IRCC paused new application intake for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWIP) on December 19, 2025, and confirmed the pilots will not reopen as planned in March 2026. Existing applications are still being processed. Filipino caregivers can still come to Canada through a Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) work permit and other pathways listed below, but the direct PR-on-arrival pilot route is closed to new applicants until further notice. (IRCC notice)
If you are in the Philippines and you want to know how to apply caregiver in Canada from Philippines in 2026, the rules look very different from the ones in older blog posts. This guide replaces every outdated reference to the Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP) and the 2019–2024 Home Child Care Provider Pilot. It covers what is open today, what is paused, and what to do right now if you want to keep your Canadian dream on track.
Check Out How to immigrate to Canada as a Caregiver: Get your Work Permit & PR:
This article was last updated in 2026 and is reviewed against IRCC, ESDC, and Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) publications.
What changed in Canada’s caregiver immigration in 2024–2026
Canada has cycled through several caregiver streams in the last decade. Knowing which one is current matters, because most of what you will find online still describes closed programs.
- Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP): Closed to new applicants in November 2014.
- Caring for Children Pilot and Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pilot: Both ran 2014–2019 and are closed.
- Interim Pathway for Caregivers: Open only in 2019; closed.
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot (2019–2024): Stopped accepting new PR applications on June 17, 2024.
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWIP): Launched March 31, 2025 with a five-year mandate to 2030. Intake paused on December 19, 2025, with no reopening in March 2026. (Canada.ca)
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – caregiver streams: Still open. Requires an LMIA-backed job offer.
The short version: Filipino caregivers applying from outside Canada in 2026 should plan around a TFWP work permit first, then position themselves for a future PR pathway when IRCC reopens the pilots or replaces them with a permanent program.
Quick eligibility snapshot for Filipino caregivers
| Requirement | What it looks like in 2026 |
|---|---|
| NOC code | 44100 (Home Child Care Provider) or 44101 (Home Support Worker) |
| Education | Canadian high school equivalent. For PR pilots when reopened: 1-year post-secondary or foreign equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) |
| Language | CLB/NCLC 4 minimum (HCWIP), CLB 5 (older pilots). IELTS General, CELPIP-General, TEF or TCF accepted |
| Work experience | 6 months relevant paid experience OR 6+ months of caregiver training (TESDA NC II in Caregiving qualifies) |
| Job offer | Full-time, non-seasonal, from a single Canadian employer outside Quebec |
| LMIA | Required for TFWP work permits; not required when HCWIP pilots are open |
| Philippine side | DMW/POEA registration, OEC, PEOS, NBI clearance, PSA documents |
Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWIP): what they were and what is next
The two HCWIP streams that launched in 2025 are the most generous caregiver pathway Canada has offered in years. They are paused, but you should still understand them because IRCC is expected to bring them back or replace them with a permanent program.
The two streams
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot, Child Care stream (NOC 44100)
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot, Home Support stream (NOC 44101)
Each stream had three categories: workers in Canada with status, workers in Canada without status (limited to 125 spots per stream), and applicants outside Canada (Stream B, originally planned for 2027, ultimately not opened).
What made HCWIP different
- Permanent residence on arrival. No “work first, apply later” delay.
- No LMIA required from the employer.
- Family included. Spouse and dependent children included on the same application.
- Lower language bar. CLB 4 in all four skills, versus CLB 5 under the older 2019 pilots.
- Easier work history. Six months of relevant paid work or six months of completed caregiver training was enough.
Why intake was paused
IRCC’s December 19, 2025 notice cites “ongoing high demand” and the need to “prioritize processing of existing applications.” The 2025 quota of 5,500 applications filled almost immediately. (IRCC)
What to do if you were planning to apply through HCWIP
- Subscribe to IRCC’s email updates and the OnTheMoveCanada newsletter for reopening news.
- Get your language test (IELTS General or CELPIP-General) completed and valid for two years.
- Order your Educational Credential Assessment from WES, ICAS, IQAS, or CES.
- Build paid caregiver experience in the Philippines, ideally documented with payslips and BIR-stamped contracts.
- Pursue a TFWP work permit so you can switch into Stream A when the pilots reopen for workers in Canada.
How to apply caregiver in Canada from Philippines (TFWP route, the realistic 2026 path)
With HCWIP intake closed, the practical answer to “how to apply caregiver in Canada from Philippines” right now is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Here is the full sequence.
Step 1: Confirm you meet the basics
- 18 years or older
- Senior High School diploma (K-12) or higher
- TESDA NC II in Caregiving, a related college diploma, or six months of documented paid caregiver work
- IELTS General or CELPIP-General at CLB 5 or higher (some employers ask for CLB 7)
- NBI Clearance, valid passport, PSA birth certificate, marriage/CENOMAR if applicable
Step 2: Find a Canadian employer willing to sponsor you
You need a genuine, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from one Canadian employer. Common sources:
- Job Bank Canada (jobbank.gc.ca), IRCC’s official portal. Filter for NOC 44100 and 44101.
- DMW/POEA-accredited Canadian agencies. Always verify accreditation on the DMW website before paying anyone anything.
- Care.com, NannyServices.ca, Indeed.ca, and SeekersChoice.com.
- Filipino-Canadian community boards in Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary. The Migrant Workers Office (MWO Vancouver) publishes scam alerts and verified employer lists. (MWO Vancouver)
Recruitment fee rule: Under Philippine law and DMW Memorandum Circulars, the Canadian employer must pay your LMIA, work permit, visa, airfare, POEA processing fee, and OWWA membership. Any agency asking you to pay these is operating illegally. Walk away.
Step 3: Employer obtains a positive LMIA from ESDC
Your employer applies to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Caregiver LMIAs typically take 8–20 weeks. The employer must show they tried to hire a Canadian first and will pay the median wage for your NOC and province.
Step 4: You apply for the work permit at IRCC
Once the LMIA is positive, you submit your work permit application online through your IRCC Secure Account. You will need:
- Job offer letter and the LMIA confirmation number
- Passport copy
- Proof of qualifications (TESDA NC II, transcripts)
- Language test results
- Police clearance (NBI)
- Upfront medical exam from a panel physician (Marakit Medical, St. Luke’s Extension Clinic, or other IRCC-approved clinics in Manila/Cebu)
- Biometrics appointment at the VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in Manila or Cebu (CAD $85 per person)
Government work permit fee: CAD $155 plus CAD $100 open work permit holder fee where applicable. (IRCC fees)
Step 5: Complete Philippine deployment requirements
After IRCC issues your Letter of Introduction and visa counterfoil, you complete the Philippine side:
- Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) certificate
- Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) at OWWA
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from DMW (valid 60 days)
- OWWA membership and PhilHealth contribution
- Pag-IBIG MP2 enrollment (recommended, not required)
Step 6: Fly to Canada and activate your work permit
Your Letter of Introduction is not the work permit. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at your port of entry (Vancouver YVR, Toronto YYZ, or Winnipeg YWG are common Filipino entry points) prints the actual work permit after questioning. Carry your job offer, LMIA, and a printed copy of every supporting document in your hand luggage.
Step 7: Build your bridge to permanent residence
Once you are in Canada working as a caregiver, you have several PR options once the door reopens:
- HCWIP Stream A (workers in Canada) when intake resumes
- A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) caregiver or in-demand stream (BC PNP, Saskatchewan SINP, Manitoba MPNP, and the Atlantic Immigration Program all have caregiver-relevant streams)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry if your NOC qualifies and you reach the CRS cutoff
- A spousal open work permit if your partner becomes a PR or skilled worker
Fees and budget: what it actually costs in 2026
Government fees only. Expect to add language test fees, ECA, medical exam, translations, and travel.
| Item | 2026 Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Work permit (TFWP) | $155 |
| Open work permit holder fee (if applicable) | $100 |
| Biometrics, individual | $85 |
| Biometrics, family of 2+ | $170 |
| HCWIP PR application, principal applicant (with RPRF) | $1,590 |
| HCWIP PR application, principal applicant (without RPRF) | $990 |
| Include spouse/partner (with RPRF) | $1,590 |
| Include each dependent child | $270 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $600 |
| Medical exam at panel physician (Manila/Cebu) | ~PHP 6,000–9,000 |
| IELTS General or CELPIP-General test | ~PHP 11,500–14,000 |
| Educational Credential Assessment (WES) | ~CAD $230 + courier |
Source: IRCC fee list, updated April 30, 2026. (CIC News on the 2026 fee hike)
Processing times you should plan for
IRCC’s published service standards drift. As of May 2026, Filipino applicants should plan for:
- LMIA (employer side): 8–20 weeks
- TFWP work permit (Manila visa office): 8–14 weeks plus biometrics
- HCWIP PR (already submitted, in queue): 6–12 months
- Provincial Nominee caregiver streams: 12–24 months end-to-end
- Express Entry CEC: 5–6 months after Invitation to Apply
Build a 9–18 month buffer between the day you decide to apply and the day you board your flight to Canada.
Salary expectations for Filipino caregivers in Canada
Wages must meet the median wage for the NOC and province set by ESDC. As of 2026:
- Home Child Care Provider (NOC 44100): roughly CAD $19–$22/hour in Ontario, BC, and Alberta; lower in Atlantic provinces
- Home Support Worker (NOC 44101): roughly CAD $20–$24/hour, often higher in long-term care facilities
Annual full-time salaries land between CAD $39,500 and CAD $50,000 before tax. This is a meaningful jump from the older $14.66/hour figure circulated in pre-2020 articles.
How to spot and avoid recruitment scams
The DMW publishes scam alerts because Filipino caregivers are a frequent target. Use this filter before paying any money or signing any contract:
- The agency must appear on the DMW list of accredited Canadian recruiters.
- The Canadian employer name must match a real registered business in Canada (verify on the provincial corporate registry).
- The LMIA confirmation letter is real, on ESDC letterhead, with a verifiable LMIA number.
- The agency does not collect placement fees from you; the Canadian employer pays.
- The job offer specifies NOC 44100 or 44101, hourly wage, hours per week, address, and employer signatory.
- You receive an affidavit of undertaking from the employer, notarized in Canada, agreeing to cover deployment costs.
If something feels off, file a complaint with the MWO Vancouver (mwo.vancouver@dmw.gov.ph) or the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch in Mandaluyong.
Bringing your spouse and children
The HCWIP, when it reopens, allows you to include your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children on the same PR application. While you are on a TFWP work permit:
- Your spouse may apply for an open work permit (SOWP) if you are in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. NOC 44100 and 44101 are TEER 3, so spousal OWPs are generally available.
- Dependent children can apply for a study permit. K–12 schooling in most provinces is free for children of work permit holders.
Keep all PSA marriage and birth certificates, plus DFA-Apostilled copies, ready before you submit any application.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for caregivers
If HCWIP stays paused, several provinces have streams that recognize caregiver experience:
- British Columbia PNP, Skilled Worker (Health Authority): Open to TFWs in long-term care, including some NOC 44101 roles.
- Manitoba MPNP, Skilled Worker In-Manitoba stream: Caregivers working in Manitoba for 6+ months may qualify.
- Saskatchewan SINP, Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot: Includes home support worker positions.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Designated employers in NS, NB, NL, and PEI hire caregivers under TEER 3.
Each PNP has its own job offer, language, and education thresholds. Verify on the provincial immigration website before relying on any third-party guide.
Comparison: TFWP vs. HCWIP (when open) vs. PNP
| Factor | TFWP (open in 2026) | HCWIP (paused) | Provincial Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMIA needed | Yes | No | Often yes |
| PR on arrival | No | Yes | No |
| Time to PR | 2–4 years via separate route | Immediate | 1–2 years after nomination |
| Language requirement | CLB 5+ (employer dependent) | CLB 4 | CLB 5–7 |
| Work permit first | Yes | Optional (Stream A) | Usually yes |
| Family included | Spouse OWP, kids study permit | All on PR application | Usually yes at PR |
Documents checklist (Philippines side)
- Valid Philippine passport (minimum 18 months validity)
- PSA birth certificate
- PSA marriage certificate or CENOMAR
- NBI Clearance (national, multi-purpose)
- TESDA NC II in Caregiving certificate plus Training Hours Report
- Senior High School / college transcript and diploma
- IELTS General or CELPIP-General results (less than 24 months old)
- IRCC-approved medical exam (Marakit, St. Luke’s Extension Clinic, ICA Medical, or similar)
- Police clearance from any country lived in for 6+ months since age 18
- Employment contract signed by both parties
- LMIA confirmation letter from employer
- Proof of funds (only if requested)
- Two passport-size photos meeting IRCC specifications
What we updated vs. the 2023 version of this guide
Our previous post was published on March 29, 2023, and still referenced the Live-In Caregiver Program timeline, $14.66/hour wages, and the 2019 Home Child Care Provider Pilot as if they were current. Specifically updated:
- Removed the “two years live-in” PR pathway claim. The LCP closed in November 2014.
- Replaced the 2019 Home Child Care Provider/Home Support Worker Pilot section with the 2025 HCWIP structure and the December 19, 2025 intake pause.
- Updated wage figures from $14.66/hour to current 2026 ranges of $19–$24/hour.
- Added the 2026 fee schedule that took effect April 30, 2026.
- Added DMW-specific deployment steps (PEOS, OEC, OWWA), which the older article omitted.
- Added the recruitment-scam framework using the MWO Vancouver and DMW resources.
- Replaced “TFWP without Canadian work experience” placeholder text with a full 7-step TFWP workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply as a caregiver in Canada from the Philippines in 2026 without Canadian work experience?
Not through the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, which are paused as of December 19, 2025. You can still come to Canada on a Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit if a Canadian employer secures a positive LMIA for you. After working in Canada, you can transition to a PR pathway through HCWIP Stream A (when reopened), Express Entry CEC, or a Provincial Nominee Program.
What is the difference between NOC 44100 and NOC 44101?
NOC 44100 is Home Child Care Provider: nannies, au pairs, and caregivers who look after children in the employer’s home. NOC 44101 is Home Support Worker, Caregiver and Related Occupation: workers who care for elderly, disabled, or convalescent people in private homes. Both qualify for caregiver immigration pathways.
How much does it cost to apply as a caregiver from the Philippines?
Expect roughly CAD $300–$400 in IRCC fees for a TFWP work permit (work permit fee plus biometrics), plus PHP 20,000–35,000 in Philippine-side costs for medicals, language tests, NBI, and DMW processing. PR through HCWIP costs CAD $1,590 for a principal applicant including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee.
Do I need TESDA NC II in Caregiving?
You need either six months of paid caregiver work experience or six months of caregiver-related training. TESDA NC II in Caregiving (192 hours) satisfies the training requirement and is the standard credential most Canadian employers and the DMW expect from Filipino applicants.
Which English test does IRCC accept for caregivers?
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada (French), and TCF Canada (French). Tests must be less than two years old at the time you submit your application. CLB 4 was the minimum under HCWIP; CLB 5 is the safer baseline for TFWP employers.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Yes. On a TFWP work permit, your spouse or common-law partner is generally eligible for an open work permit because NOC 44100 and 44101 are TEER 3, and your dependent children can attend public school for free in most provinces. When HCWIP reopens, you include your spouse and children directly on the PR application.
What happens to my application if HCWIP is paused?
If you submitted your HCWIP application before December 19, 2025, IRCC continues processing it under the Immigration Levels Plan. New applications are not being accepted until further notice, with no reopening planned for March 2026.
Can I apply directly to a Canadian family without an agency?
Yes, this is allowed and increasingly common. The family must still obtain a positive LMIA from ESDC and pay your recruitment costs. Direct hires reduce scam risk but require more research on your part. Use Job Bank Canada and verified Filipino-Canadian community boards rather than Facebook strangers.
What is the salary for a Filipino caregiver in Canada in 2026?
Expect CAD $19–$24/hour depending on NOC code and province, which works out to approximately CAD $39,500–$50,000 per year before tax. Wages must meet the ESDC median wage for your NOC and province.
How long does the whole process take from Manila to landing in Canada?
Plan for 9–18 months from the day you sign with a verified employer. LMIA takes 8–20 weeks, work permit processing in Manila takes 8–14 weeks, and Philippine-side deployment (PEOS, OEC, OWWA, PDOS, ticket) takes another 4–8 weeks.
Need more help with your Canada caregiver application?
OnTheMoveCanada publishes detailed, regularly updated guides on every part of the journey. If this article was useful, these will help next:
- Canadian Express Entry: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- Provincial Nominee Programs Explained
- Canada Work Permit: Open vs. Closed and How to Apply
- Family Sponsorship: Bringing Your Spouse and Children to Canada
- Settling in Canada: Your First 30 Days Checklist
- Filipino Community Resources in Canada
For complex cases, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian immigration lawyer. Verify any consultant’s licence on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register.
Sources
- IRCC. “Pausing Home Care Worker Immigration pilots application intake.” Published December 19, 2025.
- IRCC. “Home Care Worker Immigration pilots.” Canada.ca.
- IRCC. “Citizenship and immigration application fees: Fee list.” Effective April 30, 2026.
- CIC News. “Canada hikes permanent resident fees.” April 2026.
- Department of Migrant Workers (Philippines). DMW homepage and circulars.
- Migrant Workers Office Vancouver. MWO Vancouver service page.
- IRCC. “Closed: Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot.”