People in Canada are allowed to bring foreign workers into the country to work as caregivers through special, separate immigration programs.

Launched on March 31, 2025, these pilot programs are a major improvement for caregivers, offering permanent residence right upon arrival in Canada, instead of requiring 24 months of Canadian work experience first. The program has two streams:

• Home Care Worker Immigration: Child Care
• Home Care Worker Immigration: Home Support

These pilots replaced the older Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, which closed on June 17, 2024. The new approach provides a direct path to permanent residence, allows for work with organizations offering temporary or part-time care, permits family members to be included in the application, and has streams for workers already in Canada and applicants outside Canada (launch date to be announced at a later date).

To qualify, you need

• a full-time job offer (30+ hours per week) as a home child care provider or home support worker,
• meet a Canadian Language Benchmark level 4,
• have educational credentials equivalent to Canadian high school (verified through an Educational Credential Assessment), and
• show relevant work experience or complete recognized caregiver training.

Employers can be private households hiring for family needs, businesses offering temporary or part-time care, or home care agencies. Employers must be able to pay the caregiver’s salary and meet all employment standards. Importantly, no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is needed for these permanent residence pathways.

Old Programs

Applications for older caregiver programs that have closed (Live-in Caregiver Program, Caring for Children, Caring for People with High Medical Needs, and Interim Pathway for Caregivers) are still being processed to completion.

More info

The application process and other requirements to bring a caregiver to Canada may be different depending on the Program. Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for more information including:

• requirements to become a caregiver;
• requirements for employers to hire a caregiver; and
• how to apply for temporary residence through each program.

To find foreign consulates and embassies in your province, click here.

A criminal record will delay, and can even prevent you from getting your immigration status. To erase your criminal record, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

Immigration law in Canada is complex. Issues such as getting permanent residence or citizenship, sponsoring someone, and coming to Canada to study or work involve many steps and can be overwhelming. To get help, ask a lawyer now.

Get legal help

For guidance on your Canadian immigration options, contact our preferred immigration lawyer, Sobirovs Law Firm at 1-416-895-3926 or wecare@sobirovs.com. The Sobirovs team supports entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals who want to build their future in Canada through clear, structured, and strategic pathways.

								
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