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Caregiver Immigration
November 26, 2025
10 min read

Canada's New 2025 Public Policy for Out-of-Status Home Care Workers: What You Need to Know

In March 2025, IRCC introduced a five-year temporary public policy offering a new pathway for out-of-status or unauthorized home care workers—and their families—to stabilize their immigration status while their permanent residence application is being processed.

This is a significant development for thousands of caregivers who have lost their status, fallen into visitor status, or been unable to work legally despite years of service in Canadian households.

This blog provides a clear, practical overview of the policy and what it means for home care workers and their families in Canada.

Who Is Covered by This New Policy?

The policy applies to two groups:

1. Home Care Workers (Principal Applicants)

You may be eligible if you:

  • Have applied under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWIP) – Workers in Canada (Stream A)
  • Have passed the R10 completeness check (application accepted and in processing)
  • Are physically in Canada
  • Entered Canada on or before December 16, 2021
  • Have lived in Canada continuously since then
  • Held a work permit at any point during your stay
  • Currently have no status or are a visitor without work authorization
  • Have not made a refugee claim and are not under a removal order

This criteria gives long-term caregivers a realistic chance to rebuild their status and continue their PR pathway.

2. Family Members in Canada

Family members included in the caregiver's PR application may also qualify if they:

  • Are physically present in Canada
  • Meet IRPR's family definition (spouse, common-law partner, dependent child)
  • Have not made a refugee claim
  • Are not under a removal order

Families can now regularize their status together, reducing separation risk and improving stability.

Key Benefits of the 2025 Public Policy

This policy is one of the most flexible and supportive measures IRCC has introduced for caregivers. It offers:

✔ Status Restoration — Even After 90 Days

Under regular rules, restoration is only available within 90 days of losing status. This policy allows restoration regardless of how long the person has been out of status.

✔ Open Work Permits for Caregivers and Family Members

Eligible workers and their family members can receive:

  • Open Work Permit (R01)
  • Valid for up to 3 years
  • Renewable for another 3 years if the PR file is still in process

This means caregivers can legally work again and support their families while awaiting PR.

✔ Study Permits for Spouses and Children

Dependants may apply for or renew a study permit, giving children uninterrupted access to education.

✔ Visitor Extensions and Restoration

Applicants who do not wish to study or work can extend or restore visitor status under the policy.

✔ Fee Relief

The $100 Open Work Permit Holder fee is waived under this public policy. (Other fees like biometrics and processing fees still apply.)

Required Documentation

To apply under this policy, applicants need to show:

For Caregivers (Principal Applicants)

  • Proof PR application was submitted and accepted, such as AOR, courier receipt, or online submission confirmation
  • Proof of legal entry into Canada (passport stamp, expired permit)
  • Evidence of continuous residence since December 16, 2021, such as lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements, government benefit records
  • Copy of previous work permit
  • Proof they do not currently have status or only hold visitor status

For Family Members

  • IMM 0008 showing they are listed in the PR file
  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, IMM 5409)
  • A letter linking their application to the caregiver's PR application and temporary resident documents

How to Apply (Practical Steps)

All applications must be submitted online unless the applicant meets a disability-related exemption.

For Open Work Permits (IMM 5710):

  • Choose Open Work Permit
  • Under "Job Title," enter: "HCWIP Child Care Workers in Canada PP" or "HCWIP Home Support Workers in Canada PP"
  • Leave the duties section blank

For Visitor Extensions or Status Restoration (IMM 5708):

Enter the same policy indicator in the "Other" box

For Study Permits (Family Members):

Apply normally, with relationship and PR file documents attached

Decision & Validity

If approved, IRCC will issue:

  • Open Work Permit (up to 3 years)
  • Visitor Record, if restoring/extending visitor status
  • Study Permit, for dependent children or spouses

Each document will carry a special program code referencing the Home Care Worker Public Policy.

If refused, IRCC must provide detailed reasons, especially regarding eligibility, admissibility, or PR completeness.

Why This Policy Matters

Caregivers are essential to Canada's families, seniors, and children. Most have worked for years, often under difficult circumstances, and lost their status due to employment disruptions or administrative barriers.

This policy:

  • Restores dignity
  • Provides legal stability
  • Protects families from separation
  • Allows PR processing to continue without interruption

For many, this is the opportunity they have been waiting for.

Need Help Applying?

At M A Immigration Associates Inc., we assist caregivers and families with:

  • Eligibility assessment
  • Restoration and open work permit applications
  • PR application review
  • Document preparation and compliance
  • Full family-group submissions

If you or someone you know may qualify, contact our office for a professional consultation.