
- Work Experience or Training:
- Work Experience: Gain at least six months of consecutive, full-time, relevant work experience in the last three years in qualifying occupations.
- Professional Training: Alternatively, complete a minimum of six months of credentials in an allied home care training program.
- Employment Offer: Obtain a full-time employment offer in-home care from an employer in Canada, except Quebec. Importantly, no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.
Eligible occupations under the home care pilot program
The HCWP program targets specific occupations under each pilot program.
Child Care Pilot
- Home Child Care Providers (NOC 44100): Practitioners who deliver childcare in domestic homes, i.e., babysitters and nannies. Experience as a foster parent does not count.
- Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202): Practitioners engaged in early childhood educational settings. Daycare teachers' and supervisors' experience is not qualifying.
Home Support Pilot:
- Home Support Workers, Caregivers, and Related Occupations (NOC 44101): Practitioners who help persons requiring care within homes.
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102): Professionals who assist in multiple healthcare environments. Paid, full-time experience gained in institutional environments, such as continuing care facilities, may be counted.
Remember that paid, full-time qualifying experience cannot be obtained through full-time student status or self-employment.
Application process of the HCWP program
The HCWP application process entails a few key steps:
- Job Offer: Receiving a full-time job offer from a private home or an approved organisation that employs full-time home care workers directly for short-term or occasional care.
- Document Preparation: Collecting required documents, such as proof of language ability, educational qualifications, work history, and financial means (if necessary).
- Submission: Fill out and submit the application via the IRCC-designated portal within the given intake period.
- Processing: Having the application assessed by IRCC, including document verification and possibly an interview.
- Decision: Having decided on the application. Successful applicants will be given permanent residence status upon arrival in Canada.
Proof of funds requirements for HCWP
Proof of funds is only needed by applicants applying in the "Applicants Not Working in Canada" stream. This stream is temporarily closed and will be opened later.
To apply in this stream when it opens, applicants must provide enough financial resources to maintain themselves and their family when they come to Canada. The following information explains the funds requirement for this stream:
Number of family members | Funds you need (in Canadian dollars) |
1 | $14,690 |
2 | $18,288 |
3 | $22,483 |
4 | $27,297 |
5 | $30,690 |
6 | $34,917 |
7 | $38,875 |
When there are more than seven family members present, add | $3,958 |
Application fee for the HCWP program
The application fees for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots are structured as follows:
Applicant Category | Processing Fee (CAD) | Right of Permanent Residence Fee (CAD) | Total Fees (CAD) |
Principal Applicant | $950 | $575 | $1,525 |
Spouse or Partner | $950 | $575 | $1,525 |
Dependent Child | $260 per child | N/A | $260 per child |
Additionally, biometrics fees include:
Biometrics Category | Fee (CAD) |
Per Person | $85 |
Family (2 or more people applying together) | $170 |
Conclusion
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots constitute a significant chance for qualified caregivers to gain permanent residency in Canada. Canada reiterates its resolve to develop the caregiving industry by simplifying the application process and acknowledging home care workers' vital role.
Applicants are urged to start preparing early, with all the eligibility requirements fulfilled and supporting documents in place for a successful application.
For more details about the eligibility criteria and application process of this new immigration program, reach out to Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com
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