Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially closed the pathway to permanent residence for caregivers applying from outside Canada under the Home Care Worker Pilots (HCWP). The “Applicants Not Working in Canada” stream never opened to applications and has now been marked as “closed” on the IRCC website as of September 29, 2025.
When the HCWP was introduced, it included two pilot streams—one for Home Support Workers and another for Home Child Care Providers. Both were expected to accept applications from candidates outside Canada, with more information to be released at a later time. However, no formal opening was ever announced, making this closure a quiet but definitive end to that anticipated route.
While this development is a setback for many hopeful caregivers abroad, alternative immigration pathways remain accessible. Notably, individuals classified under National Occupation Classification (NOC) 33102—such as nurse aides and patient service associates—can still apply through Canada’s Express Entry system. This occupation falls under the Healthcare and Social Services category for category-based selection, and in a recent draw, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score was 470.
Additionally, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) continue to offer viable options. Several provinces actively welcome caregivers under their skilled worker streams. These include:
– Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Skilled Worker Overseas stream
– Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
– New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Priority Occupations stream (for select NOC codes)
– Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) Skilled Worker category
It’s important to note that the NBPNP Priority Occupations stream is limited to NOC codes 33102, 44101, and 42202. Caregivers with NOC 44100 (Home child care providers) are not eligible under this specific stream.
Despite the closure of the out-of-country caregiver stream under HCWP, Maple News emphasizes that Canada continues to prioritize immigration in healthcare and caregiving sectors. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore other federal and provincial programs that align with their qualifications and work experience.
Stay connected with Maple News for the latest developments in Canadian immigration policy and programs.