Canada Will Now Accept Up To 25,000 Parents and Grandparents Applications in 2025

Shortly after Canada’s immigration pilot programs for care workers began accepting permanent residence applications, the system crashed. The frustration is real. The highly anticipated programs, designed to provide a pathway to permanent residence for foreign care workers already in Canada, quickly descended into chaos. With limited spots available, applications opened at 10 am ET on Monday March 31, 2025. However, as soon as the Immigration Department’s application portal was activated, it became unresponsive. “As soon as it hit 10 a.m. Eastern time, the system crashed,” said applicants who spent two hours attempting to upload their files, describing the situation as “mayhem.” Some were unable to log in at all, while others were repeatedly kicked out. Many found themselves stuck refreshing their browsers, hoping for a chance to submit their applications. By the afternoon of March 31, 2025—the same day applications opened—the Home Child Care Provider Pilot: Caregiver Class (HCWP:CC) had already reached its cap for online applications. However, alternative formats, such as paper, braille, and large-print applications, were still being accepted. Typically, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires applicants to apply via the online permanent residence portal. Alternative formats are only available for those who cannot apply online due to specific accessibility needs.  This year’s application cap was 2,750, with 150 spots reserved for out-of-status workers. The federal government is expected to reopen the pilot next year. So far, only the stream for applicants currently working in Canada has opened. As of now, the government has not announced when the stream for applicants not working in Canada will begin. Like most federal immigration pilot programs, the HCWP:CC is scheduled to run for five years. Critics argue that the chaos was entirely predictable and question why the Immigration Department did not implement a lottery system. Such a system, they say, would have allowed applicants more time to properly submit their applications before being randomly selected from the pool.

Additional eligibility for out-of-status workers and previous applicants 

Home care workers can now access more information about the upcoming pathways to Canadian permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has shared additional details about the upcoming Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP), including reduced eligibility criteria for language proficiency, work experience, and education requirements for applicants. The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots will offer two Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt immigration pathways, enabling foreign home care workers to secure employment and permanent residence (PR) upon their arrival in Canada. These pathways are set to launch on March 31, 2025. IRCC clarified that the HCWP will initially accept applications only from candidates currently in Canada. Those outside Canada will be able to apply at a later date. Further details regarding the HCWP pathways have been provided by IRCC: The specific streams available within the HCWP Eligibility criteria for language proficiency, work experience, and job offers HCWP eligibility for out-of-status workers in Canada Guidance for applicants to the previously closed Home Child Care Worker and Home Support Worker Pilots What are the streams for the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots? Foreign nationals can apply to the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) under two streams: The Workers in Canada stream The Applicants not working in Canada stream When the program opens at the end of March, only the Workers in Canada stream will begin accepting applications. The Applicants not working in Canada stream will start accepting applications later in the year. IRCC recommends that potential applicants to the Workers in Canada stream complete an approved language test and have their education assessed through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) in preparation for the HCWP's March opening. Details about the application process for the Applicants not working in Canada stream have not yet been released. More information will be provided by IRCC as it becomes available. Who is eligible for the HCWP? Work experience Six months of recent, relevant work; OR A credential of at least six months of related home care training. Language proficiency CLB 4 or higher in English or French. Job offer Must have a job offer from either A private household OR An organization* that directly hires full-time home care workers to provide short-term or occasional home care. Education Secondary school diploma. In addition to the criteria mentioned above, home care workers must also intend to reside in a Canadian province other than Quebec to be eligible for these new streams. Candidates who meet the work experience requirement can have obtained this experience either in Canada or abroad. Job Offer Conditions Foreign nationals applying to the HCWP may hold a job offer from any of the following organizations: Home health care service providers Home care support service providers Direct care agencies Personal care services in residential settings Pediatric home health care service providers Job offers from recruitment and placement agencies are not eligible. It is important to note that a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required to support these job offers. Additional Eligibility for Out-of-Status Workers and Previous Applicants IRCC has extended eligibility for the HCWP to home care workers in Canada who are currently out of status. These individuals may still be eligible to apply under the HCWP due to a public policy, with a limited number of spots available for this group. Furthermore, some previous applicants to the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots (which were closed in June 2024) may continue to apply under the previous pathways. Newcomers who applied under the "Gaining Experience" category of the old pilots before June 2024, and who have since accumulated enough eligible work experience, can submit proof of their experience to IRCC in order to have their permanent residence (PR) application considered. Please reach out to us anytime at [email protected]

Individuals applying for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) under the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) can now refer to a list of regions where applications will not be processed. As of August 26, 2024, the federal government has ceased processing LMIAs for the low-wage stream in census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. As of January 10, the government has shared a list of CMAs with unemployment rates over 6%. This table will be updated every three months, with the next update coming on April 4, 2025. As of January 10, the government has identified 15 CMAs with unemployment rates 6% or higher. St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador 6% Saint John, New Brunswick 6.1% Montréal, Quebec 6.2% Oshawa, Ontario 7.5% Toronto, Ontario 7.9% Hamilton, Ontario 6.3% St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario 6.2% Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario 7.3% Guelph, Ontario 6.2% London, Ontario 6.4% Windsor, Ontario 8.8% Barrie, Ontario 6% Regina, Saskatchewan 6.1% Calgary, Alberta 7.5% Edmonton, Alberta 6.8% How do I know if a work location is in a CMA? To determine whether your job falls into one of these CMAs Enter the complete postal code of the work location at Census of Population ; and Under the Geography search results page, look for “Census metropolitan area/ Census agglomeration.” The web page will show which CMA your job is in, and you can see whether that CMA is on the list. What If the Position Is in a CMA with an Unemployment Rate Above 6%? Before submitting an LMIA application, both employers and employees should check the unemployment rate of the census metropolitan area (CMA) where the job is located to determine whether the application will be processed. Options for Employers: If the job is in a CMA with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, employers can increase the wage to meet the high-wage stream requirements, making the position eligible under that category. Options for Employees: If a job offer falls under the low-wage stream in an affected CMA, employees can ask their employers if they are willing to wait three months to see if the CMA’s unemployment rate changes before applying for an LMIA. Those still searching for a job under the low-wage stream of the TFWP should focus on CMAs where LMIAs are still being processed. For Current Low-Wage TFWP Workers: Workers on a low-wage TFWP permit who cannot extend their permit due to these changes must stop working once their status expires. If they wish to remain in Canada, they can apply for a visitor record to stay as a visitor. Reach us anytime and we're happy to assist. Foothills Immigration.

The Canadian federal government has released a list of TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations that remain eligible for spousal open work permits (SOWPs). On January 14, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that spouses of foreign workers will now only qualify for an SOWP if the principal applicant is employed in: A TEER 0 occupation A TEER 1 occupation Specific TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations Additionally, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time their spouse applies for an SOWP. These changes took effect on January 21. However, they do not impact existing valid work permits issued under previous policies, nor do they affect eligible renewals of such permits. Previously, spouses of foreign workers could obtain an SOWP regardless of the foreign worker’s occupation. Below is the list of TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations that continue to qualify for spousal open work permits. TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) is the classification system used by the Canadian federal government to define skill levels within the National Occupational Classification (NOC). TEER 0 represents the highest-skilled occupations, while TEER 5 includes the lowest-skilled roles. TEER 2 jobs still eligible for a family OWP NOC group 22 - Technical Occupations Related to Natural and Applied Sciences Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors 22313 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics 22312 Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) 22311 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians 22310 Construction estimators 22303 Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians 22302 Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians 22301 Civil engineering technologists and technicians 22300 Construction inspectors 22233 Occupational health and safety specialists 22232 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers 22231 Non-destructive testers and inspectors 22230 Information systems testing technicians 22222 User support technicians 22221 Computer network and web technicians 22220 Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology 22214 Land survey technologists and technicians 22213 Drafting technologists and technicians 22212 Industrial designers 22211 Architectural technologists and technicians 22210 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists 22114 Conservation and fishery officers 22113 Forestry technologists and technicians 22112 Agricultural and fish products inspectors 22111 Biological technologists and technicians 22110 Geological and mineral technologists and technicians 22101 Chemical technologists and technicians 22100 NOC group 32 - Technical Occupations in Health Opticians 32100 Licensed practical nurses 32101 Paramedical occupations 32102 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists 32103 Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians 32104 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment 32109 Denturists 32110 Dental hygienists and dental therapists 32111 Dental technologists and technicians 32112 Medical laboratory technologists 32120 Medical radiation technologists 32121 Medical sonographers 32122 Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists 32123 Pharmacy technicians 32124 Other medical technologists and technicians 32129 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists 32200 Massage therapists 32201 Other practitioners of natural healing 32209 NOC group 42 - Front-Line Public Protection Services and Paraprofessional Occupations in Legal, Social, Community, Education Services Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces 42102 Early childhood educators and assistants 42202 NOC group 72 - Technical Trades and Transportation Officers and Controllers Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations 72010 Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations 72011 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades 72012 Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades 72013 Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers 72014 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades 72020 Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews 72021 Supervisors, printing and related occupations 72022 Supervisors, railway transport operations 72023 Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators 72024 Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations 72025 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 72100 Tool and die makers 72101 Sheet metal workers 72102 Boilermakers 72103 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters 72104 Ironworkers 72105 Welders and related machine operators 72106 Electricians (except industrial and power system) 72200 Industrial electricians 72201 Power system electricians 72202 Electrical power line and cable workers 72203 Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers 72204 Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians 72205 Plumbers 72300 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 72301 Gas fitters 72302 Carpenters 72310 Cabinetmakers 72311 Bricklayers 72320 Insulators 72321 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 72400 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics 72401 Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics 72402 Railway carmen/women 72403 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors 72404 Machine fitters 72405 Elevator constructors and mechanics 72406 Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers 72410 Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators 72411 Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics 72420 Appliance servicers and repairers 72421 Electrical mechanics 72422 Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics 72423 Other small engine and small equipment repairers 72429 Crane operators 72500 Water well drillers 72501 Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors 72600 Air traffic controllers and related occupations 72601 Deck officers, water transport 72602 Engineer officers, water transport 72603 Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators 72604 Other technical trades and related occupations 72999 NOC group 82 - Supervisors in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production Supervisors, logging and forestry 82010 Supervisors, mining and quarrying 82020 Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 82021 Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors 82030 Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services 82031 TEER 3 jobs still eligible for a family OWP NOC group 33 - Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants 33100 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations 33101 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates 33102 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants 33103 Other assisting occupations in support of health services 33109 NOC group 43 - Assisting Occupations in Education and in Legal and Public Protection Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants 43100 Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces 43204 NOC group 53 - Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport Athletes 53200 Coaches 53201 NOC group 73 - General Trades Concrete finishers 73100 Tilesetters 73101 Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers 73102 Roofers and shinglers 73110 Glaziers 73111 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators 73112 Floor covering installers 73113 Residential and commercial installers and servicers 73200 General building maintenance workers and building superintendents 73201 Pest controllers and fumigators 73202 Other repairers and servicers 73209 Transport truck drivers 73300 Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators 73301 Railway and yard locomotive engineers 73310 Railway conductors and brakemen/women 73311 Heavy equipment operators 73400 Printing press operators 73401 Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction 73402 NOC group 83 - Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production Underground production and development miners 83100 Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers 83101 Logging machinery operators 83110 Fishing masters and officers 83120 Fishermen/women 83121 

Canada is set to launch the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots on March 31, 2025 , replacing the previous Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, which concluded on June 17, 2024. These new programs aim to streamline the immigration process for caregivers, offering a more direct pathway to permanent residency. Expected Application Quota for 2025 While the total annual application intake for the previous pilots was capped at 5,500, the broader pilot category's quota, as outlined in Canada's 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, will see a slight reduction from 10,920 in 2024 to 10,875 in 2025. It is anticipated that the new caregiver pilots will maintain a similar application allotment, estimated between 4,000 and 5,000 for 2025. Enhanced Features and Eligibility Criteria The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots introduce several key enhancements: Permanent Residency Upon Arrival : Caregivers will receive permanent resident status immediately upon their arrival in Canada, eliminating previous uncertainties and delays. Flexible Employment Opportunities : Participants can work with organizations that provide temporary or part-time care to semi-independent individuals or those recovering from illness or injury, broadening employment prospects. Eligibility Requirements : Language Proficiency : A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 is required. Educational Qualifications : Applicants must hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Relevant Work Experience : Recent and pertinent work experience is essential. Job Offer : A full-time job offer from a Canadian family or within Canada's home care sector is necessary. Significance of the New Pilots With Canada's aging population and an increased emphasis on community-based care, there is a growing demand for professional caregivers. The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots aim to: Provide a reliable immigration pathway for caregivers. Support families and communities by ensuring access to high-quality home care services. Attract skilled workers who can contribute to Canada's economy and social well-being. These initiatives reflect Canada's commitment to addressing labor shortages in the caregiving sector while offering caregivers a clear and efficient route to permanent residency. If you need assistance with this program, don’t hesitate to contact Foothills Immigration. We provide professional immigration advice and guidance to support you every step of the way.

Starting January 21, 2025, eligibility for family open work permits (OWPs) will be restricted to the spouses of specific international students and foreign workers.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP): Persons who may apply at a Port of Entry *Information directly republished from IRCC; Canada.ca. Updated Dec 24, 2024. Effective immediately, most foreign nationals inside of Canada are no longer eligible to apply for a work permit at a port of entry. The following work permit applications are exempt from the above restrictions and may still be accepted for processing at a port of entry: Applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America Professionals and Technicians under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Professional under the free trade agreement with the United States of America and Mexico (T36); Professional under the free trade agreement with Chile (F22); Contractual service suppliers or independent professionals under the free trade agreement with South Korea (F32); Professional under the free trade agreement with Panama (F42); Professional or technician under the free trade agreement with Colombia (F12); Professional or technician under the free trade agreement with Peru (F52). Spouses or common-law partners of applicants under FTAs with South Korea (F32), Panama (F42), and Colombia (F12). Truck Drivers- who are required to depart Canada for the purpose of their employment and prior to their departure from Canada held a work permit or maintained status as a result of a pending application for work permit renewal. This does not include truck drivers operating solely within Canada. Applicants with Pre-Scheduled CBSA Appointments Most foreign workers must apply for a work permit from outside of Canada. A foreign national may apply for a work permit at any time before entering Canada as per section 197 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) . As per ministerial instructions (MI) 62 , all applications for a work permit submitted for foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of application must be submitted using electronic means—meaning they must apply online . Some workers can apply at the time of their entry to Canada. When seeking to enter Canada, some foreign nationals may make an application for their work permit at the port of entry per subsection R198(1) if they are exempt from the requirement for a temporary resident visa (TRV) under section R190 and their job falls within the International Mobility Program (IMP) (that is, they are not required to obtain a labour market impact assessment [LMIA]) are exempt from the requirement for a TRV under section R190 and their job falls within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) (that is, they are required to obtain an LMIA), and a positive or neutral LMIA has been issued by the time they arrive are a national or permanent resident of the United States (U.S.), Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, regardless of whether their job falls within the TFWP or the IMP are not seeking a work permit in a category not permitted to apply at a port of entry (for example, as a live-in caregiver or as a seasonal agricultural worker) are seeking entry into Canada and meet the requirements of sections R198 and R200 Note: In addition to the above, before they arrive, the foreign national must have passed their immigration medical examination (IME), if required, and provide the valid results. The following persons cannot apply on entry to Canada [R198(2)]: all persons applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) all persons who require a TRV all persons who require an IME, whether TRV-required or visa-exempt, unless valid IME results are available at the time of entry international youth exchange program participants other than U.S. citizens or permanent residents (exemption code C21) (consult International Experience Canada ) seasonal agricultural workers foreign nationals from electronic travel authorization (eTA) expansion countries , as they are not TRV-exempt as per section R190 Persons who hold a valid work permit or who wish to change their conditions or renew their work permit should apply in Canada, pursuant to section R199 . Persons whose work permits expire while they are outside of Canada may apply at the port of entry if they are eligible to apply there pursuant to section R198. They must provide the officer at a port of entry with sufficient documentation to satisfy the officer that the client meets the requirements for the category to which they are applying. Note: Although foreign nationals who are exempt from the requirement of a TRV may apply for a work permit at a port of entry, if they are travelling to Canada by air, they will need to apply for and obtain an eTA before entry to board their flight to Canada. At the air port of entry, when their work permit is issued, they will also be automatically issued a new eTA with a new validity date.

Details expected soon (January 2025) from IRCC for the new Caregiver Pilot Programs (both childcare and home support workers). We will posted updates here. On June 3, 2024, IRCC Minister Marc Miller announced significant updates to the Caregiver Pilot Programs. These changes aim to streamline pathways for caregivers and address the evolving home care needs of Canada’s population. Key updates include: 1. Permanent Residence on Arrival: Caregivers will now be granted permanent resident (PR) status upon their arrival in Canada. 2. Lower Language Requirement: The minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) has been reduced to 4, down from 5. 3. Simplified Education Requirement: Caregivers must hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, replacing the previous requirement of a one-year post-secondary credential. 4. Expanded Work Settings: In addition to home care, caregivers can now work for organizations offering temporary or part-time care for individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from injuries or illnesses. 5. Pathway Permanency: IRCC is working toward making the caregiver pilot programs a permanent part of its immigration strategy. Eligibility Criteria for Caregivers: CLB level 4 in language proficiency. A Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent. Recent, relevant caregiving work experience. A full-time home care job offer. Anticipated Benefits: These updates provide caregivers with more flexible employment opportunities and immediate PR status, creating a clearer and more secure pathway to settle in Canada. Pending Details: IRCC plans to release additional information on the pilot programs, including comprehensive eligibility criteria and application processes early 2025. While awaiting these details, stakeholders hope for effective solutions to address issues experienced in past caregiver programs. These changes represent a significant step forward in meeting Canada’s home care demands while providing greater support to caregivers entering the workforce. If you need assistance with this program, don’t hesitate to contact Foothills Immigration. We provide professional immigration advice and guidance to support you every step of the way.