The new caregiver program in Canada (new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots) will launch on March 31, 2025, providing a direct path to permanent residency (PR) for caregivers. Replacing the Canada Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilots, the new caregiver program Canada 2025 includes two streams:
- Workers in Canada; and
- Applicants Not Working in Canada.
It aims to meet the rising demand for caregivers by offering jobs in private homes and healthcare settings.
This blog will guide you through the new caregiver program Canada, its eligibility requirements, the caregiver application Canada process, and the opportunities it offers.
The New Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
Canada has launched the 2025 Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, streamlining the path to permanent residency for caregivers. Unlike the previous home care program canada (home child care program canada) or even the Home Support Worker Pilot, qualified applicants receive permanent residency upon arrival, eliminating lengthy immigration processes.
The new Caregiver Program in Canada aims to address the country’s growing demand for home care workers supporting children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities or special needs. Caregivers can work in private households or healthcare organizations. It has two streams:
- Workers in Canada – The Official portal opens on March 31, 2025
- Applicants Not Working in Canada (Outside Canada) – Launch date pending
- Key Benefits of the New Caregiver Program Canada 2025
- Instant PR on Arrival – A major upgrade from the previous caregiver pilot programs, reducing hardships of obtaining PR for skilled caregivers wishing to establish themselves in Canada.
- PR for the family members of home care workers in the new caregiver pilot program canada 2025
- No prior Canadian work experience is required.
- Greater Employment Flexibility – Work in various care settings that provide temporary or part-time care for individuals in need.
- Simplified Process – Faster and easier application compared to previous Canada caregiver programs
It enhances opportunities for caregivers while ensuring essential home care services for Canadian families.
The New Caregiver Requirements in Canada
This list will be updated once IRCC shares the full eligibility criteria.
The New Caregiver Program Canada has specific eligibility criteria for applicants. These requirements can be broken down into several categories:
Language Requirement of the Canada Caregiver Program
You should achieve a minimum of level 4 in Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) in French or English.
It’s equivalent to an IELTS 4 band score: 3.5 in reading, 4 in speaking and writing, and 4.5 in listening.
It is now easier compared to the previous home care program Canada to meet language requirements for caregivers and to immigrate through the caregiver program Canada. Typically, applicants must provide proof of language skills by taking an approved test. Approved language tests for this pilot are:
- Approved Language Tests for the New Caregiver Pilot
English
- CELPIP-General test
- IELTS General Training test
- PTE Core test
French
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
Job Offer for the New Canada Caregiver Program
Applicants must secure a valid, full-time job offer outside Quebec from an eligible employer in Canada in the home care sector before applying under the new caregiver program Canada.
It should be from a Canadian household or a Canadian employer in the home care sector directly hiring caregivers.
No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.
Eligible Home Care Employers
Eligible home care employers, according to IRCC, include, but are not limited to:
- Private Households
- Organizations that employ full-time staff to deliver temporary or occasional in-home care for individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from an illness or injury. Examples:
- Direct Care Agencies
- Personal Care Services in Residential Settings
- Home Care Support Service Providers
- Home Health Care Service Providers
- Pediatric Home Health Care Service Providers
Recruitment or placement agencies are not eligible.
Requirements for Private Households for Hiring a Caregiver
If a private household wants to hire you as a caregiver under the caregiver program Canada 2025, they must meet specific financial criteria to cover both their expenses and your salary. Requirements vary by province. For example:
If the family meets these criteria, they can offer you a job and officially employ you. So, ensure the employer’s eligibility before applying!
Work Experience / Related Training Credential
To qualify for this program, you must have at least six months of relevant work experience in recent years or have a related caregiving training credential of at least 6 months. This ensures you have the necessary skills to provide quality care and meet employer expectations.
The good news is that no prior work experience in Canada is needed!
Education
You should have at least a high school diploma.
If you have a higher degree, you are also qualified.
But keep in mind that if you have only finished high school, you should hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma proven with an ECA or Educational Credential Assessment.
ECA for Canada Caregiver Program 2025
If you’re applying for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to show that your degree is equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma. For this, submit your documents to one of these organizations:
- WES (World Education Services)
- ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service of Canada)
- CES (Comparative Education Service)
- IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)
- ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service)
They’ll assess your education and confirm its Canadian equivalent. Fees and processing times vary, so check their websites.
Important: Make sure you specify that the assessment is for immigration purposes (ECA for immigration purposes) to ensure it’s valid for your application.
Top Sectors Where Caregivers Can Work
Here are the top places where a caregiver in Canada can find jobs under the enhanced caregiver pilot programs:
- Private Homes and Home Healthcare
In-home care for children, seniors, or disabled individuals with daily tasks at home. Work independently or with agencies. - Health and Social Assistance Organizations
- Residential Care Facilities
- Assisted Living & Nursing Homes
Assist residents with daily activities and monitor their health. - Rehabilitation Centers
Aid recovery after surgery or injury, working with medical teams. - Hospice & Palliative Care
Provide comfort for terminally ill patients and support families. - Childcare & Special Needs Care
Assist children with disabilities in homes, schools, or daycare centers. - Mental Health & Disability Support
Help individuals with daily tasks, therapy, and emotional well-being.
Caregivers can choose a sector based on their skills, interests, and emotional resilience and secure a job offer and prepare their application for the enhanced caregiver pilot program 2025.
How to Apply for Caregiver Program in Canada?
- Prepare your documentation.
- Get your educational credentials assessed.
- Take an English or French language exam.
- If you have recent related work experience, provide proof.
- If you don’t have a related work experience, pass a minimum of 6 month training course in a related field and obtain the certification.
- Meanwhile, find an eligible employer in Canada and obtain a job offer.
- Wait for the official launch of the application portal by IRCC and the announcement of the additional criteria.
- Submit your application.
New rules for caregivers in Canada have not been fully announced by IRCC yet. We’ll update this data once IRCC releases the official information.
What to Do If You Don’t Have Prior Experience
Those with no prior caregiving experience can pass a training course in a related field, such as home care training courses at recognized universities and colleges, to make up for not having experience in the Canada caregiver program 2025.
Colleges Offering Related Caregiver Training Courses in Canada
Several colleges across Canada offer home care worker programs. These programs provide hands-on training and prepare you for caregiving roles within the Canadian healthcare system. Some of the top institutions include:
- Canadian Imperial College
- Western Community College
- Aims College
- Seneca College
- Centennial College
- George Brown College
Path for Caregivers Who Didn’t Reach the Pilot’s Quota
Even though the exact number of spots assigned to the new Home Care Worker Immigration pilots has not yet been confirmed, it’s expected to have an annual application intake cap between 4,000 and 5,000.
If you are not accepted into this program, an alternative option is to apply through the “Temporary Pathway to Work as a Caregiver” under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This new caregiver pathway Canada 2025 requires an LMIA.
Both home child care providers and home support workers can work for an employer who secures an LMIA through the TFWP. If you want to apply through this caregiver Canada pathway, one of the situations below applies to you:
- You currently reside outside Canada, and you will be settling and working in Quebec.
- You currently reside in Canada and:
- You hold a valid work permit or study permit; or
- You plan to work in Quebec.
Hourly Wages of Caregivers in Different Provinces of Canada
The hourly wages for caregivers in Canada vary depending on the province and experience level. On average, caregivers in Canada earn between $15 to $25 per hour. Wages can vary based on the complexity of the caregiving tasks and the region in which you are employed.
For example, below you’ll see the wages of Caregivers across different provinces of Canada:
Hourly Wages of Caregivers in Different Provinces of Canada
| Province | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Ontario | $21.15 |
| British Columbia | $20.51 |
| Alberta | $20.06 |
| Saskatchewan | $17.94 |
| Manitoba | $18.70 |
| New Brunswick | $21.19 |
| Nova Scotia | $20.25 |
| Prince Edward Island | $26.86 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $19.82 |
| Nunavut | $32.74 |
| Yukon | $38.80 |
| Northwest Territories | $22.86 |
Conclusion for the Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Program
While all the requirements of the caregiver program Canada have not been fully introduced on IRCC’s website, this path offers a great opportunity for enthusiasts of caregiving and efficiently secures their PR.
If you want to know that this pathway is suitable for you, need consultation to begin your journey, are curious about its requirements, or simply need a helping hand to proceed, we are here for you. Book a consultation today and take a step toward your new future in Canada.
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FAQ
How to become a caregiver in Canada?
To apply for the new caregiver program Canada, you need to secure a valid job offer, meet language requirements (take IELTS, PTE, etc.), and potentially have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). So, “How to apply caregiver in Canada?” The answer is: You should prepare your documents and wait for the official launch of the program to apply online through the Canada immigration website.
How to apply for the new caregiver program in Canada 2025?
IRCC hasn’t announced the exact online application for caregivers in Canada yet. You should wait till 31 March 2025 for the official launch of the program. In the meantime, get the educational credential assessment (ECA), secure a job offer, and pass the required language test to speed up your application process.
How do you qualify for the new caregiver program in Canada 2025?
New Home Care Worker Immigration pilots 2025 Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
- Language: CLB 4 (English OR French)
- Education: Canadian High school diploma OR equivalent
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Experience: 6 months of recent, relevant work OR completion of a credential of at least six months in related home care training.
- Job Offer: Full-time offer from a Canadian employer in the home care sector, either private households or organizations directly hiring full-time home care workers (not agencies)
No prior Canadian experience is required under the new Canada caregiver pilot program 2025.
Official launch date: March 31, 2025.
What is the new caregiver pathway in Canada?
Canada’s new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots replace the previous caregiver pathways (such as the home child care program Canada) and offer eligible workers a direct route to caregiver permanent residence Canada upon arrival. New caregiver pilot program Canada requirements are:
- Requiring lower language benchmark (CLB 4) in English or French
- No prior Canadian work experience
- Lower educational requirements (High school diploma)
- 6 months of recent, relevant work experience or related credential
- And a job offer from an eligible employer in the home care sector
The new caregiver program Canada will help meet the growing demand for caregivers in Canada and will launch on March 31, 2025, and you can easily get a caregiver visa Canada.
Are caregivers still in demand in Canada?
Yes, caregiver demand is high in Canada due to an aging population, with a predicted shortage of workers to meet this need, according to Canada’s Job Bank.
Due to this increasing need, the new caregiver program Canada has been opened to help meet this growing demand.
How many months is the caregiver course in Canada?
Six-months
Caregiver courses in Canada vary in length, ranging from 20 hours to 1 year. However, to qualify for the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots 2025, the program should be at least 6 months long. This duration ensures proper training to assist with the challenges of illness, disability, or aging.
Is the caregiver program open in Canada in 2025?
The new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots in Canada will officially open on the 31st of March, 2025. Visa Mondial will inform caregiver Canada of any further updates once IRCC officially launches the information and will help you easily get your home care visa Canada.
Can I immigrate to Canada as a caregiver?
Yes. Caregivers can get Canada Permanent Residency through the new caregiver program Canada (New Home Care Worker Immigration Program Pilots 2025). Or work temporarily through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Who is a caregiver in Canada?
A caregiver in Canada is someone who provides personal care and support to children, elderly individuals, or those with disabilities. Caregivers offer assistance with daily activities, such as personal care, companionship, and household tasks.
They can work in private households, healthcare settings, or as self-employed individuals. Caregivers are often employed by home care agencies or directly by families, and in some cases, may live with the person they care for.
They can easily immigrate to Canada and obtain caregiver PR Canada under the new caregiver stream Canada.
What are the requirements for caregiver immigration Canada in 2025?
Canada new caregiver program 2025 eligibility requirements (New Home Care Worker Immigration pilots):
- A full-time job offer from an eligible employer in the home care sector
- Minimum CLB 4 Level (English or French)
- Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) of the high school diploma
- At least 6 months of relevant work experience or completion of a related 6-month program
What should I do if my Canada caregiver visa application is refused?
If your application for the new caregiver program in Canada is refused, carefully review your Canada visa refusal letter. It will outline the specific reasons for Canadian visa refusal, such as insufficient documentation or unmet eligibility criteria. Address these issues in your reapplication to improve your chances of approval. We are also here to help you as well.
