CANADA TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS INTAKE FOR THE HOME CARE WORKER PILOT
📍 IRCC Announcement – December 19, 2025
As SICON has highlighted in previous updates, the Home Care Worker Pilot has been one of the most accessible and strategic immigration pathways in recent years, offering clear eligibility criteria and a stable route to permanent residence.
This is why staying informed through SICON’s official channels and community groups is crucial. For programs with favorable conditions like this, eligible applicants tend to apply quickly once the intake opens, and quotas often fill up rapidly. Once full, reopening is rarely immediate.
In reality, many people miss out not because they’re ineligible, but because they’re late to act. Now, let’s get to the main update:
đź“Ś IRCC has officially announced:
Due to the high volume of applications under the Home Care Worker stream (for caregivers of the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities), Canada is suspending intake of new applications under this pilot until further notice.
âť— Key Points:
- IRCC will NOT reopen the March 2026 intake, breaking from previous annual patterns
- Applications submitted before this announcement will still be processed
- The suspension aligns with Canada’s goal to reduce application backlogs and bring immigration levels to sustainable targets
🧑‍⚕️ The Home Care Worker Pilot has been popular due to:
- Clear, experience-based requirements
- Strong pathway to permanent residency
- High family reunification potential
This suspension impacts:
- Applicants preparing to submit but haven’t yet
- Agencies that haven’t secured job offers or LMIAs
- Candidates expecting the usual March intake
đź“Ł SICON recommends:
- If you’ve already applied: Monitor your application closely and be ready to provide supporting documents if requested
- If you haven’t applied: Hold off for now; wait for further instructions from IRCC
- If you’re exploring alternatives: SICON can help you pivot to other suitable immigration programs
📩 Contact SICON now for an assessment of your current file and strategic planning based on Canada’s 2026–2028 immigration direction.
🧠Don’t let hesitation cost you the opportunity.
Stay informed – Get expert support – Move forward with a clear strategy, only at SICON.
