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Immigration Column
Caregiver Program: First Round Closed, But More Opportunities Ahead
On March 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initiated the first round of applications for the new Home Care Worker Pilot. This program was reintroduced with significantly relaxed eligibility requirements after the previous caregiver program ended in June 2024. Many aspiring immigrants had been eagerly awaiting this program as a potentially smoother pathway to permanent residence. However, a few hours after submissions began, the quota was declared filled, leaving numerous applicants disappointed. Yet, judging the program solely by this initial closure may be premature. A closer examination of the first round and the program’s structure suggests that genuine opportunities might only be beginning now.
IRCC has already announced plans to accept a total of 15,000 caregivers over the next three years under this program. The first round was open only to those holding work permits in Canada, and 2,750 applications were received. The category for applicants outside Canada is expected to open soon.
Shortly before the first round, certain eligibility criteria were updated, causing confusion. Applicants must have at least six months of continuous full-time experience in the last three years, with no gaps in employment, and equivalent part-time hours are not recognized. Alternatively, for those using educational qualifications in place of work experience, online studies are not accepted. This was announced only a short time before the program launch. Consequently, many applicants may face rejection due to insufficient qualifications, which might lead to quotas reopening. The same applies to the work permit category, so those who missed this round should keep their documentation updated to seize the next opportunity.
A caregiver is not merely a housekeeper or cleaning staff, but someone who provides direct care to children, the elderly, or patients in their homes. This role includes responsibilities such as preparing meals, doing laundry, cleaning, assisting with medication, and ensuring the health, safety, and daily well-being of the individuals. It demands physical and mental stability as well as specialized expertise. Hence, the lowered program threshold does not mean everyone is granted permanent residence. Instead, it indicates that those who are adequately prepared will find genuine opportunities.
Although it may appear that the new program’s conditions have been eased, it actually employs a very detailed filtering process.
Category | Condition
Academic Background: High school diploma or higher
Language: CLB 4 or higher in English or French
(IELTS equivalencies: Speaking 4.0 / Listening 4.5 / Reading 3.5 / Writing 4.0)
Work Experience: At least six months of full-time (30 hours or more per week) experience in the last three years. No gaps in service. Multiple employers can be combined if they meet requirements
Experience Substitute: Completion of an offline training program in a related field within the last two years (online courses are not recognized)
The employer requirements represent another key factor in the Caregiver Program. Employers can be individuals or companies, but they must meet the following conditions:
Specific standards regarding the employer’s finances have not yet been announced, but proof of income and the ability to pay salaries may be required in the future. Thus, from now on, establishing your relationship with the employer, preparing paperwork, and verifying salary payment capabilities are all vital.
Because these detailed eligibility updates were disclosed so close to the first application round, many applicants likely missed them. Therefore, for those who are “fully prepared,” the second round could be a real opportunity.
The March 31 round was exclusively for work permit holders in Canada, meaning the door has not yet opened for applicants outside Canada. Although this may be disappointing, it also means the program has not officially launched for them, granting more time to prepare. However, as global applicants will compete for what is expected to be a smaller quota than for Canada-based work permit holders, competition will be fiercer.
Currently, you should be organizing documents, securing an employer, and thoroughly verifying each requirement. Those who prepare diligently will be the ones to seize the opportunity when overseas applications begin.
This program is not merely an extension of an existing policy; it represents a new approach based on actual labor demand and the likelihood of successful settlement. The initial quota closure is only a temporary event; for those who understand the program’s structure and direction, it could even be a sign of opportunity. In 2025, Canadian immigration policy is shifting from being open to everyone to specifically selecting those needed at present. Strategic information and swift execution have become more crucial than ever. Especially now, when the number of applicants far exceeds the available quota, promptly understanding and preparing for the regulations is the only way not to miss your chance.
