IRCC Updates Work Permit Policies for Caregiver and Skilled Worker Programs, Reduces Experience Requirements

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented substantial changes to work permit policies affecting occupation-restricted open work permits (C90) and bridging open work permits (A75). These updates, announced through ministerial instructions on June 16, 2024 and implemented on July 30, 2025, represent a significant shift in how caregiver programs operate.

Impact on Work Permit Categories

The policy changes extend beyond just the caregiver programs. Foreign worker instructions have been updated to accommodate situations where permanent residence applicants under the HCCP and HSW pilots meet work experience requirements before receiving their occupation-restricted open work permits. This adjustment ensures smoother transitions for qualified applicants.

Bridging open work permit (A75) instructions have also been revised to align with the new ministerial instructions related to the HCCP and HSW pilots. This ensures consistency across different permit types and reduces administrative complexity for both applicants and IRCC officers.

Additional Program Updates

The policy update includes important clarifications for other immigration streams:

• Non-Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program: Documentary evidence requirements have been clarified, specifically noting that applicants do not receive the stage 1 decision letter
• Quebec Skilled Workers: Eligibility criteria now explicitly include Quebec investors who have applied for permanent residence and received a completeness check letter from IRCC

Implementation and Compliance

These changes reflect IRCC's ongoing efforts to streamline immigration processes and reduce barriers for skilled workers and caregivers. The reduction in experience requirements particularly addresses labor market needs in the caregiving sector while maintaining program integrity.

Immigration practitioners and employers should note that while these changes offer more flexibility, the requirement that applicants have only one opportunity to submit their work experience documentation emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation before submission.