Maple News reports that Canada has outlined new admissions targets under its recently launched Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP), aiming to grant permanent residency to 2,750 home care professionals in 2025.
Speaking at a press conference on March 8, Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted that out of the total allocated spots, 150 will be reserved for home care workers currently without status in Canada. This move reflects the federal government’s broader effort to support worker regularization and recognize essential service roles.
The HCWP is designed to address Canada’s growing demand for in-home care services, especially for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It includes two application streams: the ‘Workers in Canada’ stream, for home care workers already working in the country, and the ‘Applicants Not Working in Canada’ stream, for those residing abroad.
When the program officially opens on March 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will initially only accept applications under the Workers in Canada stream. A timeframe for when applications from abroad will be accepted has yet to be announced.
Minister Miller emphasized the potential longevity of the HCWP, noting it could become a permanent part of Canada’s immigration landscape. He described it as an important test case for how regularization can benefit both newcomers and the Canadian labor market.
Notably, the HCWP features more accessible eligibility criteria compared to many PR programs. Applicants may qualify with either six months of recent and relevant home care work experience (in Canada or abroad) or with a related educational credential lasting at least six months.
Language proficiency also forms part of the eligibility benchmarks. Candidates must demonstrate language skills equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) suitable for the role, though exact levels were not specified in the announcement.
This pilot is expected to reduce barriers for foreign home care workers by recognizing overseas experience and education, while providing a pathway to stability and long-term contribution in Canada.
Maple News will continue monitoring IRCC communications for updates on the expansion of the pilot and further details regarding the international stream.