The Canadian Pilot Care Program, specifically the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, offered a pathway to permanent residency for qualified caregivers. While these specific pilots ended on June 17, 2024, understanding their structure and requirements can be valuable for future immigration opportunities. This article explores the key aspects of these programs, including qualifying work experience and application categories.
Qualifying Work Experience Under the Pilot Care Program
A core component of the Pilot Care Program was the requirement for specific qualifying work experience. This experience needed to be full-time and within designated National Occupational Classification (NOC) roles:
Home Child Care Provider (NOC 44100)
This role involved caring for children in a private home setting, either the caregiver’s own home or the employer’s. Crucially, the experience had to be outside of institutional settings like daycares. Living in the employer’s home wasn’t mandatory, and experience as a foster parent didn’t qualify.
Home Support Worker (NOC 44101)
This role entailed providing care for individuals needing assistance within the employer’s private home. Similar to the childcare provider role, institutional settings like nursing homes were excluded. Living in the employer’s home was not a requirement.
Application Categories within the Pilot Care Program
The Pilot Care Program offered two distinct application categories, catering to individuals with varying levels of work experience:
Gaining Experience Category
This pathway allowed individuals to acquire the necessary work experience in Canada to qualify for permanent residency. Initially requiring more experience, the program was adjusted in June 2024 to require only 6 months of eligible work experience gained within or outside of Canada within a specific timeframe.
Direct to Permanent Residence Category
This category was designed for caregivers who already possessed the required work experience, enabling them to directly apply for permanent residency. The June 2024 adjustment to a 6-month experience requirement applied automatically to applicants in this category.
National Occupational Classification (NOC) Updates and the Pilot Care Program
In November 2022, the NOC system was updated. Applications submitted before November 16, 2022, were assessed based on the 2016 NOC codes (4411 for Home Child Care Provider and 4412 for Home Support Worker). Applications submitted after this date were assessed under the 2021 NOC codes (44100 and 44101 respectively).
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Pilot Care Program
While the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot are no longer accepting new applications, they provided valuable pathways to permanent residency for many caregivers. The programs highlighted the importance of qualified caregivers in Canada and served as a foundation for future immigration initiatives in the caregiving sector. As of March 31, 2025, new Home Care Worker Immigration pilots will open, offering further opportunities for caregivers seeking to build a life in Canada.
