Author: Diana

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada released forms for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots under Stream A for (1) Child Care and (2) Home Support. These pilots offer permanent residency for workers in home child care or home support in Canada.

Stream A for workers in Canada opens on March 31st at 10:00am (Eastern Standard Time). Stream B for applicants outside Canada will open later.

Check below for the latest information as of March 21, 2025. Are you eligible and ready to apply for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot? Let us know by filling out this form!

This program was created because migrants and undocumented people like you are speaking up for permanent residency and equal rights for all. But we know many of us will be excluded because of the difficult criteria and expensive fees. No matter what, we must continue to fight for status for all. Join us! 

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare

1️⃣ Check Your Eligibility

There are three main eligibility requirements: 1. Residency, 2. Immigration Status, and 3. Work Experience or Education.

👍 Residency: 

• You must be a resident of Canada when you apply. It’s fine if you’re on vacation outside Canada when you submit the application, but you need to prove you normally live in Canada.
  • Here are a few ways to proof your residency, but you can provide others:
    • Lease or rental agreement, or a letter from your landlord
    • Copy of your provincial/territorial driver’s license
    • Bank or credit card statement with your address (just black out your account numbers)
• If your immigration or legal status has expired in Canada, you must provide proof that you have continuously lived in Canada since you legally entered Canada on or before December 16, 2021. Legally entered means if you came to Canada as a visitor, or with a work permit or study permit.
  • Here are a few ways to prove your residency, but you can provide others:
    • Lease or rental agreement, or a letter from your landlord
    • Copy of your provincial/territorial driver’s license
    • Bank or credit card statement with your address (just black out your account numbers)
    • Employment documents or personal services contract
    • Evidence of receipt of benefits from Canadian government programs
    • Rental agreements
    • Club memberships
      

 👍 Immigration Status:

There are two types of immigration status:

✅ WITH STATUS: 

✔ You must have a valid work permit, a pending application or authorization to work in Canada full-time in any occupation as long as it’s a non-seasonal job:

• This includes permits through the Caregiver Program, Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program (seasonal workers are excluded), or the Post Graduate Work Permit Program, or an open or closed work permit through another International Mobility Program stream (this includes spouses of foreign workers, and post-graduate work permit holders). 

❌ You are NOT eligible to apply if you are: 

1. A business visitor
2. An a study permit
3. On a work permit as a refugee claimant or refused refugee claimant.
   

✔ Here are a few examples of documents you can submit: 

• Photocopies of passport pages showing stamps from Canadian authorities on the most recent entry to Canada,
• Valid work permit,
• Photocopy of another current immigration document.
  

✅ WITHOUT STATUS: 

✔ If your work permit has expired – you may be eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots if you meet the following criteria:

1. You are in Canada when you apply.
2. You must have entered Canada on a tourist visa, work permit, or study permit on or before December 16th 2021 and have lived here continuously since then. 
3. If you have a valid or expired visitor’s visa, and previously were on a work permit – you can apply. If you have a valid or expired visitor’s visa and you were never on a work permit, you cannot apply. 
4. You can apply as as long as you’re not inadmissible to Canada for reasons other than:
   1. overstaying your temporary status;
   2. work or studying without authorization;
   3. having a family member who overstayed their temporary residence status, work or studied without authorization.

❌ Who is excluded?

1. You moved to Canada after December 16, 2021.
2. Refugee claimants or those with refused claims on humanitarian work permits.
3. You are under a removal order.
4. You had an expired tourist visa and never switched to a work permit or have not had a valid work permit before December 16, 2021.

✔ Here are a few examples of documents you can submit to prove that you legally entered Canada and have previous work authorization: 

• Photocopies of passport pages showing stamps from Canadian authorities on the most recent entry to Canada,
• A copy of your most recent immigration document such as expired work permit, visitor record or study permit.

 👍 Relevant Experience OR Education/Training: 

Your work or education experience depends on the category you’re applying for.

(A) Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot – Child Care

You must have ONE of these two requirements:

✔ Recent and Relevant Work Experience 

1. You must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience gained inside or outside Canada within the last 3 years before you submit your application.
2. The work experience must match the NOC job description and include most of the main duties listed under the NOC codes:
   • 44100 (Home Child Care Providers)
     • Experience as a foster parent doesn’t count.
   • 42202 (Early Childhood Educators and Assistants)
     • Experience as an early childhood educator, daycare teacher, or supervisor doesn’t count.
3. The work experience must have been continuous meaning you have to have worked at least 6 months in a row. If you have changed jobs there must be no breaks between them.
4. It must have worked full-time for a minimum of 30 hours per week for 6 months in a row.
   •  If you worked multiple part-time jobs at the same time, it only counts if it adds up to at least 30 hours per week for 6 months in a row.
5. You can have a mix of occupations only within the same pilot.
   • For example, under the child care pilot, your experience can include both a child care provider and early childhood assistant.

❌ What does not count as as work experience:

1. Work experience gained as a full-time student will not be included
2. Work experience gained while you are self employed is not included
3. Periods of unemployment is not included 

OR 

✔ Recent and Relevant Education: 

1. Completed a credential (degree, diploma, or certificate) of at least 6 months in a relevant discipline, within or outside of Canada
2. Training must be targeted towards the NOC codes 44100 or 42202 (excluding early childhood educators, day care teachers and supervisors). 
3. Must be completed within 2 years before you apply
4. Must be at the post-secondary level
5. Must have been full-time of at least 15 hours per week during the period of study
6. Must have been in an in-person classroom environment
7. Must have started while you were 17 years old or older 

❌ What does not count as training:

1. Training that was targeted towards occupations other than those listed above (for example, training in the medical field)
2. Training that was done mainly online
3. On-the-job training

Note: If the training is completed outside Canada you don’t need an educational credential assessment unless you are also using the training to meet the education requirement (see below). 

(B) Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot – Home Support

You must have ONE of these two requirements: 

✔ Recent and relevant work experience 

1. You must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience gained inside or outside Canada within the last 3 years before you submit your application.
2. The work experience must match the NOC job description and include most of the main duties listed under the NOC codes:
   1. 44101 (Home Support Workers). 
   2. 33102  (Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates)
      1. Work experience gained in an institutional setting (for example, long-term care) may be eligible.
3. The work experience must have been continuous meaning you have to have worked at least 6 months in a row. If you have changed jobs there must be no breaks between them.
4. It must have worked full-time for a minimum of 30 hours per week for 6 months in a row.
   1.  If you worked multiple part-time jobs at the same time, it only counts if it adds up to at least 30 hours per week for 6 months in a row.
5. You can have a mix of occupations only within the same pilot.
   1. For example, under the child care pilot, your experience can include both a child care provider and early childhood assistant.

OR

✔ Recent and Relevant Education: 

1. Completed a credential (degree, diploma, or certificate) of at least 6 months in a relevant discipline, within or outside of Canada
2. Training must be targeted towards the NOC codes 44101 or 33102. 
3. Must be completed within 2 years before you apply
4. Must be at the post-secondary level
5. Must have been full-time of at least 15 hours per week during the period of study
6. Must have been in an in-person classroom environment
7. Must have started while you were 17 years old or older 

❌ What does not count as training:

1. Training that was targeted towards occupations other than those listed above (for example, training in the medical field)
2. Training that was done mainly online
3. On-the-job training

Note: If the training is completed outside Canada you don’t need an educational credential assessment unless you are using the training to meet the education requirement.

✔ Here are examples of documents you can submit to prove work experience and/or eligible training for the NOC codes listed above:

Work Experience:

• Employer reference letters including all this information:
  • Employment dates (start date to present)
  • Your position
  • Description of main duties and responsibilities
  • Corresponding NOC code (if known)
  • Annual salary and benefits
  • Hours worked per week
  • Employer’s name, signature, full address, phone number, and email
• Copies of T4 tax slips and Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency
• Record or letter of employment from the employer
• Work contracts
• Pay stubs

Training:

• A Canadian post-secondary credential (e.g., diploma or certification) or a foreign post-secondary credential
• Transcripts showing completion of the credential.

✅ If you meet the three main requirements above, keep reading to check the remaining ones: 1. Language, 2. Education, and 3. Job Offer. 

🛑 If you don’t meet the main requirements above, you are not alone. We all deserve better. Join us in calling for permanent residency status for all! 

 👍 Language Test: 

• You must have a valid English test from IELTS, CELPIP or Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core) or French test from TEF – Canada or TCF – Canada with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or NCLC Level 4. 
• On your test, you must have a minimum of Level 4 for ALL 4 language skills (writing, reading, listening and speaking), NOT an overall score level of 4.
  • Valid means the score must be less than two years old at the time you apply. If it is older, you will need to retake the test. 
  • You must have the results for the test when you apply. Look at the links for the tests to see which one has the earliest test date near you.
    • English test results usually take 3-5 business days, but they may take longer. French test results take up to 15 business days. With March 31st approaching, schedule your test soon!
    • IELTS costs between $322 and $352 + HST, and CELPIP costs $290 + HST. TEF Canada or TCF Canada cost $390. 
    • You can find mock tests on their websites or check YouTube for test tips.

 👍 Education Assessment: 

• You must have at least a Canadian high school diploma or valid Canadian high school equivalency or higher. If you studied outside Canada, you can use these services to get your education accredited:
  • Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
  • International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
  • World Education Services (WES)
  • International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
  • International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
• Valid means the result must be less than five years old. If it is older, you will need to get your education accredited again. With March 31st approaching, get your accreditation soon! 
• WES costs $256 and usually takes two weeks to receive the test results. This is the fastest of all the options. But look it up yourself. 

 👍 Job Offer: 

1️⃣ Your employer must provide a complete and signed copy of one of these forms for your application, either digitally or on paper:

• Individual employers (private households): Individual Employers (IMM 0267) 
• Business (or non-profit employers): Business Employers (IMM 0268) 

✔ There are two types of eligible employers: 

• A private household with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, or
• A business or non-profit organization with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, responsible for hiring and managing employees, and has been operating for at least 1 year. This can include:
  • 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.

❌ The employer cannot be: 

1. a recruitment or placement agency;
2. an embassy, a high commission or a consulate, or a person accredited to these missions in Canada (for example, a diplomat);
3. an employer found non-compliant;
4. yourself (self-employed);
5. your spouse, common-law partner, parent, grandparent or child.

2️⃣ The employer must offer you a permanent job as a home child care provider or home support worker in Canada (outside Quebec), for at least 30 hours a week, under these NOC codes:

• Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care
  • Home child care providers (NOC 44100).
  • The job cannot be in an institutional setting (e.g., daycare).
  • Foster parent jobs do not count.
• Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support
  • Home support workers, caregivers, and related occupations (NOC 44101). 
  • The job cannot be in an institutional setting (e.g., nursing home).

📌 Important notes 📌

• Job offers under NOC 42202 and 33102 are not eligible, but work experience and training in these NOCs are.
• The job offer must be permanent with no end date.
• It must include your hourly wage, job duties, and must meet or exceed the job bank’s median wage for that position.
• You must submit (1) a signed and completed copy of one of the forms above from your employer, and (2) a job offer with your application.

2️⃣ Gather Other Supporting Documents

NOTE: If your documents are not in English or French, you must include (1) English or French translation, (2) a certified copy of the original document, and (3) an affidavit from the person who completed the translation.

✔ Travel Documents and Passports – Copies of travel documents or passports for you, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children, showing passport details, birth information, amendments, and the most recent Canadian entry stamp.

✔ Identity and Civil Status Documents – For you and your spouse or common-law partner: 

• Birth certificates
• Legal documents showing name or date of birth changes (if it applies)
• Marriage certificates(s), final divorce or annulment certificate(s) for all marriages for you and your spouse or common-law partner
• Death certificate for former spouse(s) or common-law partner(s) (if it applies)
• National IDs, family/household registry/book (if this applies)
  • Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)
  • Proof you cohabitated with your partner for at least 12 continuous months
  • Documents listing both your names, for example, copies of joint bank account statements, leases, utility bills, etc.

✔ Children’s Information (if it applies) – 

• Birth certificates (showing the name of their parents)
• Adoption papers issued by recognized national authorities
• If the other parent is not coming with you to Canada, (1) custody papers for dependent children from a previous marriage or relationship, (2) a completed and signed Statutory Declaration from Non-Accompanying Parent / Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada (IMM 5604).
• If you have dependent children that are 22 years or older, include proof that the child is dependent on the financial support of the parent since before the age of 22 and can’t be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition.

✔ Police Clearances – You and your family members 18 years and older will need to get a police certificate from each country or territory where you live for 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18, except for Canada. You can submit this now or later when an officer requests it. 

• Learn how to request one from any country or territory here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates.html

✔ Photo Requirements – Upload a photo for yourself and each member of your family, whether they will come to Canada or not. 

• On the back of the photograph, write the name and date of birth of the person, the date the photo was taken, as well as the name and address of the photography studio. 
• Make sure to upload a copy of both sides of each photo.
• Minimum resolution should be 420 x 540 pixels.

✔ Letters of Explanation – If you have any missing documents, change your name or have employment gaps.

📌 Pro Tip: Scan & save all documents in USB or cloud storage for easy access.

3️⃣ Fill Out the Forms

Here are the forms you need to fill out. Some must be completed online as part of the application process.

4️⃣ Pay the Fees

• There are two fees:
  • Processing fees: $950, must be paid when you submit the application. If you are including any family members, you will need to pay for their processing fees too. 
  • Right to permanent residency fee: $575, paid before your application is approved.
• You may need to pay a biometrics fee ($85) when you submit your application. If you don’t, your application might be delayed.
  • After you pay for your fee, you will receive a biometric instruction letter (BIL) that (1) confirms that you need to give your biometrics, and (2) tells you how to book a biometrics appointment. Learn more about it here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics/how-to-give.html.
• You have to pay your fees online and include your receipt with your application.
  • After you pay your fees online, print a PDF copy of the receipt page. You will also get an email with a copy of it. 
  • Make sure to upload it or include it in your application.

5️⃣ Create an Account or Apply Online

• You must apply online using the Permanent Residence Portal. Click here to create or sign into your account.
• If you can’t apply online, you may be able to ask for an alternative application format. If approved, IRCC will send you the application package in (1) paper, (2) braille, (3) large print. Click here to learn how to request another format. 

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and reflection—and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the people who make up the backbone of this country: migrant workers like you. Join us on December 15 from 2:30-5 in Toronto for an afternoon of festive cheer and meaningful solidarity as we come together to honour our resilience and build our collective power. Sign up below!

WHAT: MWAC Year-End Party 2024
WHEN: December 15, 2024 from 2:30pm to 5pm
WHERE: CSI Annex at 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto (not 720 Spadina Ave!)
WHY: Let’s end 2024 by celebrating our victories with friends, family, and loved ones, and gear up for even bigger ones ahead!

Migrant Workers Alliance for Change member Charles Mwangi fought and won a stop to his deportation – but how did he do it? Join Charles, members and other migrants online this Sunday, October 27 at 8pm ET | 5pm PT to learn about the strategies and tactics used in his campaign so we can fight for permanent residency for everyone, including undocumented people! Register below for your own individualized Zoom link – please do not share it!

On Father’s Day this Sunday, June 16 at 1:30pm, join undocumented fathers and families to hear about our long years of family separation, the difficulties we face working and living in Canada, and why we need regularization and permanent resident status for all undocumented people. Come with your father or your family. Bring hand-made signs and spend time with us. We will meet in front of MP Chrystia Freeland’s office at 344 Bloor Street, Toronto, Ontario. Sign up below!

Are you undocumented in Canada? Are you thinking of applying for permanent residency under H&C (Humanitarian & Compassionate application)? Come to an online workshop on Thursday, April 11 at 8PM EDT | 5pm PDT to learn more about strategies and tips to strengthen your H&C applications! Sign up below and keep reading for more information!

Join this SAFE and ANONYMOUS workshop to:

1. Learn what an H&C application is,
2. If and when you should apply for it,
3. What you need to do to make your application successful (separate from your lawyer),
4. Learn about the promised regularization program for PR for all undocumented people if we win!

This workshop:

1. Provides general legal information, but not legal advice. We will not be able to answer detailed one-on-one questions.
2. Will be on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link after you register using your email. In the workshop, you do not need to share your real name or turn your camera on.
3. Is for undocumented people only, not service providers from organizations.
4. Will be offered in English​ and ASL.

On International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21st, let’s join together at 8PM EST to make calls to Prime Minister Trudeau and Immigration Minister Marc Miller to demand equal rights and status for all. Sign up now and read below for more information!

In December 2021, Prime Minister Trudeau promised a regularization program for undocumented people, but he’s stalling. Everyday migrants like us are being exploited and deported, while unfairly being blamed for the affordability crisis – this is racism! So let’s be clear – we are the ones in crisis and the only solution is permanent residency status for all!

Let’s unite against racism. Bring your phones and get ready to make calls to demand:

• Regularize all undocumented people
• No exclusions, caps, delays
• Stop all deportations
• Status for all now!