ELIGIBILITY FOR NEW HOME CARE WORKER PR PATHWAYS

Immigration law

17 Mar

Good news for home care workers. Canada just dropped more details on the upcoming Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP), and it’s basically saying, “Come on in!” 

Home care workers are essential to Canadian society. They provide nurturing care for children and support seniors and individuals with disabilities, helping them maintain comfort, independence, and active participation in their communities. Additionally, their work enables more Canadians to join and remain in the workforce, contributing to a stronger national economy.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making it easier to snag permanent residence with relaxed rules around language, work experience, and education. So, if you have been dreaming of calling Canada home, it might be time to brush up on your ‘eh’ and pack your parka.

Mark your calendars for March 31, 2025. That’s when the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) kick off. To start, only candidates already in Canada can apply, but don’t worry - those outside of Canada will get their shot later on.

If you are working in Canada: IRCC suggests that anyone eyeing the Workers in Canada stream get a head start by taking an approved language test and getting their education assessed (ECA). Think of it as prepping for a big event-like cramming for an exam, but with a Canadian residency prize at the end. With the HCWP opening in March, better to be ready than scrambling at the last minute.

If you are not working in Canada: Hold off on prepping that application—no need to jump the gun just yet! We’ll spill all the details about the Applicants Not Working in Canada stream as soon as they’re ready. Stay tuned!

Upon opening at the end of March, only the Workers in Canada stream will accept new applications. The Applicants not working in Canada stream will open its application intake later in the year.

The new Home Care Worker Immigration pilots will help home care workers in childcare or home support become permanent residents and find jobs with different employers. There will be two options: one for workers already in Canada and one for those outside Canada. At first, only applications for workers already in Canada will be accepted, while the other option will open later.

The primary consideration is the eligibility criteria. When the pilots open, applicants seeking to work in Canada’s home care sector can apply if they meet the following requirements:

1. A minimum CLB or NCLC level 4 in English or French

2. A Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent or higher qualification

3. At least six months of recent, relevant work experience or a related caregiver training credential

4. A full-time job offers in home care

Foreign nationals applying to the HCWP can have job offers from the following types of organizations:

1. Home health care service providers

2. Home care support service providers

3. Direct care agencies

4. Personal care services in residential settings

5. Pediatric home health care service providers

Thanks to these programs, countless home care workers have made their way to Canada, bringing comfort, support, and a lot of TLC to families and communities. The result? A big boost in home care quality across the country because nothing says "top-notch care" like skilled professionals making life easier, one household at a time.

IRCC has extended HCWP eligibility to out-of-status home care workers currently in Canada. Thanks to a public policy, these individuals may still qualify to apply. However, only a limited number of spots are available for this group.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required. Full eligibility details will be available before the pilots launch. Also, Job offers from recruitment and placement agencies do not qualify.

RRM Law can assist individuals applying for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) by offering expert legal guidance on eligibility requirements, helping with application preparation, ensuring all documents are complete and accurate, and providing advice on navigating complex immigration laws. 

RRM Law can also support those in out-of-status situations, offering solutions and advocacy throughout the process. With their expertise, RRM Law makes the application process more straightforward and increases the chances of success. 

Call today to make an appointment.