Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWIP)
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWIP) is a new federal program that provides a direct pathway to permanent residence for eligible caregivers and their families. Launched on March 31, 2025, the pilot program is designed to address Canada’s ongoing need for home care workers.
Program Highlights
The HCWIP offers a number of key advantages for applicants, including:
No Canadian Work Experience: Applicants can qualify with relevant foreign work experience.
Lower Language Requirements: The minimum language proficiency is CLB/NCLC 4, which is lower than many other immigration programs.
Direct Pathway to Permanent Residence: The program is structured to allow caregivers to transition directly to permanent residence once they meet the necessary criteria, without needing to submit a second application.
Family Inclusion: Spouses are eligible for open work permits and children can attend public schools.
Labour Mobility: Workers are not tied to a single employer and can change jobs without penalty.
Application Streams
The pilot program includes two main streams:
Stream 1: Workers in Canada: This stream is for applicants who are currently residing in Canada with valid work authorization. As of 2025, the application caps for this stream are full.
Stream 2: Applicants Outside Canada: This stream is currently closed but will reopen at a later date. It will require proof of settlement funds and a valid job offer.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the HCWIP, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Residency: Must intend to reside and work in any Canadian province or territory outside of Quebec.
Language Proficiency: A minimum score of CLB 4 in all abilities for English or NCLC 4 for French is required. Test results must be less than two years old.
Education: Must have a Canadian high school diploma or a foreign equivalent with a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Work Experience or Training: Applicants must have either:
Work Experience: A minimum of six months of full-time (30+ hours/week) paid, continuous, and authorized experience in a relevant occupation (NOC 44101 or 33102) within the last three years. This does not include work in institutional settings, self-employment, or work for family members.
Training: Completed relevant in-person training within the last two years that is a minimum of 15 hours per week of classroom instruction and focused on home support or patient care.
Job Offer: Must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Canadian employer. The position must match the duties of NOC 44101 (Home support workers), be in a non-institutional setting, and pay at or above the median wage for the occupation in that province.
Employer Requirements and Obligations
Employers who wish to hire a caregiver through the HCWIP must meet specific requirements and fulfill certain obligations:
Employer Eligibility: Eligible employers include private households, healthcare service providers, and non-profit organizations. They must have a CRA business number and, if a business, must have been providing care services for at least one year. Employers cannot be a recruitment agency, diplomatic mission, or a family member of the applicant.
Compliance: Employers must comply with provincial labor laws, provide minimum wage and statutory benefits, and maintain proper records.
Recruitment Restrictions: Employers are prohibited from charging fees to workers or using third-party recruiters.
Application Process
To apply, you must follow these general steps:
Document Preparation: Gather all required documents, including language test results, educational credentials, work experience letters, and the job offer.
Online Application: Create a PR Portal account, complete the necessary forms, upload all supporting documents, and pay the application fees.
Post-Submission: After submitting the application, you will be required to complete biometrics collection, a medical examination, and a background verification.