Options for Caregivers After HCWP International Stream Closure

Closure of HCWP Stream for Applicants Outside Canada

The “applicants not working in Canada” stream of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) is now closed, according to IRCC’s official update on September 29, 2025.

• This stream was supposed to allow caregivers outside Canada to apply under the Home Support and Child Care pilot options.
• However, it never actually opened for applications before being closed.

Other Immigration Options for Caregivers Abroad

Even though this stream is closed, caregivers outside Canada still have other ways to immigrate.

1. Express Entry – Healthcare Category
   • For workers in NOC 33102 (Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates), Express Entry is still an option.
   • The latest healthcare draw had a CRS cut-off score of 470.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
   • Many PNPs are still inviting home care workers under caregiver NOC codes.
   • Active streams include:
     • Manitoba (MPNP) Skilled Worker Overseas stream
     • Ontario (OINP) Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
     • New Brunswick (NBPNP) Priority Occupations stream (only for NOC 33102, 44101, and 42202 — not 44100)
     • Newfoundland and Labrador (NLPNP) Skilled Worker category

Why Did IRCC Close the Stream?

Although IRCC has not given an official reason, data suggests some likely causes:

1. Large Backlog of Applications
   • As of September 11, 2025, IRCC had an inventory of 34,400 caregiver applications (covering current and past caregiver pilots).
   • In 2025, IRCC planned to process only about 14% of these (approx. 4,816 applications).
   • From January to September, 4,200 caregivers already became permanent residents, leaving space for only about 600 more this year.
2. Admissions Targets Are Limited
   • Under Canada’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, only 10,920 spots are available for all federal economic pilot programs combined.
   • This includes not just HCWP, but also the Agri-Food Pilot, Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, Start-up Visa Program, and all caregiver pilots.
   • These spots also cover family members (dependents) of successful applicants, making space even tighter.
3. Shift in Focus to Applicants Inside Canada
   • IRCC has been prioritizing temporary residents already in Canada for permanent residence.
   • This is visible in more Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws under Express Entry.
   • Provinces have also been asked to give 75% of nominations to candidates already living in Canada.

Key Takeaways

• The international caregiver intake under HCWP is closed and never opened to applications.
• Caregivers abroad can still explore Express Entry (Healthcare category) or PNPs as alternative pathways.
• The closure is most likely due to backlogs, limited admissions targets, and a policy shift toward in-Canada applicants.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).