Pausing Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots Application Intake

In late 2025, IRCC announced a temporary pause on new applications to the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, citing application volume management and program review. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s affected

The pause applies to new applications under:

• Home Child Care Provider Pilot
• Home Support Worker Pilot

Both pilots provided a direct PR pathway for foreign caregivers with a valid Canadian job offer.

What’s not affected

• Applications already submitted continue to be processed
• Work permit holders already in Canada under these pilots can complete their work experience and apply for PR (subject to program rules)
• LMIA-supported caregiver work permits (separate from the PR pilots) remain available

Who can still apply

If you have a valid LMIA-supported job offer as a caregiver, you can still apply for a work permit under the regular Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This work permit is employer-specific and does not include a direct PR pathway, but your Canadian work experience can later support an Express Entry CEC or PNP application.

What comes next

IRCC has indicated that new caregiver immigration streams will be announced as part of broader 2026 program changes. Expected features:

• Higher language requirements
• Direct PR pathway for caregivers with valid job offers
• Volume caps to manage application backlogs
• Possible employer-specific pathways

Strategic advice

If you are a caregiver currently in Canada with caregiver experience:

1. Maintain valid status, work permit extensions are still being processed
2. Document your Canadian work experience meticulously (employer letters, paystubs, T4s)
3. Consider parallel PR pathways (CEC, PNP, BC PNP ELSS Caregiver, etc.) while waiting for new pilot details
4. Monitor IRCC announcements, new caregiver pathways are expected in 2026

For personalized guidance on caregiver PR pathways during this transition, contact our team.

---