Live-in Caregiver

The former Live‑in Caregiver Program (LCP) is closed to new applicants. LCP work permits and permanent-residence pathways under that program are available only for those who already had an approved LCP permit based on a valid labour-market assessment submitted before November 30, 2014.

However, starting March 31, 2025, IRCC has launched new caregiver immigration pathways collectively known as the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP), replacing the older caregiver streams.

What Are the New Pilot Streams?

• Child Care Pilot — for home child care providers (e.g. nannies / child caregivers).
• Home Support Pilot — for home support workers or caregivers assisting individuals needing support (elderly, disabled, etc.).

Who Is Eligible (Common Requirements)

• Applicants must plan to live and work in Canada — but outside the province of Quebec.
• Language proficiency: minimum of CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French.
• Education: at least a high-school diploma (or foreign equivalent, with a valid Educational Credential Assessment).
• Work experience or training: either recent relevant work experience as caregiver/child-care/support worker, or a relevant training credential (depending on the stream).
• A valid job offer as a home care provider (in a private home or via a recognized home-care agency) — for full-time work.
• Applicants must be admissible to Canada (no disqualifying criminality, health, or security issues).

Streams and Application Status (as of 2025)

• Workers-in-Canada stream: For those already living and authorized to work in Canada. As of 2025, this stream is open but has limited intake and many slots have already been filled.
• Applicants-not-working-in-Canada stream: IRCC plans to reopen this stream later in 2025.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

If you meet the eligibility criteria under the HCWP and receive a valid job offer, work permit, and full-time employment in the eligible caregiver occupations, you can apply for permanent residence under the caregiver stream.

Note: If you were part of the older Live-in Caregiver Program with an approved work permit prior to its closure, you may still be eligible for PR under its original rules (e.g. after completing required work experience).

Important Warnings & Advice

• The old Live-in Caregiver Program no longer accepts new applicants. Do not apply under it if you don’t already have an approved permit.
• The new caregiver pilots are subject to annual application caps — slots may fill quickly.
• Applications through HCWP require valid job offers, proof of language proficiency, credential assessment, admissibility checks, and compliance with job and residence conditions.

Need Assistance?

If you want help checking your eligibility, preparing paperwork, or applying under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, contact us — we can guide you step by step.