Canada Permanent Residence Immigration Updates Newcomers to Canada
HCWP Workers in Canada stream: Closed
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP), which launched on March 31, 2025, has reached its cap of 2,750 applicants for the Workers in Canada stream, with 150 spots reserved for workers that were out of status. The high demand for the program resulted in the cap being met on the same day the program opened. The program is set to reopen next year.
What is the HCWP?
The HCWP is designed to address the growing need for home care professionals in Canada and to provide a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR) for qualifying applicants. The program consists of two pilots:
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support
Both pilots are now closed for the Workers in Canada stream, which is one of two streams under the HCWP. The second stream, for applicants not currently working in Canada, remains open but has not yet begun accepting applications.
Workers in Canada vs. Workers Not in Canada
At this time, only the Workers in Canada stream was accepting applications. As this stream has now reached its cap, no applications will be accepted under this category and applicants will have to wait until the program reopens next year. The stream for applicants not currently in Canada will open at a later date, but the exact launch date has not been announced.
Application Process
The closure of the Workers in Canada streams of the HCWP just a few hours after the program launched, left many applicants disheartened according to the Toronto Star. Some applicants were unable to submit their applications because the site was crashing as the system was processing applications so quickly. Additionally, many applicants faced issues when applying as they were unable to complete their application in time because they could not type fast enough to finish the process before the cap was quickly filled.
When Can You Apply to the HCWP?
Due to the unforeseen circumstances experienced this round of applications, it is strongly advised that those who were unable to apply contact us at Canadim to apply on your behalf when the Workers Not in Canada stream of the HCWP reopens next year or when the Workers Not in Canada stream launches later this year, to ensure the best outcome possible.
As updates regarding the Workers Not in Canada stream become available, we will be closely monitoring the situation and any announcements. Applicants are advised to stay informed on the HCWP Workers Not in Canada stream status, such as subscribing to our newsletter at the bottom of this page, and to contact us for future application periods so that you do not miss the opportunity to apply.
Given the high demand for this program, it is expected that the Workers Not in Canada stream will reach its cap quickly when it launches as well. Contact us at Canadim to ensure your HCWP application is completed in full by one of our experienced legal professionals when the program reopens next year or when the workers not in Canada stream opens at a later date which we will provide more details on once the program opens.
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