Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has quietly closed Stream B of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot — a route initially designed to allow qualified caregivers from outside Canada to apply directly for permanent residence. Notably, this stream was shut down without ever accepting a single application.
Stream B had been envisioned as an international gateway for caregivers with at least six months of relevant experience or formal training. Applicants were required to secure a full-time, non-seasonal job offer under a qualifying NOC code — such as NOC 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) — and demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in English or French, along with proof of settlement funds. While Stream B appeared in IRCC’s future immigration planning documents, its closure signals a decisive policy redirection.
According to Maple News, this move reflects an ongoing shift in Canada’s immigration policy to prioritize candidates already in the country. Stream A — the sister program to Stream B, focused on caregivers with Canadian work experience — remains open and operational. IRCC appears to be concentrating limited resources on applicants with a demonstrable history of living and working in Canada, whom the government sees as having stronger prospects for long-term integration.
This policy pivot aligns with the federal government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027, which allocates only 10,920 economic pilot program spots in 2025, and slightly under 10,000 annually in 2026 and 2027. A significant share of these are expected to go to in-Canada applicants, explaining the quiet but definitive closure of Stream B.
Although Stream B has been discontinued, foreign caregivers still have viable immigration avenues through other programs. For instance, Express Entry now hosts healthcare-specific draws that target occupations such as NOC 33102. However, eligibility for these draws demands higher benchmarks — including CLB 7 or higher, and competitive scores based on age, education, and work experience.
Additionally, several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) continue to support caregiver roles. Provinces like Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba offer tailored pathways for those with job offers in in-demand caregiving positions. These programs may require a demonstrated commitment to living in the province and sometimes Canadian work or study experience.
For foreign caregivers still hoping to secure permanent residency in Canada, Maple News suggests a more strategic pathway: obtain a temporary work permit first and accumulate Canadian experience, thereby qualifying for Stream A or other in-Canada immigration programs.
The closure of Stream B may be disappointing for many, but it underscores Canada’s increased emphasis on retaining immigrants with local experience. For those still abroad, a step-by-step approach — starting with a work visa — may offer the most realistic path to achieving their immigration goals.