Canada Immigration for Caregivers and Nannies in 2026

Last updated: August 12, 2026.

As of August 12, 2026, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care and Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support are closed to new applications. Nannies and caregivers may still explore other immigration options, including certain provincial programs, the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and, when they have eligible TEER 0–3 work experience, Express Entry.

What is happening with the caregiver programs?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — IRCC — paused the acceptance of new applications so that it could focus on processing applications already in its inventory.

The pilots did not reopen in March 2026. IRCC has not announced a new intake date. Applications received before the closure continue to be processed.

The current Ministerial Instructions stop the acceptance of new applications and may remain in effect until March 30, 2030, unless they are repealed or replaced earlier. This does not necessarily mean that the pilots will remain closed until 2030. The government may change the rules or announce a new intake through a separate decision.

Which occupations are considered caregiving occupations?

Immigration eligibility depends on the duties actually performed, not only on a person’s job title. These duties must be compared with Canada’s National Occupational Classification — NOC.

Common occupational categories include:

• NOC 44100, TEER 4 — home child care providers and nannies;
• NOC 44101, TEER 4 — home support workers, caregivers and related occupations;
• NOC 42202, TEER 2 — early childhood educators and assistants;
• NOC 33102, TEER 3 — nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates.

Immigration options differ between these occupations. Selecting an NOC based only on a job title, rather than the actual duties, may make an application ineligible or lead to a refusal.

What were the principal requirements of the closed pilots?

Before intake was paused, the pilots included two categories:

• child care;
• home support for seniors, persons with illnesses and persons with disabilities.

Requirements included a genuine offer of permanent employment outside Quebec, qualifying education, an approved language test and eligible work experience or specified occupational training.

In certain cases, at least six months of relevant continuous work experience or qualifying occupational training could be accepted.

Meeting these conditions is not currently sufficient because IRCC is not accepting new applications under the pilots.

Can nannies apply through Express Entry?

Work experience as a home child care provider under NOC 44100 is classified as TEER 4. Work experience as a home support worker under NOC 44101 is also classified as TEER 4.

The Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker Program recognize qualifying skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. Experience limited to NOC 44100 or NOC 44101 will therefore not normally qualify a person for Express Entry on the basis of that work.

Express Entry may still be possible when a candidate:

• has other qualifying work experience in TEER 0–3;
• actually performed the duties of NOC 42202, NOC 33102 or another eligible occupation;
• meets all requirements of the Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Worker Program;
• qualifies for an Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program stream and one of the federal Express Entry programs.

Candidates should not claim a higher TEER occupation unless their actual duties and supporting documents correspond to that occupation.

What other programs can caregivers explore?

Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program accepts certain TEER 4 job offers.

A candidate normally needs an offer of permanent employment from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador or Prince Edward Island.

The candidate must also meet the applicable work experience, education, language and other program requirements. A job offer alone does not guarantee eligibility.

Rural Community Immigration Pilot

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot may accept candidates with TEER 4 job offers.

Candidates generally need:

• a job offer from a designated employer;
• employment in a participating community;
• a community recommendation;
• qualifying work experience;
• the required language level;
• qualifying education;
• settlement funds, when required.

Each community determines its priority occupations, designated employers, intake periods and available allocations.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Some Provincial Nominee Programs may accept candidates employed in TEER 4 occupations.

Depending on the province and stream, requirements may include a job offer, employer support, provincial work experience, a valid work permit, a specified language level or employment in a priority occupation.

Provincial program criteria and eligible occupation lists may change.

Temporary work permits

In certain circumstances, a caregiver may obtain a work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program after the employer receives a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment — LMIA.

Eligibility depends on the candidate’s location and current status, the province of employment, the employer and the type of work permit requested.

For new applicants outside Canada, an LMIA-based work permit for NOC 44100 or NOC 44101 is generally available when the employment will be in Quebec. Different rules may apply to certain candidates who are already legally in Canada.

Why should each case be assessed individually?

The closure of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots does not always mean that a candidate should simply wait for a future reopening.

While intake is paused, the candidate’s age, immigration score, language test validity, eligibility for provincial programs, Canadian status and terms of employment may change.

A professional assessment can help identify currently available programs, determine the appropriate NOC, identify risks and establish a realistic immigration strategy.

How CUSC can assist

Using an immigration representative is not mandatory. Candidates have the right to review the requirements and submit their own applications.

CUSC professionals can:

• assess the likely NOC based on the candidate’s actual duties;
• review possible eligibility for Express Entry;
• examine the Atlantic Immigration Program;
• assess the Rural Community Immigration Pilot;
• identify potentially suitable provincial programs;
• review a job offer;
• identify potential risks;
• develop an individual immigration strategy;
• assist with document preparation and review within the scope of a signed service agreement.

CUSC cannot guarantee a visa, work permit, invitation or permanent resident status. Final decisions are made by IRCC or the responsible provincial authority.

Review your Canadian immigration options

Tell us about your occupation, job duties, work experience, education, English or French ability, country of residence and any Canadian job offer.

We will review which current programs may apply to your circumstances and explain the possible next steps.