Canada’s immigration pathways for caregivers have undergone significant evolution. As demand for both childcare and home-support services continues to grow, the federal government has refreshed the framework, introduced new pilots, and closed older streams. These updates affect both caregivers and Canadian employers. This article outlines the key recent changes and explains their implications for those planning to apply.

1. Closure of the Original Pilots

The original Home Support Worker Pilot and Home Child Care Provider Pilot programs are no longer accepting new applications. According to the official site:

“We’re no longer accepting new applications.”

The last day for new applications was June 17, 2024.

All previously submitted applications will continue to be processed, but new entrants must use the updated pilots.

2. Introduction of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP)

In response to changing care needs and to streamline pathways, the government launched the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) for both childcare and home support roles.

Key changes include:

• A simpler work-experience requirement (minimum of six months) for eligible workers.
• New application intake timelines and more clarity for employers and applicants.
• The focus is on applicants already in Canada under the “Workers in Canada” stream.

3. Revised Work Experience & Training Requirements

One of the most notable changes is the reduction of the required qualifying experience:

• Applicants now need six months of continuous, full-time work experience (or six months of eligible post-secondary training) in the relevant occupation.
• Experience can be inside or outside Canada (depending on the stream eligibility).
• Training options allow prospective caregivers who may not yet have work experience to qualify.
• These changes make the pathway more accessible and responsive to current labour-market demands.

4. Stream and Intake Updates

The HCWP includes multiple streams, and some intake details have been clarified:

• The first intake for applicants already in Canada under the Workers in Canada stream opened on March 31, 2025.
• Applicants outside of Canada or those with equivalent experience abroad may have different intake times or eligibility requirements.
• An update from September 2025 indicates the stream for applicants not working in Canada was listed as closed on IRCC’s website.
• These developments mean that caregivers and employers alike must closely monitor IRCC updates and prepare in advance.

5. Employer and Location Considerations

Alongside program changes, employer and job-offer conditions remain critical:

• Job offers must be full-time and from an eligible employer outside the province of Quebec.
• Employers must meet compliance standards and ensure the position aligns with the relevant National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• The shift to the HCWP emphasizes that caregivers are entering Canada under the role of home-care workers with a clear pathway to permanent residence.
• This means employers must update their hiring approaches to comply with the new framework.

6. Implications for Caregivers and Employers

For caregivers:

• They may benefit from a faster pathway to permanent residence under the new HCWP setup.
• The six-month experience/training requirement lowers entry barriers.
• It is essential to secure a valid job offer, fulfil education and language criteria, and monitor intake dates.

For employers:

• They must ensure job offers meet the updated criteria under the HCWP.
• Hiring caregivers through this updated pathway allows access to skilled help with a clear settlement path, which can improve retention.
• It’s crucial to understand intake windows and compliance obligations under the new framework.

7. The Role of Change of Phase Consulting Group

At Change of Phase Consulting Group, we assist both caregivers and Canadian employers through these evolving programs. Our support includes:

• Monitoring policy changes, intake updates, and eligibility revisions.
• Assisting caregivers in gathering documentation and fulfilling training or experience requirements.
• Assisting employers with compliant job offers, process understanding, and long-term planning.
• Guiding new entrants from job offer to settlement and integration in Canada.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s caregiver immigration pathways are undergoing a meaningful transformation. The closure of the original pilot program, the launch of the HCWP, the reduction in experience requirements, and the evolving intake rules all signal a modernized approach to caregiver immigration.

For those who act early and prepare correctly, the opportunities are strong — both for caregivers seeking to build a future in Canada and for employers looking to support families, seniors, and communities.

At Change of Phase Consulting Group, we’re here to guide you through every update, every change, and every opportunity.