July 30, 2025 IRCC Program Update: Easier Work Permits and PR Pathways for Caregivers

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Canada has updated its work permit rules for caregivers applying for permanent residence under the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots. These changes simplify eligibility, reduce wait times, and clarify how family members can join applicants in Canada.

What’s Changed for Caregiver Work Permits in 2025?

On July 30, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the program delivery instructions for the caregiver pilots. Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Reduced Work Experience Requirement

• Only 6 months of qualifying work experience is now needed (down from 12).
• Experience can be gained outside Canada.
• Work experience is valid if gained up to 36 months before applying.
• Applicants only get one chance to submit experience proof to IRCC.

Two Main Caregiver Categories

Category	Description	Eligible for OROWP?	Eligible for BOWP?
Category A – Gaining Experience	Has less than 6 months of experience	✅ Yes	🔁 After gaining experience
Category B – Direct to PR	Already has required experience	❌ No	✅ Yes

✅ NOC Codes: NOC 4411 / 4412 (2016) or 44100 / 44101 (2021)
⚠️ Work experience cannot be combined across different NOC codes.

What is the C90 Occupation-Restricted Open Work Permit (OROWP)?

The C90 OROWP is a special open work permit issued to caregivers who have not yet completed the required work experience.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Apply online along with their permanent residence application.
• Have a valid job offer in childcare or home support.
• Be physically able to perform the job duties.
• Pay required fees: $155 (application) + $100 (open work permit holder fee).
• Not apply at the port of entry (POE) — online only.

Bridging Open Work Permit (A75) – What’s New?

If a caregiver has already met the work experience requirement, they may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) under code A75 while waiting for a final decision on their PR application.

Also updated:

• PNP applicants (non-Express Entry) no longer receive a Stage 1 decision letter.
• Quebec investors now included under specific eligibility categories.

Work Permit Scenarios & Applications

Situation	Application Form	Can Apply for Permit?
In Canada (with status)	IMM 5710	✅ Yes
In Canada (visitor only)	IMM 1295 (must leave & re-enter)	❌ No POE application
Outside Canada	IMM 1295	✅ Yes

All applications must be submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal.

What Happens After You Apply?

Permanent Residence Approved?

• If eligible but lacking experience → Get OROWP
• If experience later completed → Get BOWP
• If experience was already completed → IRCC may issue PR confirmation directly

PR Refused?

• Work permit will be cancelled or refused.
• All associated temporary residence applications (for spouse/children) also refused.

Family Members of Caregiver Applicants

Family Member	Permit Type	Exemption Code
Spouse / Common-law partner	Open work permit	C91
Dependent children	Work/Study permit (optional)	N/A
Preschool children	May need TRV or eTA	N/A

Family members must be listed as accompanying in the PR application and provide proper documentation.

GCMS Workaround: Fixing Permit Expiry Dates

By default, work permits under CARE4411 / CARE4412 codes are issued until passport expiry. To issue full 3-year permits:

• Temporarily remove the program code in GCMS.
• Set the expiry manually to 3 years or passport expiry.
• Then re-add the program code before printing.

Common Scenarios for Work Permit Decisions

1. PR eligible, no experience yet → Issue OROWP (C90)
2. PR eligible, experience already met → Issue BOWP (A75)
3. PR refused → Cancel/refuse work permit
4. In Canada as a visitor → Must exit and re-enter to activate permit
5. Inadmissible → May qualify for H&C exemption (TRP issued under A70)

Dependent Children and Study Permits

• Minor children can study without a study permit if one parent holds a valid work or study permit.
• Study permit is valid until the parent’s permit expiry or passport expiry.
• For older children, study permits may be required based on province rules.

hat This Means for Caregivers

These updates significantly improve access to work permits and PR pathways for caregivers. They also:

• Reduce uncertainty for families applying together.
• Allow more flexibility in how and when work experience is acquired.
• Offer clearer rules for IRCC officers, applicants, and employers.

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