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Canada Halts New Applications for Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Programs

December 28, 2025 7:11 am

Canada Halts New Applications for Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Programs

Canada has made a significant announcement regarding its Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots. Due to overwhelming demand, the country has temporarily suspended new applications for these programs. However, the IRCC will continue processing already submitted applications as they prepare to unleash the new “Workers in Canada” stream soon.

If you intended to apply, here’s what you need to know about this major shift.

Current Status of Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

The Canadian government has halted new applications for Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots until further notice. This decision comes because demand has far exceeded available spots. The immediate focus is on clearing the backlog from existing applications. The pause only affects new intakes. Applications already submitted will still be processed under Canada’s 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

No Reopening Expected in March 2026

Initially, many believed the pilots would reopen in March 2026. However, this is no longer the case. The government has confirmed that the programs will not reopen as previously anticipated. Currently, there is no timeline for future openings, but updates will be shared once decisions are finalized.

Understanding the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots provide immigration pathways for individuals in home care roles. These pilots specifically support home support workers and child care providers who assist families, seniors, and people with disabilities across Canada. The goals of these programs are twofold:

Address long-term care and caregiver shortages in Canada.
Provide qualified home care workers a direct route to permanent residency.

A significant advantage of these pilots is that applicants do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This exclusion removes a major barrier for many foreign workers.

Application Streams Explained

In January 2025, the IRCC shared more details about the operation of the pilots. There are two distinct streams:

Workers in Canada Stream: Opened first on March 31, 2025. This stream is tailored for caregivers already residing and working in Canada.
Applicants Outside Canada Stream: This stream will open at a yet-to-be-confirmed date.

Important Guidance for Applicants

The IRCC advises potential applicants to:

Check the government website regularly for updates.
Review eligibility requirements carefully.
Consult with an immigration professional for personalized guidance.

Implications for Interested Applicants

If you have already submitted your application, it will continue to be processed. However, if you plan to apply from outside Canada, you must wait. The suspension of new intakes introduces uncertainty in timelines, and competition will likely remain high once applications reopen.

Conclusion

These pilot programs serve as valuable opportunities for many caregivers hoping to relocate to Canada. While the halt in new applications may cause some delays, it also reflects the government’s commitment to addressing backlogs and improving processing times for current applicants.

For now, staying informed is crucial. Canada still has a strong demand for home care workers, yet access to these programs is tightening. Remain vigilant for updates as the situation evolves.