On February 25, 2025, the Canadian government announces updates to the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, designed to address the country’s growing demand for home care professionals. The program will officially launch on March 31, 2025, the new pilots will offer a more accessible immigration pathway for home care workers and their families.
These pilots will be implemented in two phases: first for individuals already residing and working in Canada, followed by the second phase targeting international applicants.
Key Features of the New Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
The newly introduced pilots will streamline the immigration process, making it easier for qualified home care workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Here are the major updates:
1. One-Step Immigration Process
The new pilots introduce a one-step immigration process for home care workers and their families. This means qualified workers can apply directly for permanent residence without needing Canadian work experience in the field.
2. Reduced Language and Education Requirement
The language and education criteria have been lowered:
- Applicants only need a CLB/NCLC level 4 in English or French.
- A high school diploma (or equivalent) is required.
3. No Need for Canadian Work Experience
Unlike previous programs, applicants don’t need to have Canadian work experience. However, they must still have recent, relevant work experience or have completed at least 6 months of home care training.
A full-time job offer in home care from a Canadian employer outside of Quebec is also required.
4. Flexible Employment Options
Home care workers can apply for jobs in various settings, including:
- Private households
- Home health care service providers
- Personal care services in residential settings
- Pediatric home health care services
- Direct care agencies
Note: Recruitment or placement agencies are not eligible under this program.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Language Skills: Applicants must demonstrate a CLB/NCLC level 4 in English or French.
- Education: Applicants must have at least the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
- Work Experience or Training: Applicants must have at least 6 months of recent, relevant work experience in the home care sector or have completed a caregiving training program of at least 6 months.
- Job Offer: Applicants must have a full-time job offer in the home care field from a Canadian employer located outside of Quebec.
- No LMIA Required: A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required for applicants.
Program Phases
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots will be implemented in two phases:
Phase 1: In-Canada Applicants
The first phase opens on March 31, 2025 for home care workers currently living and working in Canada. These individuals will be able to apply for permanent residency without the need for prior Canadian work experience in the occupation.
Phase 2: Outside-Canada Applicants
After the initial phase, the program will open to outside-Canada applicants in late 2025. This phase will allow foreign workers to apply for permanent residency under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots.
Conclusion
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots offer an important opportunity for skilled home care workers to move to Canada, whether they are already in the country or applying from abroad.
With an easy-to-navigate one-step process, reduced language and education requirements, and no need for Canadian work experience, this program is designed to meet the growing demand for home care services in Canada.
