Canada’s Child Care immigration pilot under the Home Care Worker Program reaches full intake within hours of launch. IRCC confirms that only alternate format submissions are being accepted for now.
Child Care Stream Closes Intake After Reaching Annual Cap
Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care stream (HCWP:CC) has reached its 2025 cap for online applications just hours after opening on March 31, 2025. The stream closed on the same day it began accepting applications, marking a swift response from eligible applicants across the country.
Online Applications Now Closed
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that the annual cap of 2,750 online applications has been filled. This includes 150 spots specifically reserved for out-of-status workers. No additional online submissions for permanent residency through this stream will be accepted in 2025.
Alternate Format Applications Remain Open
While the online portal is now closed for the year, IRCC is continuing to accept applications in alternate formats. These include paper, braille, and large print versions, designed to accommodate individuals who are unable to submit online. However, IRCC emphasizes that online submission is the standard requirement in most cases, and alternate formats are intended strictly for applicants needing accessibility accommodations.
Reopening Expected Next Year
The federal government has indicated that the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care stream will reopen in 2026. The pilot is part of a five-year initiative aimed at addressing labour shortages in Canada’s care sector.
Applicants Not in Canada Stream Yet to Open
As of now, only the “Applicants Working in Canada” stream has opened. IRCC has not announced a launch date for the “Applicants Not Working in Canada” stream under the same pilot.
Program Part of Canada’s Broader Immigration Strategy
The HCWP:CC is among several federal pilot programs that could potentially evolve into permanent immigration pathways, depending on long-term outcomes. The Atlantic Immigration Program previously followed a similar path after its pilot phase proved successful.
Quick Recap
- Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care stream reached its 2025 application cap on March 31.
- A total of 2,750 online applications were accepted, including 150 reserved for out-of-status workers.
- IRCC is still accepting alternate format applications for those unable to apply online.
- The “Applicants Not Working in Canada” stream has not yet opened for 2025.
- The pilot program is scheduled to continue running for five years.
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