Canada Closes PR Stream for Overseas Caregivers: What’s Next?
Canada Closes Home Care Worker PR Pathway for Applicants Outside the Country
Canada has officially closed a key immigration stream for foreign caregivers not currently living in the country. The move, confirmed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has left many hopeful applicants wondering about their options. But don’t worry — there are still several viable immigration pathways for caregivers who dream of making Canada their home.
Key Highlights
- The “applicants not working in Canada” stream under the Home Care Worker Pilots is now closed.
- This stream never officially opened before IRCC marked it as closed on September 29, 2025.
- Caregivers outside Canada can still qualify through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Healthcare-related NOC codes, like 33102, remain eligible for category-based Express Entry draws.
- IRCC is focusing on processing existing applications and prioritizing candidates already in Canada.
- Applicants should explore alternatives like the Manitoba PNP or other PNPs for caregiver roles.
What Happened to the Home Care Worker Stream for Overseas Applicants?
When Canada launched the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, there was talk of a stream specifically for applicants outside Canada. The idea was to offer a permanent residence (PR) pathway to foreign caregivers who didn’t yet have Canadian work experience. But fast forward to September 29, 2025 — IRCC quietly listed this stream as “closed” on its website.
The closure came without any official announcement or explanation, and the stream never actually opened to accept applications. Understandably, this has left many would-be applicants feeling confused and disappointed.
Why Did IRCC Shut It Down Before It Even Opened?
While IRCC hasn’t released a formal explanation, we can piece together some likely reasons based on internal data and recent trends.
1. Application Backlog
As of September 11, 2025, IRCC was already managing a huge inventory of 34,400 applications across all caregiver pilot programs. These include the current Home Care Worker Pilots and older programs like the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots. With such high volumes, IRCC only plans to process about 14% of those applications (roughly 4,816) in 2025.
By mid-September, 4,200 new permanent residents had already landed under these programs. That leaves room for only about 600 more applications to be processed before year-end — a tiny number compared to the backlog.
2. Limited Admissions Targets
According to Canada’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, all federal economic pilot programs combined are capped at admitting 10,920 new permanent residents. That number includes both principal applicants and their family members. These slots are shared between the Caregiver Pilots, Agri-Food Pilot, Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, and Start-Up Visa Program.
With such tight numbers, it makes sense that IRCC would prioritize clearing the backlog from within Canada before opening the floodgates to new international applicants.
3. Shift Toward In-Canada Candidates
Another big reason? IRCC is clearly shifting its focus to candidates already living and working in Canada. This is evident in the current Express Entry system, where Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants are being prioritized. In fact, provinces have been instructed to allocate 75% of their nomination spaces to those already in Canada.
This shift helps Canada reduce labour shortages quickly by transitioning temporary residents — who are already contributing to the economy — into permanent residents.
Still Want to Immigrate as a Caregiver? You’ve Got Options
Even though the overseas stream is closed, caregivers outside Canada aren’t out of luck. There are still multiple immigration pathways available in 2025, especially for those with healthcare-related experience.
1. Express Entry (Healthcare Category)
If your job falls under National Occupation Classification (NOC) 33102 — which includes nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates — you still have a shot through Express Entry. This NOC is eligible for category-based draws focused on healthcare professionals.
The most recent draw for this category had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of 470. It’s competitive, but if you meet the threshold, this could be your fastest route to permanent residence.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Several provinces continue to support caregiver immigration through their Provincial Nominee Programs. These programs are designed to meet specific regional labour needs and often have lower CRS score requirements than Express Entry.
Here are a few caregiver-friendly PNPs to consider:
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – Skilled Worker Overseas stream welcomes qualified caregivers with strong ties to the province.
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream supports caregivers with valid job offers in Ontario.
- New Brunswick PNP (NBPNP) – Priority Occupations stream includes NOC 33102, 44101, and 42202, but not 44100 (home child care providers).
- Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP) – Skilled Worker category is another solid choice for caregivers with job offers in the province.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re a caregiver hoping to move to Canada, the closure of the international HCWP stream might feel like a setback. But by exploring alternative options like Express Entry or PNPs, you can still build a strong case for permanent residence.
We recommend checking your score through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator and exploring potential job offers or provincial streams that match your profile. If you’re not sure where to start, a licensed immigration consultant can help you navigate the best pathway for your situation.
💡 Still exploring your options?
Check out our full guide to Express Entry or learn how to qualify for the Manitoba PNP — both great starting points for caregivers looking to immigrate in 2025.
Final Thoughts
While the closure of the overseas stream under the Home Care Worker Pilots is disappointing, it’s not the end of the road. Canada still values the important role caregivers play in our society, and there are multiple immigration streams ready to welcome skilled, compassionate workers.
Whether you’re aiming for Express Entry or looking into a Provincial Nominee Program, there’s still a path forward. Stay informed, prepare your documents, and don’t hesitate to get professional help if you need it.
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