Options for Caregivers After HCWP International Stream Closure

Closure of HCWP Stream for Applicants Outside Canada

On September 29, 2025, IRCC officially announced the closure of the “applicants not working in Canada” stream under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP). This stream was designed to let caregivers outside Canada apply under the Home Support and Child Care pilot options.

However, it never opened for applications before being closed.

Other Immigration Options for Caregivers Abroad

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

1. Express Entry – Healthcare Category

Caregivers working in NOC 33102 (Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates) can still apply through Express Entry. The latest healthcare draw required a CRS score of 470.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Several provinces continue to invite home care workers under caregiver NOC codes:

• Manitoba (MPNP): Skilled Worker Overseas stream
• Ontario (OINP): Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• New Brunswick (NBPNP): Priority Occupations stream (only NOC 33102, 44101, 42202)
• Newfoundland & Labrador (NLPNP): Skilled Worker category

Thus, caregivers still have practical routes despite the HCWP closure.

Why Did IRCC Close the Stream?

IRCC hasn’t officially explained the closure, but several factors likely contributed:

1. Large Backlog of Applications

As of September 11, 2025, IRCC held 34,400 caregiver applications from current and past pilots. This year, they planned to process only about 14% (around 4,816 applications). From January to September, 4,200 caregivers already became permanent residents, leaving space for only 600 more this year.

2. Limited Admissions Targets

Canada’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan allows only 10,920 spots for all federal economic pilot programs combined, including HCWP, Agri-Food Pilot, Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, and Start-up Visa Program. These numbers also include applicants’ family members, further tightening availability.

3. Shift in Focus to Applicants Inside Canada

IRCC now prioritizes temporary residents already living in Canada for permanent residence. For example:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws have increased under Express Entry.
• Provinces are asked to allocate 75% of nominations to candidates already in Canada.

Therefore, IRCC’s focus has shifted toward residents inside the country.

Key Takeaways

• The international caregiver intake under HCWP is closed and never opened.
• Caregivers abroad can still apply through Express Entry (Healthcare category) or PNPs.
• The closure likely results from backlogs, limited targets, and a policy shift favoring 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).