Pathway to Permanent Residency

Home Care Worker Program

The Home Care Worker Program in Canada allows foreign nationals to come to Canada to work as caregivers and eventually apply for permanent residency.

March 2026 intake of this stream has been closed
Purpose

To facilitate the immigration of foreign caregivers who wish to work in Canada and eventually apply for permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Requirements to qualify for the Home Care Worker Program

Job Offer

Must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible caregiving occupations.

Work Experience

Must have at least 24 months of full-time work experience in Canada as a caregiver or have completed a specific caregiver program.

Language Proficiency

Meet minimum language requirements in English or French (CLB 5 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

Education

Completed at least a Canadian high school education or equivalent.

Admissibility

Must pass medical, criminal, and security checks.

Home Care Worker Program Pathways

Two specialized pilot programs for caregivers

Home Child Care Provider Pilot

Focuses on caregivers who care for children under the age of 18 in their own home or a private household.

Home Support Worker Pilot

Designed for caregivers who care for seniors or individuals with disabilities.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the Home Care Worker Program

1

Obtain Job Offer

Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer willing to hire you under the caregiver program.

2

Apply for a Work Permit

Submit an application for a work permit along with supporting documentation, including the job offer, proof of qualifications, and language test results.

3

Work in Canada

Gain at least 24 months of work experience in Canada under the program.

4

Apply for Permanent Residency

After obtaining the required work experience, you can apply for permanent residency through the respective pilot program.

Important Considerations

Work Permit

This is an occupation-restricted open work permit, specific to the caregiver pathway you choose.

Family Accompaniment

Your family members can join you in Canada and may be eligible for work and study permits.

Benefits
  • Provides a pathway to permanent residency for caregivers
  • Opportunity to bring family members to Canada
Restrictions
  • Must work in the specific NOC category for the required time before applying for permanent residence
  • Must adhere to Canadian immigration laws and the conditions of the work permit
Transitioning to Permanent Residency

After completing the required work experience, caregivers can apply for permanent residency and continue working in Canada.

Home Care Worker Program FAQ

Common questions about this caregiver pathway

The Home Child Care Provider Pilot is for caregivers looking after children under 18, while the Home Support Worker Pilot is for those caring for seniors or people with disabilities. We help identify which pathway matches your job offer and experience.

You can apply with or without prior Canadian work experience, but you'll need to accumulate at least 24 months of full-time authorized work experience in the role before you can apply for permanent residency.

No, employers hiring under this program are not required to obtain an LMIA, which simplifies the hiring process and speeds up your ability to start working in Canada.

Yes, your spouse and dependent children can accompany you to Canada, with your spouse potentially eligible for a work permit and your children able to attend Canadian schools.

Ready to Start Your Caregiver Journey?

Book a consultation with our immigration experts to explore your caregiver pathway options.