What Happened
The Home Care Worker Pilot Canada was designed with two substreams:
Home Child Care Provider Pilot
Home Support Worker Pilot
Both streams were intended for applicants inside and outside Canada. However, the “outside Canada” stream never officially opened — and by September 29, 2025, IRCC marked it as closed to new applications.
Why IRCC Closed the Outside-Canada Stream
While IRCC hasn’t released an official statement explaining the decision, several factors appear to have influenced it:
Large Backlog of Applications
As of September 2025, more than 34,000 caregiver-related applications remain pending under the pilot.Prioritizing In-Canada Applicants
IRCC’s processing focus has shifted toward caregivers already in Canada with valid work permits or temporary status, aligning with its broader effort to transition temporary residents to permanent residents.Quota and Capacity Limits
The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan allocates around 10,000 total spots for all federal pilot programs combined. With limited space, the Home Care Worker Pilot Canada may have been deprioritized for applicants abroad.
What This Means for Caregivers Abroad
The Home Care Worker Pilot Canada closure may be disappointing, but there are still options for caregivers seeking permanent residency.
Here’s what you need to know:
New applications from abroad are no longer accepted.
Existing submissions remain under review.
Alternative pathways are open, such as:
Express Entry (Healthcare Category-Based Draws) – NOC 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates) remains eligible.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Many provinces, including Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick, continue to welcome applicants with caregiver experience.
Employer-Supported Work Permits – Certain employers can provide LMIA-based offers leading to permanent residency later.
How Adapt Immigration Can Help
If you’re affected by the Home Care Worker Pilot Canada closure, you don’t have to navigate the changes alone.
Our licensed consultant at Adapt Immigration can help you:
Assess your eligibility for active immigration programs,
Create a realistic strategy to transition from temporary to permanent residency, and
Identify the most suitable program based on your caregiving background.
Don’t know what to do next?
Get a professional consultation today at www.adaptimmigration.com.
Summary
The Home Care Worker Pilot Canada closure highlights the government’s focus on in-country caregivers and backlog reduction. While this particular pathway is no longer open to applicants outside Canada, many alternatives remain available.
With the right guidance, caregivers can still pursue their Canadian immigration goals — and Adapt Immigration is here to help you find the most practical path forward.