Ottawa, December 19, 2025 — As part of Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a pause on new applications for the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots until further notice.
The decision comes amid sustained high demand for the program, which has attracted more applicants than available spaces, resulting in extended processing times. The pilots support home care workers who provide essential services to seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
IRCC confirmed that the intake will not re-open in March 2026, as previously anticipated. Instead, the department will focus on processing applications already received, in line with the federal government’s immigration targets.
Officials acknowledged the pause may be disappointing for prospective applicants and their families, but said the move is necessary to prevent further growth in application backlogs and to support the government’s goal of returning immigration to sustainable levels.
IRCC stated that any future updates on the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots will be shared publicly.