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:
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:
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:
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.
If you and your same-sex common-law partner have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least a year, you can sponsor them. Generally, you must provide proof of this union, such as joint financial records, property, mail, or purchases. You can sponsor your same-sex partner if you have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year
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Canada offers several business immigration options for individuals who want to start or invest in a business in the country. These options include the following:
