On January 24, 2025 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada updated their website indicating plans for the highly anticipated Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots to open on March 31, 2025. While no additional details were released, the release of a launch date provides a concrete next step in IRCCs rollout of these new programs and we expect additional information to be released in the coming weeks.
What is the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot?
This immigration pilot program is a permanent residence pathway for Home Care and Child Care providers. As these occupations are considered “TEER 4” level roles, traditional pathways for permanent residence under Canada’s economic immigration streams are limited. In recognition of the challenges which caregivers have faced in obtaining permanent residence status, and the important role which they play in supporting this critical sector, Canada’s caregiver programs are designed as tailor-made immigration solutions which recognize the unique attributes of caregivers. The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot is the most recent iteration of the caregiver programs. It was first announced in 2024, prior to the closure of its predecessor programs.
Will I qualify for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot?
IRCC has released preliminary details of the eligibility criteria of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot, requiring that applicants:
- Score CLB 4.0 or higher in each language category on an IRCC-approved language test. Applicants will likely be required to submit test scores from one of the below-authorized testing agencies:
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
- Have a Canadian high school diploma or higher, or the foreign equivalent. Education credentials obtained from outside of Canada will likely require an Education Credential Assessment report for immigration purposes, from an IRCC-approved agency:
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- World Education Services
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service – British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Medical Council of Canada
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
- Canadian Architectural Certification Board
- Have a full-time employment offer for home care in the child or adult care sector. In addition to private employers, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot will allow the job offer to come from an organization providing in-home care services.
- Demonstrate recent and relevant experience, related to the offer of employment in Canada. Candidates must be able to show they hold the skillset necessary to perform the role in Canada.
Next Steps
Announcing a launch date for this highly anticipated program comes as welcome news to many caregivers seeking options to stay in Canada long term. As we expect that IRCC will release further details of the program criteria, application forms and process, and quotas in the coming weeks, we recommend signing up for our immigration e-lerts. To do so, click here. For more information about options for Caregivers to immigrate to Canada, please contact us.
