Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration programs and requirements change frequently. For advice about your specific situation, please contact Sohi Law Group directly.
reaking News: Child Care Pilot Hits Its Cap
On March 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially opened the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care (HCWIP:CC) at 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The excitement was immediate — within just a few hours, thousands of applications were submitted from caregivers eager to secure permanent residence. By approximately 4:45 PM EDT, IRCC confirmed that the annual cap of 2,750 applications had already been reached, forcing the program to close on the very same day it launched.
This rapid closure highlights the intense competition surrounding Canada’s caregiver immigration programs. For many applicants, this represented a once-a-year opportunity to transition from temporary worker status to a more stable pathway toward permanent residence. Missing the window means waiting until 2026, underscoring how critical timing and preparation are in these programs.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Home Support Worker Pilot, which runs in parallel with the Child Care Pilot, also reached capacity. That program closed around 2:25 PM EDT, less than five hours after opening. The fact that both caregiver pilots reached their maximum intake within hours of each other demonstrates not only the popularity of these programs but also the urgent need for permanent caregiving staff across Canada.
About the Child Care Pilot
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care (HCWIP:CC) is part of Canada’s caregiver immigration initiatives, designed to help address the growing shortage of qualified caregivers while providing a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals in this field.
The program is structured into two main streams:
- Workers in Canada stream – for caregivers who are already working in Canada in eligible child care occupations. Applicants must demonstrate recent and qualifying Canadian work experience to apply under this stream.
- Applicants not working in Canada stream – intended for foreign nationals with relevant child care experience gained abroad. This stream has not yet opened, and IRCC has not released application dates.
In 2025, only the Workers in Canada stream was available when the program launched.
A total of 2,750 application spots were allocated for the Child Care Pilot in 2025. Of these, 140 were reserved specifically for out-of-status or unauthorized workers in Canada. This reservation reflects the government’s recognition of the contributions made by vulnerable workers who may lack valid immigration status but continue to play an essential role in supporting Canadian families.
The Child Care Pilot is part of Canada’s broader immigration strategy to attract and retain skilled workers in essential caregiving roles, while ensuring that families across the country have access to much-needed child care support. By linking permanent residence to caregiving work, the pilot not only strengthens Canada’s labour market but also creates greater security and stability for caregivers and their families.et.
High Demand and Limited Availability
The speed at which both caregiver pilots closed in 2025 highlights just how competitive these programs have become. With 2,750 spots for the Child Care stream filling in less than seven hours and the Home Support Worker stream closing earlier that same afternoon, it is clear that interest in Canada’s caregiver immigration pathways far exceeds the number of places available.
This overwhelming demand reflects two realities: first, the critical labour shortages in the caregiving sector across Canada, particularly for child care providers and home support workers; and second, the strong desire among foreign nationals already working in Canada to secure permanent residence. By offering a pathway to stability and long-term settlement, these pilots have become some of the most sought-after immigration opportunities in recent years.
For many applicants, missing an intake means waiting an entire year before reapplying. This makes advance preparation essential. Applicants who have their documentation ready and understand eligibility requirements are far better positioned to submit quickly once the next application window opens.
What Caregivers Should Know
- The 2025 intake is now closed for both caregiver pilots.
- The Applicants not working in Canada stream for child care workers has not yet opened; IRCC will announce dates.
- The next intake is expected in 2026.
- Applicants should monitor IRCC’s official website for updates: IRCC – Caregiver Programs.
Conclusion
The swift closure of both caregiver pilot programs in 2025 sends a clear message: these immigration pathways are in extremely high demand, and opportunities are limited. With application windows filling in just a matter of hours, caregivers who wish to apply cannot afford to wait until the last minute.
Successful applicants are typically those who prepare their documentation in advance, stay updated on official announcements, and act quickly once the programs reopen. Since the next intake is expected in 2026, now is the time for prospective applicants to review eligibility, gather supporting documents, and plan their applications carefully.
At the same time, the high demand underscores how important these programs are to Canada’s long-term immigration and labour strategy. Caregivers play a vital role in supporting Canadian families, and the pilots provide a much-needed pathway for workers who have already been contributing significantly to the economy.
For tailored advice and assistance with future caregiver applications, contact Sohi Law Group. Our team can help you prepare early and position your application for the next intake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will the Child Care Pilot reopen?
The next intake is expected in 2026, but IRCC has not yet announced the exact date. Applicants should check IRCC’s official website regularly for updates.
2. How many applications were accepted in 2025?
The Child Care Pilot (HCWIP:CC) accepted 2,750 applications, including 140 reserved spots for out-of-status or unauthorized workers in Canada.
3. Is there a waitlist if I missed the 2025 intake?
No. Once the cap is reached, applications are closed. Applicants must wait until the next intake to apply.
4. What are the two streams under the Child Care Pilot?
- Workers in Canada stream – for caregivers currently working in child care in Canada.
- Applicants not working in Canada stream – for individuals with relevant child care experience outside of Canada. (Note: This stream has not yet opened.)
5. What should I do now if I want to apply in 2026?
Start preparing early by reviewing eligibility requirements, collecting your supporting documents, and staying informed through official IRCC announcements. Speaking with an immigration lawyer can also help you understand your options.
No comment