Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a key update for individuals applying for permanent residence through the Home Child Care Provider Pilot (HCCP) and the Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP). As of July 30, 2025, IRCC will continue issuing open work permits to eligible in-Canada applicants and their family members while their permanent residence applications are being processed.
What’s New?
Under this ongoing policy, in-Canada principal applicants under the HCCP and HSWP may apply for an occupation-restricted open work permit (OROWP) if they meet the eligibility criteria. This allows caregivers to begin working and accumulating the required work experience without waiting for IRCC to finalize their permanent residence application.
In addition, spouses and dependent children of these applicants can also apply for open work permits or study permits, ensuring families can remain together and build stability in Canada during the lengthy application process.
Why This Matters
This measure is crucial for:
- Reducing disruptions to applicants’ lives while waiting for permanent residence processing;
- Supporting families by allowing spouses and dependents to work or study;
- Meeting labour market needs, especially in caregiving roles, by enabling qualified individuals to enter the workforce sooner.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the open work permit:
- The applicant must reside in Canada.
- They must have submitted a complete permanent residence application under HCCP or HSWP.
- They must meet specific program requirements, including language proficiency, education, and a genuine job offer in Canada as a caregiver.
A Reminder About Occupation-Restricted Open Work Permits (OROWPs)
Unlike traditional open work permits, OROWPs limit the type of occupation in which the holder can work. In this case, the occupation must be consistent with caregiving roles under NOC 44100 or NOC 44101. However, these permits still provide flexibility to change employers, as long as the role remains within the caregiving sector.
Our Insight
This update reflects IRCC’s continued commitment to supporting caregivers — a vital but often overlooked part of Canada’s labour market. It also provides reassurance to applicants concerned about long processing times and immigration uncertainty. The ability to work and support a family while waiting for a PR decision is more than a policy — it’s a path toward stability and dignity.
At Jain Immigration Law, we help caregivers and their families navigate the complexities of these pilot programs and ensure they benefit from all available pathways — including securing work permits, preparing thorough PR applications, and responding to procedural fairness or delays.
Need Help With Your Caregiver Application or Open Work Permit?
Contact Jain Immigration Law to discuss your options:
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