Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots now open

Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) are accepting applications as of 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 31 March, 2025.

Foreign nationals wishing to gain permanent residence (PR) through these pathways may begin submitting applications at this time.

See if you’re eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot

This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept 2,750 applications through the HCWP: Child Care pilot and  2,750 through the HCWP: Home Support pilot.

Of these, 140 application spots in each pilot will be reserved for out-of-status and unauthorized workers in Canada.

Once this year’s cap has been reached, IRCC will cease to accept applications until the program re-opens the following year.

The application intake on 31 March will only accept applications for the Workers in Canada stream.

Application intake for the Applicants not working in Canada stream will open at a later date.

This article will cover instructions on how to apply to these pilots.

Instructions on how to apply to the HCWP

Have your documents ready

By this time, foreign nationals interested in applying for these pilots should already have prepared their documents.

If the cap has been reached before you start your application, you will not be able to submit it.

Before starting the application procedure, ensure that you have all the needed documents ready.

Create an account or sign in to IRCC’s Permanent Residence (PR) Portal

Foreign nationals applying through the HCWP programs must apply online using the PR Portal.

If you are unable to apply online or require accommodations, IRCC has specific procedures to request an alternate application format (in paper, braille, or large print).

Select the category you wish to apply to

Once you’re in the portal, select “Economic” when prompted to choose the program you want to apply to. Then, choose the appropriate pilot and subcategory.

Make sure to select the correct category. If you choose the wrong category, your application may be returned or refused.

The available subcategories will be displayed as long as the cap has not been reached.

Applicants with valid work authorization in Canada:

Applicants who are Out-of-Status and/or Unauthorized Workers:

See if you’re eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot

Get ready to upload your documents and fill out forms on the PR portal

Applicants to the program can now begin uploading documents to the PR Portal in support of their application.

Document checklists from IRCC are available for both applicants with valid temporary status in Canada and those who are Out-of-Status and Unauthorized Workers.

If you are using the help of a paid or unpaid immigration representative, you must complete the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476).

In addition, applicants will be required to fill out certain forms on the PR Portal. These forms cannot be uploaded as PDFs and must be filled out on the portal:

IRCC advises applicants to fill out all sections of the forms. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”.

If you require more space, include an additional page with the relevant section, complete it, and upload it with your application.

If signatures are missing (where needed) or your application is incomplete, it will be returned to you without processing.

Note: While most documents will have sections on the PR portal clearly indicating where to upload them, certain documents must be uploaded as “Other” if they apply to you. These include

• Your job offer;
• Proof of training;
• Proof of legal entry; and
• Proof of work authorization.

For applicants missing a document

If you cannot provide a required document listed on the document checklist, you must submit

• A written explanation for each missing document; and
• Any evidence explaining why you are unable to obtain the document or why you cannot provide it at this time.

Upload these documents in the portal under the “document type” of the original document specified in IRCC’s checklist.

Note: Based on the immigration department’s determination, your application may be accepted or returned as incomplete.

Pay your fees

Once all your forms are filled out and documents have been uploaded, you must now pay the associated fees to submit your application.

Application fees through the HCWP programs start at a cumulative $1,525.

This cumulative fee includes;

• A Processing fee;
• A Right of permanent residence fee; and
• A Biometrics fee.

After all the application fees have been paid, you must save a PDF copy of the receipt page. This copy of the receipt must be uploaded to the portal and included as part of your application. IRCC will also email you a copy of the receipt.

Submit the completed application

Before submitting your application, IRCC advises you to ensure

• All questions have been answered on the necessary forms;
• All forms have been signed (where needed) and uploaded;
• The fee receipt has been uploaded; and
• All needed supporting documentation has been uploaded.

Incomplete applications will be rejected and returned by IRCC. Applicants in this scenario can fix errors and re-submit their application as long as the cap has not been reached.

If you are in this situation, you may use the same fee receipt when resubmitting your application as long as

• You have not requested a refund on your fees;
• You have not used the paid fees for another immigration program; and
• The fees for the HCWP have not changed since your first application submission.

Once you successfully submit your application through the portal, you will receive an automatic email confirming that it has been received.

More details on the application process can be found on IRCC’s webpage.

After the application is submitted

Once your application is submitted, IRCC may ask your employer to send them documents in support of your job offer.

After you submit your application, IRCC advises you to

• Keep information on your application up to date;
• Get your biometrics processed;
• Book a medical exam; and
• Regularly check your application status.

More details on steps to take after applying to the HCWP can be found on IRCC’s webpage.

See if you’re eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot