Frequently Asked Questions: Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots 2025

Frequently Asked Questions: Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots 2025

Q1: What’s new in the 2025 Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP) compared to previous caregiver programs?
The 2025 HSWP offers a direct pathway to permanent residence for qualified caregivers upon arrival in Canada. Unlike older programs, it allows greater flexibility to work with multiple employers in diverse settings, including private homes, care facilities, or community organizations. This update replaces the closed Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, streamlining opportunities for live-in caregivers for seniors, personal care attendants, and other in-demand roles.

Q2: Which occupations qualify under NOC TEER Code 44101?
If you’re a home support worker, family caregiver, or attendant for people with disabilities, your role likely falls under NOC 44101. This includes:

• Personal aides assisting with daily living activities

• Housekeepers providing essential care (not just cleaning)

• Live-in caregivers supporting seniors or individuals with medical needs
  Tip: Ensure your job offer explicitly includes caregiving duties to meet eligibility.

Q3: Do I need a college degree to apply?
While formal education is required, the program accepts 1+ years of post-secondary education in any field. A nursing aide certificate, caregiver training program, or even unrelated diplomas can qualify. What matters most is your 24+ months of full-time work experience within the last 48 months, specifically in caregiving roles.

Q4: Can I apply if I’m already working in Canada as a caregiver?
Yes! The 2025 HSWP prioritizes two streams:

1.  In-Canada caregivers (applications open March 31, 2025)
2.  International applicants (date TBA)

Both streams require a valid job offer for non-seasonal, full-time employment (minimum 30 hrs/week).

Q5: How strict is the CLB 5 language requirement?
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 is mandatory but achievable. This equals:

• IELTS: 5.0 in reading/writing, 5.0 in speaking/listening

• CELPIP: 5 in all categories
  If you’ve worked in English/French environments, use reference letters to demonstrate practical language skills.

Q6: What makes employers eligible to hire through this program?
Employers must prove they:

1. Can’t find Canadian workers for the role
2. Offer fair wages matching provincial/territorial standards
3. Provide a non-seasonal, full-time position (1+ year minimum)

Work with Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to verify employer compliance and avoid scams.

Q7: Can my family come with me during the process?
Yes! The HSWP allows spouses/partners and dependent children to:

• Accompany you to Canada

• Apply for open work permits (spouses)

• Attend school (children)
  Your entire family can gain permanent residence status simultaneously if your application succeeds.

Q8: How long does the process take?
While 2025 processing times aren’t confirmed yet, previous caregiver pilots took 12–18 months. Prepare early by:

• Getting documents translated now

• Scheduling medical exams

• Requesting police certificates from all countries lived in

Q9: What’s the biggest reason applications get rejected?
Most refusals stem from:

•  Incomplete work experience proof (missing pay stubs/tax records)
•  Generic job offers (not tailored to caregiving duties under NOC 44101)
•  Language test expirations (results valid only for 2 years)

Q10: Should I hire an immigration consultant?
While not mandatory, RCICs can:

• Prevent costly errors in your application

• Advise on converting temporary work permits to PR

• Navigate complex cases (e.g., prior visa rejections)
  Note: Avoid unlicensed “consultants” – always verify ICCRC membership.

Still unsure?
Book a free 15-minute eligibility check with our licensed RCICs to discuss your caregiving experience and 2025 application strategy.