Maple News reports that Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) are now officially accepting applications for the 2025 intake period. As of 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on March 31, eligible foreign nationals may apply for permanent residency through these specialized immigration streams designed for caregivers already working in Canada.
Administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the HCWP consists of two separate pilot programs: the Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. Each stream has an annual cap of 2,750 applications, bringing the combined total to 5,500 new potential permanent residents in 2025.
To support vulnerable workers, 140 spots within each pilot are specifically allocated to individuals who are currently out-of-status or working in Canada without authorization. These reserved slots are intended to help regularize the status of undocumented caregivers contributing to the Canadian economy.
For the March 31 intake, IRCC is only accepting applications under the ‘Workers in Canada’ category. Applicants who are not currently employed in Canada will need to wait for a future intake window, which will be announced by the immigration department at a later date.
Maple News advises prospective applicants to ensure that all required documentation is prepared and complete prior to submission, as the program typically fills up quickly. Once the intake cap is reached, no further applications will be accepted until the pilots reopen in 2026.
The HCWP aims to address Canada’s growing demand for in-home care by offering a clear and stable pathway to permanent residency for foreign caregivers. This initiative not only supports families in need of consistent care support but also provides skilled workers with the opportunity to build a long-term future in Canada.
Stay with Maple News for ongoing updates and expert immigration guidance on caregiver programs and other PR pathways.