IRCC Update: Significant Changes to the HCCP and HSWP Programs for 2025–2026

On December 9, 2025, IRCC released a full set of updated guidelines for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. This is the final update reflecting the reforms introduced in June 2024. Although both pilots are now closed, previously submitted applications will continue to be assessed under the new rules.

1. Biggest Change: Work Experience Requirement Reduced

IRCC has lowered the work experience requirement from 12 months to 6 months.

Key updates for Category A – Gaining Experience:
• Applicants can count work experience gained outside Canada.
• Eligible experience can be obtained within 36 months before the application date.
• Applicants have only one opportunity to submit proof of experience.
These changes apply to all applications currently in process.

2. Other Notable Adjustments

• Both pilots are officially closed and no longer accepting new applications.
  • For ECAs: if a foreign credential is equivalent only to partial years of study rather than a full Canadian credential, IRCC will issue specific assessment instructions.
  • Unauthorized work: if a work permit explicitly restricts childcare or health care work, but the individual still works as a caregiver, the work counts as unauthorized.
  • Work for businesses: employers that are businesses do not qualify as eligible employers for job offers, although documented experience with a business may still be counted if it matches the occupation.
  • Part-time work is eligible only if combined hours reach at least 30 hours per week.

3. New Guidance on Experience Assessment

IRCC has released more detailed procedures covering:
• Employer eligibility
• Conditions of the person receiving care
• How to handle situations where a job offer becomes invalid
• Employer financial capacity and ability to pay caregiver wages

4. Standardization of GCMS Procedures

Notable points:
• For Category A, IRCC cannot mark “Eligibility – Stage 1 = passed” until admissibility checks are complete.
• New instructions apply when an applicant submits proof of experience before the OROWP is approved.

Conclusion

This is a significant update because it directly affects:
• Caregiver files currently in process
• How IRCC evaluates work experience
• How job offers and related work permits are reviewed
With the experience requirement reduced to 6 months and the acceptance of experience gained outside Canada, many files that previously did not meet the threshold may now have a viable path to approval.

If you have a caregiver application awaiting a decision or want to reassess your PR eligibility under the new rules, contact SICON for a detailed file review.