As of 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 31, 2025, Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) are open for applications.
Foreign nationals seeking permanent residence (PR) through these programs can now start submitting their applications.
This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept 2,750 applications for the HCWP: Child Care Pilot and another 2,750 for the HCWP: Home Support Pilot.
Within each pilot, 140 application spots are reserved for out-of-status and unauthorized workers in Canada.
Once the annual cap is reached, IRCC will stop accepting applications until the program reopens the following year.
On March 31, only applications for the Workers in Canada stream will be accepted, while the intake for the Applicants Not Working in Canada stream will open at a later date.
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for these pilots.
How to Apply for the HCWP
Prepare Your Documents
By now, foreign nationals planning to apply should have already gathered the necessary documents.
Important Application Guidelines for the HCWP
- If the application cap is reached before you begin, you will not be able to submit your application.
- Ensure all required documents are ready before starting the application process.
Steps to Apply
1. Create or Sign In to the IRCC Permanent Residence (PR) Portal
Applicants must submit their applications online through IRCC’s PR Portal.
- If you cannot apply online or need accommodations, IRCC offers alternative formats (paper, braille, or large print) upon request.
2. Select the Correct Application Category
Once logged into the portal:
- Choose “Economic” as the program type.
- Select the appropriate pilot and subcategory based on your eligibility.
– Double-check your selection—choosing the wrong category may result in your application being returned or refused.
- Subcategories will remain available only if the cap has not been reached.
Eligibility Based on Work Authorization
Applicants with Valid Work Authorization in Canada
| Pilot | Sub-category |
|---|---|
| HCWIP: Child Care | Workers in Canada |
| HCWIP: Home Support | Workers in Canada |
Applicants Who Are Out-of-Status and/or Unauthorized Workers
| Pilot | Sub-category |
|---|---|
| HCWIP: Child Care | Workers in Canada – Public Policy |
| HCWIP: Home Support | Workers in Canada – Public Policy |
Preparing and Submitting Your HCWP Application
1. Upload Documents and Fill Out Forms in the PR Portal
Applicants can now begin uploading supporting documents to the PR Portal.
- Document checklists are available for both applicants with valid temporary status and those who are out-of-status or unauthorized workers.
- If using an immigration representative (paid or unpaid), complete the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476).
- Some forms must be filled out directly in the PR Portal and cannot be uploaded as PDFs:
- IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada
- IMM 5669 – Schedule A: Background / Declaration Form
- IMM 5562 – Supplementary Information: Your Travels
- IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information
Important:
- Fill out all sections of the forms. If something does not apply, write “Not Applicable” (NA).
- If additional space is needed, attach a separate page and upload it with the application.
- Incomplete or unsigned applications will be returned without processing.
2. Uploading Documents Correctly
Most documents will have designated upload sections, but some may need to be uploaded under “Other”, including:
- Job offer
- Proof of training
- Proof of legal entry
- Proof of work authorization
3. If You Are Missing a Required Document
If you cannot provide a document from IRCC’s checklist, you must upload:
- A written explanation for each missing document.
- Any supporting evidence explaining why you cannot obtain the document at this time.
Upload these under the document type of the missing document in the PR Portal.
Note: IRCC may either accept or return your application as incomplete.
4. Pay Your Fees
Once all documents and forms are uploaded, you must pay the required fees.
- HCWP application fees start at $1,525, covering:
- Processing fee
- Right of permanent residence fee
- Biometrics fee
After payment:
- Save a PDF copy of the fee receipt and upload it to the PR Portal.
- IRCC will also send a copy of the receipt via email.
5. Submit Your Completed Application
Before submitting, ensure that:
– All forms are completed and signed (where applicable).
– The fee receipt is uploaded.
– All required supporting documents are uploaded.
Incomplete applications will be rejected and returned. If this happens, you can fix errors and resubmit as long as the cap has not been reached.
- You may reuse the same fee receipt if:
- You have not requested a refund.
- You haven’t used the fees for another program.
- The fee amount has not changed since your original submission.
After Submission:
- You will receive an automatic email confirmation from IRCC.
6. Next Steps After Submitting Your Application
- IRCC may contact your employer for additional job offer documents.
- Keep your application information up to date.
- Get your biometrics processed.
- Book a medical exam.
- Regularly check your application status.
More details on the HCWP application process are available on IRCC’s webpage.
Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots now open | CIC News
