Canada, known for its flexible immigration policies, is making updates and changes to its various immigration pathways. These changes affect a range of immigration routes, including the caregiver pathway, the Express Entry system, border police authorities, and a special humanitarian pathway for Israelis.
Recently, there have been several changes concerning Canadian immigration policy. To keep you as informed as possible, we have decided to summarize the key points for you.
Caregiver Pathway: Renewal and Conditions
Canada offers a dedicated immigration pathway for caregivers, allowing qualified caregivers to obtain permanent residency in the country. The pathway focuses on two main areas:
- Child Care: Caregivers who provide care for children.
- Home Support: Caregivers who assist individuals with special needs or the elderly.
As of March 2025, Canada is only accepting applications from caregivers already working in Canada, while the category for caregivers outside of Canada is expected to open at a later stage, likely in June 2025.
Threshold Requirements:
- Professional Experience: At least one year of experience in a relevant role within the past few years.
- Job Offer: A permanent, full-time job offer from a Canadian employer in the caregiving field.
- Language Skills: Communication ability in English or French at a minimum level.
- Education: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent education.
Quota:
The total quota for 2025 is 5,500 candidates, divided between the two areas:
- Child Care:
- Candidates working in Canada: 2,750
- Candidates outside of Canada: 1,000
- Home Support:
- Candidates working in Canada: 1,500
- Candidates outside of Canada: 250
Given the very small quotas, our office would not recommend that candidates who have not yet gained any experience focus their aspirations on this pathway. It is likely that these quotas will be filled quickly. However, for those who are still interested, it may be possible to apply for next year’s quotas.
Express Entry Pathway: Updates to the List of Required Occupations
On February 27, 2025, the Canadian government announced significant changes to the Express Entry pathway, aiming to align the selection process with the country’s current economic needs. These changes include:
- Addition of the “Education” Category: This category includes five occupational codes:
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (code 43100)
- Instructors of persons with disabilities (code 42203)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (code 42202)
- Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (code 41221)
- Secondary school teachers (code 41220)
- It should be noted that code 42203, which was previously in the health category, has been moved to the education category.
- Removal of the “Transportation” Category: The category dedicated to transportation occupations has been removed, likely due to a decrease in the need for these professions.
- Updates to the “Agriculture and Agri-Food” Category: This category has been reduced to only one occupation: butchers – retail and wholesale (code 63201).
- Changes to the STEM Category: The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics category has also removed many occupations, including most tech occupations (except for cyber).
- Expansion of the “Health” Category: The category, renamed “Health and Social Services,” has been expanded to include occupations such as animal health technologists and cardiology technologists.
Conclusion:
These changes indicate trends in the Canadian labor market, with an emphasis on education and the removal of less in-demand occupations. Potential candidates are advised to stay updated on the lists of required occupations and prepare accordingly to improve their chances of success in the immigration process.
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) Powers: Expansion
Recently, new regulations were published granting the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) expanded powers to cancel documents of temporary residents, such as visas, work and student permits, and electronic travel authorizations (eTA). These regulations, which came into effect on January 31, 2025, are intended to improve immigration management and provide clear and uniform powers for canceling these documents.
Those Israelis planning to “take” their work visa and return to Israel for an extended period should reconsider.
Special Humanitarian Pathway for Israelis
Since December 2023, Canada has continued to offer a special humanitarian pathway for Israelis seeking to remain in Canada due to the war situation in Israel. As of today, this pathway remains open until the end of July 2025 and presents a unique opportunity for Israelis interested in transitioning and immigrating to Canada. The work permit is granted for three years and allows for gaining experience and pursuing permanent residency in various provinces based on the existing pathway and each candidate’s personal data.
Conclusion:
The updates and changes to the Canadian immigration pathways indicate trends in the labor market and the country’s demographic needs. Potential candidates are advised to stay updated on the lists of required occupations, understand the requirements and criteria of each pathway, and prepare accordingly to improve their chances of success in the immigration process.
We are here for you if you would like to consult and explore your options.
Sincerely,
Michal Ohayon – Immigration and Study Agent in Canada
Svetlana Demb – Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant
And the entire UCI & Lana Immigration Group team.
08-6640006
