October 10, 2025
Effective September 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially closed the international stream of the Home Care Worker Pilot Program (HCWP), ending the direct pathway to permanent residence (PR) for caregivers outside Canada.
At MyWorld Immigration, we understand how discouraging this news may be for thousands of caregivers around the world who’ve dreamed of building a future in Canada. But there’s still good news—Canada continues to offer alternative immigration options in 2025 for qualified caregivers and healthcare professionals.
What Has Been Closed by IRCC
The “Applicants Not Working in Canada” stream under both the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot has now been marked as closed on the IRCC website as of September 29, 2025.
This stream was originally expected to open for new applications but never officially launched. Its closure means that caregivers living outside of Canada can no longer apply for PR through these federal pilot pathways.
Why Did IRCC Close the Overseas Caregiver Stream?
Although IRCC has not issued a detailed public statement, recent policy trends and internal data suggest the following reasons:
- Backlog Pressure: Over 34,400 caregiver applications remain in process as of September 11, 2025.
- Limited Processing Capacity: IRCC expects to finalize only 4,816 caregiver applications this year—just 14% of the current inventory.
- Policy Shift Toward Inland Applicants: Canada’s immigration priorities now favor temporary residents already living and working in Canada, in line with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and provincial nomination systems.
Alternative Immigration Pathways for Caregivers Outside Canada (2025)
Even though the HCWP international stream has been closed, caregivers abroad still have several active immigration options.
1. Express Entry – Healthcare Category-Based Selection
If your occupation falls under NOC 33102 (Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates), you may qualify under Canada’s Healthcare category-based Express Entry draws.
- Recent CRS Cut-off: 470 points
- Fast-track processing for healthcare occupations
- Ideal for caregivers with post-secondary education and English/French language proficiency
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Caregivers
Several provinces continue to support caregiver immigration through targeted nomination streams.
Top PNP Options for 2025:
- Manitoba PNP (MPNP): Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream
- New Brunswick PNP (NBPNP): Priority Occupations Stream
- Eligible NOCs: 33102, 44101, 42202
- Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP): Skilled Worker Category
Note: NOC 44100 (Home Child Care Providers) is not currently eligible under New Brunswick’s program.
Canada’s 2025 Immigration Priorities
Canada’s total permanent resident target under federal economic pilots for 2025 is 10,920 applicants, including dependents. This includes:
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
- Caregiver Pilot Programs
The trend clearly shows Canada is prioritizing regional and occupation-based immigration as well as applicants already contributing to the local workforce.
What Should Caregivers Do Now?
If you’re a caregiver outside Canada, this is the time to reassess your strategy and pursue other viable routes to Canadian PR.
Next Steps:
- Evaluate your eligibility under Express Entry (Healthcare category)
- Research provincial nominee programs that target caregiver roles
- Improve your CRS score through language testing (IELTS/CELPIP) and credential assessments (ECA)
- Explore temporary work permits as a pathway to gaining Canadian experience
- Consult a licensed RCIC to design a personalized immigration plan
At MyWorld Immigration, we’ve helped caregivers and healthcare professionals worldwide successfully transition through Canada’s evolving immigration system — and we can help you too.
Get in Touch
Let’s find the right immigration pathway for your caregiver experience and qualifications.
Contact MyWorld Immigration:
WhatsApp: +1-672-399-0000
Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
Instagram: @myworldimmigration