Immigration pathways for caregivers

Overview

Immigration pathways for caregivers

Canada’s federal caregiver landscape is currently limited: the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots are closed to new applications, earlier caregiver pilots are closed, and temporary caregiver work normally requires a separate work-permit process.

Permanent residence pilot intake is closed

IRCC is processing applications received under the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots but stopped accepting new ones. The planned March 2026 reopening did not occur.

The former Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots closed in June 2024. Older live-in and medical-needs programs also remain closed to new applicants.

Temporary caregiver work is a different process

An employer may seek to hire a caregiver temporarily through the applicable labour-market and work-permit rules. A temporary job or LMIA does not create a permanent residence application under a closed pilot.

Confirm whether the work requires an employer-specific permit, whether an LMIA is needed and whether the applicant can apply from the intended location.

Caregiver duties determine the NOC

Home child care, home support and institutional health-support work can fall under different NOCs. Classify the job from actual duties and setting, not the word caregiver alone.

Employment standards also apply. Workers should receive a written agreement, lawful wages and conditions, and should not pay an employer for a job offer or LMIA.

Existing pilot applicants have continuing obligations

Keep IRCC informed of changes and respond to requests for updated job-offer, language, education, work, police or medical records. A pending application does not automatically extend temporary status or work authorization.

Applicants using a special public policy for out-of-status home care workers must satisfy its exact entry, residence and prior-permit conditions; it is not a general restoration program.