Canada is set to launch new immigration pathways for home care workers, offering eligible candidates permanent residence upon arrival. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced these “Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots” will commence on March 31, 2025.

Key Eligibility Requirements
Prospective candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Language proficiency equivalent to CLB level 4
- Educational credentials equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma
- Recent and relevant work experience
- Secured full-time employment offer in home care
A New Chapter in Caregiver Immigration
These pilots mark a significant shift from previous programs, replacing expired permanent residence pathways. While full details are pending, this initiative represents Canada’s continued commitment to supporting the home care sector through immigration.
Historical Context
The announcement follows a series of earlier caregiver programs, including:
- The Live-in Caregiver Program (ended 2014)
- The Caring for Children Pilot (ended 2019)
- The Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pilot (ended 2019)
- The Interim Pathway For Caregivers Program (ended 2019)
- The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots (ended 2024)
Immigration Targets and Allocation
Under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC has designated 10,920 spots for “Federal Economic Pilots.” These spaces will be distributed among several programs, including:
- The new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
- The Agri-Food Pilot
- Community Immigration Pilots
- The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
Specific allocation numbers for each pilot are yet to be announced.
Note: Prior to June 16, 2024, candidates under previous home care worker programs needed only 6 months of eligible experience to qualify for permanent residence.