Canada Unveils Eligibility for New Pathways to Permanent Residency for Home Care Workers

The HCWP, comprising two distinct streams, aims to simplify the path to permanent residence for eligible home care workers. Initially, only the "Workers in Canada" stream will be open for applications, with the "Applicants not working in Canada" stream scheduled to launch later in the year.

This strategic rollout prioritizes individuals already contributing to the Canadian healthcare system, providing them with a more accessible route to long-term settlement. IRCC has emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for potential applicants, advising them to undergo language proficiency testing and obtain an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) well in advance of the March 2025 launch.

Key Eligibility Criteria for HCWP

The IRCC has outlined specific eligibility requirements designed to broaden access to the HCWP program while ensuring the quality of care provided. These criteria are summarized in the following table:

Candidates who meet the work experience criteria can have acquired this experience either within Canada or abroad.

Job Offer Conditions

The HCWP allows for job offers from a range of organizations, including:

• Home health care service providers;
• Home care support service providers;
• Direct care agencies;
• Personal care services in residential settings; or
• Pediatric home health care service providers.

Notably, job offers from recruitment and placement agencies are not eligible. Furthermore, the program operates without the requirement of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), streamlining the process for both employers and applicants.

Inclusion of Out-of-Status Workers and Previous Applicants

In a move demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, IRCC has extended eligibility to home care workers currently out of status in Canada. These individuals can apply under the HCWP through a public policy initiative, although the number of available spots is limited.

Additionally, IRCC has provided a pathway for individuals who applied under the now-closed Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots. Those who applied under the "Gaining experience category" before June 2024 and have since accumulated the necessary work experience can submit proof to IRCC for consideration under the previous guidelines.

Preparing for the Application Process

With the launch of the "Workers in Canada" stream on the horizon, IRCC advises potential applicants to take proactive steps to ensure their readiness. This includes:

• Obtaining an approved language test result at or above Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in either English or French.
• Securing an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify their educational qualifications.

IRCC has cautioned that application procedures and preparatory guidelines may be subject to change, urging interested individuals to regularly monitor the official IRCC website for updates. The department has not yet released specific details regarding the application process for the "Applicants not working in Canada" stream, promising to provide further information as it becomes available.

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To confirm latest immigration updates and apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada in 2025 through relevant immigration program, you may get in touch with our Canada migration expert at Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar