Canada Announces Application Limits for New Home Care Worker Pilots
The Canadian government has introduced detailed intake rules for its new caregiver pilot programs that begin March 31, 2025.
These pilots aim to create clearer, more accessible pathways to permanent residence for home care workers. The two new programs are:
- Home Care Worker Immigration (Child Care) Class
- Home Care Worker Immigration (Home Support) Class
These programs replace the outgoing Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots and are part of Canada’s efforts to meet increasing demand for in-home care while offering permanent residence pathways to essential workers.
Published in the Canada Gazette on March 22, 2025, the official Ministerial Instructions outline how many applications Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process each year. They also specify eligibility criteria and how the intake will be divided between applicants with Canadian work experience (Stream A) and those without (Stream B).
Annual Application Limits (2025–2030)
The intake cap applies separately to each class (Child Care and Home Support):
2025–2026 (March 31, 2025 – March 30, 2026)
- Total applications per class: 2,610
- Stream A only (Canadian work experience)
2026–2027 (March 31, 2026 – March 30, 2027)
- Total applications per class: 2,750
- Stream A only
2027–2030 (Each year March 31 – March 30)
- Total applications per class: 2,750
- Stream A: 1,375
- Stream B: 1,375
Applications can be submitted online or by alternate (paper-based) means. However, all submissions count toward the annual cap.
Program Requirements for Child Care and Home Support Classes
Applicants must qualify under either Stream A or Stream B. The two streams have slightly different eligibility rules, depending on whether the applicant already has Canadian work experience.
Common Requirements for Both Streams
Regardless of the stream or class, applicants must:
- Language Proficiency: Score CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) using a test approved by IRCC within the last 2 years.
- Education: Provide a Canadian educational credential or a foreign diploma, certificate, or credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) completed in the past 5 years.
- Work Experience or Training:
- At least 6 months of continuous full-time work in an eligible occupation within the last 3 years, or
- Completed in-person training of at least 6 months, leading to a post-secondary credential, completed within the last 2 years. Applicants must have been at least 17 years old when training began.
- Job Offer: Must have a genuine job offer for full-time, non-seasonal work in an eligible occupation. The employer must:
- Be a private household or business
- Be based outside Quebec
- Pay wages equal to or above the median prevailing wage for that occupation in the province
- Not be related to the applicant
- Proof of Funds: Applicants under Stream B must demonstrate that they have sufficient settlement funds equal to at least 50% of the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their family size.
Stream A: With Canadian Work Experience
Applicants applying under Stream A must:
- Be living in Canada at the time of application
- Be authorized to work full-time in Canada in a non-seasonal job (excluding specific work permit exemptions under Regulation 186)
- Maintain eligibility until they receive permanent resident status
This stream is designed for caregivers already working in Canada who have gained qualifying experience and wish to transition to permanent residence.
Stream B: Without Canadian Work Experience (Opens 2027)
Stream B will open on March 31, 2027, offering a pathway to permanent residence for qualified applicants who are not yet in Canada or do not have Canadian experience. To qualify, applicants must:
- Meet all the education, language, and job offer requirements listed above
- Provide proof of settlement funds
- Maintain eligibility through to the point of becoming a permanent resident
This stream is ideal for newcomers seeking to come to Canada directly for caregiving jobs.
Eligible Occupations
Child Care Class
Applicants must have experience or an offer in:
- NOC 44100 – Child care providers (excluding foster parents)
- NOC 42202 – Home child care providers (excluding early childhood educators, daycare teachers, supervisors)
Home Support Class
Applicants must have experience or an offer in:
- NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- NOC 44101 – Home support workers
These occupations must reflect the duties listed in the National Occupation Classification and meet all program conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do the new caregiver pilots start accepting applications?
The intake opens on March 31, 2025, and runs through March 30, 2026 for the first cycle. Annual intakes will continue until 2030, with a fresh cap each year.
How many applications will Canada process under these programs?
Each class (Child Care and Home Support) will process up to 2,750 applications per year starting in 2026. For 2025–2026, the intake cap is slightly lower at 2,610 per class.
What’s the difference between Stream A and Stream B?
Stream A is for caregivers already working in Canada. Stream B, starting in 2027, is for qualified candidates outside Canada or without Canadian experience who meet all other criteria.
What language test scores are needed?
Applicants must score CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher in all skill areas using a test approved by IRCC. The test must be less than two years old at the time of application.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
Yes. A genuine full-time, non-seasonal job offer is required for both streams and both classes. The job must be with a qualified employer and must meet wage and occupational requirements.
