Caregiver pathways to Canada: current status and options

Caregiver immigration at a glance

Canada’s caregiver rules have changed through several pilots. The current Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots—Child Care and Home Support—are closed to new applications while IRCC processes existing files. The earlier Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots ended in June 2024.

Which caregiver programs are closed?

Old program pages remain online so existing applicants can send evidence and follow processing instructions. Their existence does not mean new intake is open.

Can a caregiver still work temporarily in Canada?

Possibly, but the answer depends on the caregiver’s location, current status, where the work will take place and which work-permit program applies.

Outside Quebec

For a home child care provider or home support worker outside Canada who would work outside Quebec, the general Temporary Foreign Worker Program route is restricted. Current federal employer guidance says an outside-Canada caregiver can generally use the TFWP route only when the job is in Quebec. Existing open-work-permit holders or people already covered by a closed-pilot application can have different options.

Inside Canada

An employer outside Quebec may be able to hire a caregiver through the TFWP if the worker already has a work or study permit, is otherwise authorized to work, or will work in Quebec, and if the employer obtains a positive LMIA and the worker receives the required employer-specific work permit. An eligible existing open-work-permit holder may work without a new LMIA, subject to their permit conditions.

Quebec

Employers in Quebec may hire caregivers from inside or outside Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, subject to federal and Quebec requirements, an LMIA and the appropriate work permit.

If you already submitted a caregiver application

IRCC continues processing applications received under the current and former pilots. Follow the instructions for the exact stream and date of submission. An existing applicant may need to:

• track the application and respond to document requests before deadlines;
• send proof of qualifying work experience under the correct NOC and program rules;
• maintain or restore temporary status where possible;
• update family composition, address, employment and passport information;
• complete biometrics, medical examinations and police certificates when instructed.

A special public policy may let certain out-of-status or unauthorized home care workers who applied under the Workers in Canada stream restore or extend status and obtain an open work permit. Its conditions are narrow, including entry and residence history, prior status and admissibility. Use the dedicated IRCC instructions instead of assuming every existing applicant qualifies.

Job duties and NOC classification

Caregiver pathways distinguish between home child care providers (NOC 44100) and home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101). The actual duties and setting matter. A job title such as nanny, companion or personal support worker does not decide the NOC by itself.

• Home child care work is generally performed in the worker’s or employer’s private home, not an institutional daycare.
• Home support work generally assists a person needing support in the employer’s private home, not an institutional nursing facility.
• Foster-parent experience does not qualify as home child care experience under the former pilots.
• Healthcare licensing or work in an institution may place a role in a different NOC and pathway.

Protect yourself as a caregiver

• Never pay an employer or recruiter for a job offer, LMIA or work-permit approval.
• Use a written contract showing duties, hours, wage, location, deductions and accommodation terms.
• Confirm the employer’s identity and speak with them directly before sharing documents.
• Do not surrender your passport or original documents to an employer.
• Check the LMIA and offer information match the actual job.
• Know that employers cannot punish workers for reporting abuse or unsafe conditions.
• If abuse is occurring or at risk, check IRCC’s open work permit for vulnerable workers and provincial employment protections.
• Verify any paid immigration representative through the official regulator or law society.

Other pathways to research

A caregiver occupation may also fit an immigration route not labelled “caregiver,” depending on the person’s entire profile and a province’s current priorities. Possibilities can include a provincial nominee stream, a community immigration pilot, Quebec selection or another skilled-worker route. These options have their own job, location, language, education, work-experience and invitation requirements.

Do not assume caregiver work automatically qualifies for Express Entry or a provincial invitation. Check the exact NOC, TEER, program criteria and current intake. Our quiz can help create a research shortlist, but it does not make an eligibility decision.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Paying to reserve a place in a closed caregiver pilot.
• Confusing an old application category with current intake.
• Assuming a private-home job anywhere in Canada qualifies for a new LMIA-based permit.
• Using the job title instead of comparing duties and work setting to the NOC.
• Entering as a visitor and beginning work without authorization.
• Believing an LMIA guarantees a work permit or permanent residence.
• Failing to maintain status or missing an IRCC request on an existing case.
• Letting an employer keep a passport, charge recruitment fees or change the promised conditions.

Caregiver-pathway questions

Official sources

• Caregiver program overview ↗Current and legacy program status
• Home Care Worker pilots status ↗Closed streams and existing-applicant information
• Intake pause notice ↗Why the pilots did not reopen in 2026
• Hire a home care worker ↗Current temporary-work scenarios by location and status
• Former 2019 caregiver pilots ↗Closed status and existing files
• Public policy for certain existing applicants ↗Narrow status-restoration and open-work-permit rules