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How to apply

We’ll accept the following number of applications:

Workers in Canada stream Opens March 31, 2025

Deadline for this intake year: March 30, 2026

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWIP): Child Care

Category Online Alternate format
Workers in Canada 2,350 260
Out-of-status and unauthorized workers 125 15

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWIP): Home Support

Category Online Alternate format
Workers in Canada 2,350 260
Out-of-status and unauthorized workers 125 15

Applicants not working in Canada stream Closed

The number of applications available for this stream will be shared at a later date.

1. Get ready before the pilots open

We’ll accept new applications starting March 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET, until we reach the caps. If the caps are reached, they will reset on March 31, 2026.

Prepare as much as possible before the pilots open, in case the caps are reached quickly.

Follow the steps below to get your account, forms, documents and fees ready.

2. Create an account or sign in

You must apply online using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.

We aren’t accepting applications yet. You will be able to apply online on March 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Apply using the PR Portal

If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

If you (or your representative) can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternate format.

After we review your request, we’ll send you the application package in one of these formats:

  • paper
  • braille
  • large print
How to request another format
  1. Open a new email.
  2. In the subject line of your email, include
    • the format you need (paper, braille, or large print)
    • which pilot you’re applying for (HCWIP: Child Care or HCWIP: Home Support)
    • which stream you’re applying for (Workers in Canada stream, Out-of-status and unauthorized workers, or Applicants not working in Canada stream)
  3. In the body of your email, include
    • your full name as shown on your passport
    • a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
    • whether you want the application in English or French
    • how we should send it to you (by email or regular mail)
      • Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This will save you the time it would take to mail it.
      • Include your mailing address if you want it mailed to you.
  4. Send your email to IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.

We will only reply to requests for alternate formats. We won’t reply to any other emails.

After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.

How to submit your application
  • Fill out and sign any paper forms.
  • Return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions.
    • Make sure you mail your application to the correct address. We won’t accept it if it’s mailed to the wrong address and will return it to you.

You can request an alternate format once the cap opens, but before the cap for your pilot and stream has been reached. After the cap has been reached, we won’t accept any requests and will return any applications we receive.

For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).

If you’re getting help with your application from someone else

You can ask someone to help you with your immigration application.

There are special requirements depending on what kind of help you’re getting:

If you’re using a paid immigration representative

Paid immigration representatives need to be authorized (opens in a new tab).

If you want to use a paid representative, you must

A paid representative can fill out forms and communicate with us for you through their own account. They can also

  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about the forms

They can’t

  • open a portal account on your behalf
  • electronically sign the application for you
  • sign in to the portal using your username and password

After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.

You don’t need to hire a representative. Using one will not draw special attention to your application and doesn’t mean we’ll approve it.

If you’re using an unpaid representative

Unpaid representatives don’t need to be authorized or certified. They can be

  • family members
  • friends
  • anyone else who doesn’t charge you a fee

If you want to use an unpaid representative, you must

An unpaid representative can

  • open an account for you
  • fill out forms for you
  • communicate with us for you
  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about immigration forms

They can’t electronically sign the application for you.

After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.

If you’re getting help from someone who isn’t a representative

You don’t need to tell us that you’re getting help from someone as long as they don’t

  • advise you on which program to apply for
  • complete or update your application as you
  • act as you when dealing with us

They can help you

  • use our website to find information
  • access a computer, scanner or printer
  • navigate our portals and accounts
  • view and open electronic forms
  • download/upload documents
  • get your documents translated
  • make travel plans

3. Choose the category you want to apply to

Once you’re in the portal, choose “Economic” when asked which program you want to apply to. Then choose the right pilot and subcategory. You’ll see the available subcategories (as long as the cap hasn’t been reached):

Workers in Canada Stream Opens March 31, 2025

  • HCWIP: Child Care – Workers in Canada
  • HCWIP: Home Support – Workers in Canada

For out-of-status and unauthorized workers:

  • HCWIP: Child Care – Workers in Canada – Public Policy
  • HCWIP: Home Support – Workers in Canada – Public Policy

Applicants not working in Canada Closed

The stream for applicants not working in Canada will open at a later date.

Choose the right category

Make sure you choose the right category. If you choose the wrong category, we may return or refuse your application.

If the cap has been reached when you want to apply

You won’t be able to start an application for this category in the portal. If you started an application before we reached the cap

  • you won’t be able to submit it
  • it will expire after approximately 30 days

4. Get your forms and documents ready

Make sure you include all the forms and documents you need by using the correct checklist for your stream:

Complete all sections of the forms

Complete all sections of the forms. If a section doesn’t apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”.

If you need more space, include an additional page with the relevant section, complete it and upload it with your application.

If signatures are missing (when this applies) or your application is incomplete, we’ll return it to you without processing it.

If you’re missing a document

If you can’t provide a required document on the document checklist, you must provide

  • a written explanation for each missing document
  • any evidence to explain why you won’t be able to get the document, or why you can’t get it right now.

Upload them in the portal as the “document type” that we asked for on the checklist. We’ll decide whether your application still needs to be returned to you as incomplete.

Forms you’ll fill out in the portal

You’ll fill out these digital forms inside the portal (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older).

Start preparing these forms before the pilots open

We won't accept the PDF versions, but you can review them to find out what information you need to gather before applying online.

PDF forms you’ll upload – without a signature

PDF forms you'll upload – with a signature

PDF forms you'll sign and upload, if they apply to you

Other documents you'll upload

Check your checklist for the complete list of documents you need to upload to the PR portal. In most cases, you’ll easily find the right “Document name” to upload each document under. For example, you can upload proof of work experience under “Proof of Previous Relevant Work Experience.”

However, there are a few documents that you’ll need to upload as “Other” if they apply to you, including:

  • your job offer
  • proof of training
  • proof of legal entry
  • proof of work authorization

Photo instructions

You need 1 photo for yourself and one for each member of your family, even if they aren’t coming to Canada. The photo can’t be older than 12 months when you apply.

Show the photo specifications to your photographer to make sure your photos meet our requirements.

Get help with your application

Get your documents translated if they’re not in English or French

Each supporting document that isn’t in English or French must have 4 parts:

  1. a copy of the original document
  2. a certified copy of the original
    1. This means it’s been signed or stamped by the translator.
  3. a translation of the original
  4. an affidavit stating that the translation is true and accurate
    1. You don’t need an affidavit if your translator is certified.
Who can translate documents?
    • A translator certified by a professional association: Option 1 of 2
      • Their certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number.
    • A person who is fluent in both languages (English or French and the language of the document): Option 2 of 2
      • These translators need to sign an affidavit in front of an authorized person swearing their translation is true and accurate.
Who can’t translate documents?
  • Your family members
  • Your immigration representative or consultant
If you want us to release information from your application to someone else

If you want us to give information from your application to someone else (not a representative)

  1. Download the Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) form.
  2. Complete and sign it (digitally or by hand).
  3. Get the person who needs your information to sign it too.
  4. Upload it with your application.
If you’re having technical issues

If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form (opens in a new tab).

  1. Select your problem.
  2. Under Tell us about yourself:
    • If you don’t have a unique client identifier number, enter 1111111111.
    • If you haven’t submitted an application yet, and don’t have an application number, enter 0000000.
  3. Under Tell us about your technical issue:
    • Specify the program you’re trying to apply under.
    • Explain any problems that you’re having.
    • Upload screenshots from your account that show us both
      • the page and fields where you’re having problems, and
      • any error messages you’re getting.

5. Pay your application fees

Fees: From Error loading fee. Check the fee list.

Pay your fees before the pilots open

You can pay your fees before the pilots open. If a cap is reached before you apply, you can ask for a refund.

You have to pay your fees online (opens in a new tab) and include your receipt with your application.

How to include your receipt

When you successfully pay your fees, make sure you print a PDF copy of the receipt page. We’ll also email you a copy. You need to upload this with your application.

Processing fees You need to pay processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application who will immigrate with you to Canada.
Right of permanent residence fee You need to pay the right of permanent residence fee before your application is approved.
Biometrics fee In most cases, you’ll pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application. If you don’t, your application may be delayed.
This fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.
Other fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for a:

Your employer can’t charge you recruitment fees

Your employer can’t make you pay back any recruitment fees they paid to hire you. If you’re currently a temporary foreign worker, get to know your rights while working in Canada. These will still apply if you become a permanent resident.

6. Submit your completed application

Before you submit your application, make sure you:

  •  answer all questions
  •  sign (if this applies) and upload all your forms
  •  upload the receipt for your fees
  •  upload all your supporting documents

If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it, as long as the cap hasn’t already been reached. If you don’t request a refund or use your fees for another immigration program, you may be able to use the same receipt when resubmitting your application. Before doing this, make sure your fees are complete and have not changed since you last applied.

Once you submit your application, we may ask you to tell your employer to send us supporting documents related to your job offer.

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