Canada Pauses New Applications for Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

If you were planning to apply under Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, there’s a major update you need to know.

The Canadian government has paused new applications under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots until further notice. Officials say demand has been far higher than the number of available spots, and the focus now is on clearing the backlog.

This pause applies to new intakes only. Applications already submitted will continue to move forward under Canada’s 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

No Reopening in March 2026

Earlier, many expected the pilots to reopen in March 2026. That is no longer happening.

The government has confirmed that the programs will not reopen in March 2026, as previously anticipated. For now, there is no new date on the table. Updates will be shared when decisions are made.

What Are the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots?

In simple terms, Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots are immigration pathways for people who work in home care roles.

They are designed for home support workers and home child care providers who help families, seniors, and people with disabilities across Canada. The goal is twofold:

• Help Canada address long-term care and caregiving shortages
• Give qualified home care workers a direct pathway to permanent residence

One key benefit stands out. Applicants under these pilots do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). That removes one of the biggest hurdles many foreign workers face.

Two Application Streams Explained

In January 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released more details about how the new pilots would work. There are two separate streams:

1. Workers in Canada stream: This stream was opened first, on March 31, 2025. It is for caregivers who are already living and working in Canada.
2. Applicants outside Canada stream: This stream will open later, at a date that has not yet been confirmed.

Important Update From IRCC

Applicants are advised to:

• Regularly check the government website for updates
• Review eligibility rules carefully before applying
• Speak with an immigration professional for case-specific guidance

What This Means for Applicants

If you already applied, your application will still be processed. If you are planning to apply from outside Canada, you will need to wait. The pause and delayed openings mean timelines are uncertain, and competition is likely to remain high once new intakes resume.

Final Thoughts

These pilot programs are an important gateway for many caregivers hoping to build a life in Canada. While the intake pause may bring some delays, it also signals the government’s effort to clear the backlog and improve processing times for those already waiting.

For now, staying informed is your best move. Canada still needs home care workers, but access to these programs is clearly being tightened.