IRCC introduced a five-year temporary public policy (effective March 31, 2025) allowing out-of-status home care workers who applied for PR under Stream A to restore or extend status and obtain work authorization while their permanent residence is processed. Accompanying family members included on the PR application can also restore/extend status and receive work or study authorization, subject to Stream A and PR-policy exemption eligibility.
Soheil Hosseini
November 24, 2025
Jurisdiction
Federal
Week
Week 48
Impact
Moderate
Programs Affected
IRCC launches 5-year policy to let out-of-status home care workers restore status and work while PR is processed
Summary: Canada’s immigration department has introduced a five-year temporary public policy, effective March 31, 2025, allowing out-of-status and unauthorized home care workers—and eligible family members in Canada—to restore or extend status and obtain work or study authorization while their permanent residence applications are assessed.
Date of update: 2025-11-24 | Source: IRCC In an important program delivery update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a 5-year temporary public policy (effective March 31, 2025) enabling out-of-status and unauthorized home care workers in Canada to restore or extend their status and obtain a work permit while their permanent residence (PR) application is being processed. The policy applies to individuals who have applied for PR under Stream A (Workers in Canada) of the Home Care Worker Immigration Child Care or Home Support classes and who sought exemptions under the Permanent Resident public policy. IRCC confirmed that accompanying family members in Canada who are included on the PR application are also eligible to restore or extend their status and to work or study in Canada, as applicable, under this temporary policy. This measure is issued as a program delivery update and is posted on IRCC’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders. Program affected: Caregivers; Work Permit. Independent analysis
- Potential benefits: The policy offers continuity of lawful status and work authorization for caregivers, helping stabilize in-home care services and reducing vulnerability associated with unauthorized work. It may also streamline case management by keeping applicants engaged with IRCC while PR decisions are pending.
- Potential challenges: A surge in restoration and open work permit requests could increase processing pressures. The policy’s limited scope—tied to Stream A within specified home care classes and PR-policy exemptions—means some caregivers will remain ineligible, potentially raising equity and clarity concerns.
- Practical takeaway: Affected workers and their in-Canada family members should verify eligibility against the Stream A and PR-policy exemption criteria and ensure timely submissions to maintain or regain status during PR processing. IRCC’s update underscores a targeted effort to protect caregivers and safeguard Canada’s home care labour supply while PR applications are finalized. Applicants should consult IRCC’s official guidance for complete eligibility and application steps.
Tags: Canada immigration, IRCC, caregivers, home care workers, work permit, permanent residence, Stream A, status restoration, public policy, family members, program delivery update, 2025 policy, Canadian immigration news
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