Canada Ends Caregiver PR Pathway for Applicants Outside the Country

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has permanently shut down the permanent residence (PR) pathway for caregivers applying from outside the country under its Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP).

When the program launched, it included Home Support and Child Care streams, both initially expected to provide opportunities for foreign caregivers. However, an international intake never opened and has now been officially cancelled.

Alternatives for Caregivers Abroad

Despite the closure, several options remain:

• Express Entry: Occupations under NOC 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) are eligible under healthcare draws. The most recent round required a CRS score of 470.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Multiple provinces continue to accept caregivers:
• Manitoba PNP – Skilled Worker Overseas stream
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program – Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• New Brunswick PNP – Priority Occupations stream (limited to NOC 33102, 44101, and 42202; NOC 44100 not eligible)
• Newfoundland & Labrador PNP – Skilled Worker category

Why the Stream Was Closed

IRCC has not issued a direct statement, but available data points to:

• Backlogs: As of September 11, 2025, IRCC had 34,400 pending caregiver applications, covering both current and legacy programs. Only 14% (4,816 applications) are set for processing in 2025.
• Limited Intake: Canada has capped all economic pilot admissions at 10,920 PRs in 2025, with caregiver programs competing alongside Agri-Food, Start-up Visa, and Economic Mobility pilots.
• Shift in Policy: Ottawa is prioritizing in-Canada applicants, consistent with recent Express Entry CEC-focused draws and federal directives requiring provinces to allocate 75% of PNP spots to residents already in Canada.