Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially listed Stream B of Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots as closed, without ever having accepted a single application. This development marks a significant change for foreign caregivers hoping to apply for permanent residence directly from outside Canada.
On This Page You Will Find
- Why Stream B of the caregiver program has been closed
- IRCC’s 2025–2027 immigration targets for pilot programs
- Alternatives for caregivers outside Canada
- Express Entry and PNP options for NOC 33102
- Reasons behind IRCC’s shift in policy focus
What Was Stream B?
Stream B was designed for qualified caregivers applying from abroad, offering them a direct path to permanent residence if they met certain criteria such as:
- CLB 4 or higher in English or French
- At least 6 months of relevant caregiving experience or training
- A full-time, non-seasonal job offer in a qualifying NOC (e.g. NOC 33102 for nurse aides)
- Proof of settlement funds
Despite being included in IRCC’s 2025 policy plans, Stream B never opened its intake and has now been closed without explanation.
Possible Reasons for the Closure
The decision to quietly close Stream B may reflect broader trends in Canadian immigration policy:
1. Shift Toward In-Canada Applicants
IRCC continues to prioritise applicants already working in Canada, especially those with temporary work permits or previous Canadian experience. Stream A, the corresponding stream for in-Canada caregivers, remains open and active.
2. Tight Pilot Program Allocations
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan reveals limited annual targets for all federal economic pilots combined – including caregivers. With just 10,920 spaces in 2025 and 9,920 annually in 2026 and 2027, IRCC is likely concentrating on candidates with a higher chance of integration and settlement success – typically those already in Canada.
What Are the Alternatives for Foreign Caregivers?
Even with Stream B closed, there are still other immigration pathways available:
Express Entry – Healthcare Occupation-Specific Draws
Candidates with experience as nurse aides, orderlies, or patient service associates (NOC 33102) may be eligible for Express Entry under the occupation-specific healthcare category. This requires meeting broader Express Entry eligibility, including higher language levels (typically CLB 7) and other selection criteria such as age, education, and adaptability.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Several provinces continue to offer pathways for caregivers through their own nominee programs. These typically require:
- A valid job offer in a high-demand caregiver occupation
- Provincial residency or intention to reside in the province
- Possibly some Canadian work or study experience, depending on the stream
Examples include:
- Ontario’s Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream (includes home support workers)
- Nova Scotia’s Occupations in Demand Stream
- Manitoba’s Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (for caregivers already working in the province)
What This Means Going Forward
The closure of Stream B sends a clear message: Canada is narrowing caregiver immigration pathways to applicants already in the country. While disappointing for many foreign caregivers seeking a direct route to permanent residence, alternative programs such as Express Entry and provincial pathways still provide viable options for those who meet the criteria.
Applicants abroad should consider gaining Canadian work experience first through a temporary work permit, which may make them eligible for Stream A or other in-Canada pathways.
FAQ
Why did IRCC close Stream B of the caregiver program?
IRCC has not provided an official reason, but the closure may be due to low allocation limits and a policy shift toward candidates already in Canada with temporary status.
Can caregivers still apply to come to Canada from abroad?
Yes, but not through Stream B. Alternatives include applying for temporary work permits, Express Entry (if eligible), or through provincial nominee programs.
Is NOC 33102 still in demand in Canada?
Yes. NOC 33102 – nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates – remains one of the targeted occupations in healthcare-focused Express Entry draws and some PNPs.
What’s the difference between Stream A and Stream B?
Stream A is for caregivers with Canadian work experience, while Stream B was intended for those without it. Only Stream A remains active as of now.
Can I come to Canada on a work permit and apply later?
Yes. Many caregivers start by getting a work permit and then transition to permanent residence through Stream A, Express Entry, or provincial nominee pathways.
