Do you want to work in Canada as a Health Care Assistant (HCA)? With Canada’s aging population and ongoing demand for care workers, 2025 is a promising year for international applicants looking to secure HCA jobs with visa sponsorship. This guide will walk you through every process step, from checking eligibility to landing your first job.
Whether you’re applying from abroad or are already in Canada on another visa, here’s your complete roadmap to becoming an HCA in Canada with sponsorship.
Step 1: Check Eligibility for Immigration Pathways
Several immigration programs allow HCAs to come to Canada with job offers:
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Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Most common for visa-sponsored HCA jobs.
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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Some provinces have HCA-specific streams.
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Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP) – A federal caregiver pathway leading to permanent residency.
Tip: You can use the Government of Canada’s eligibility tool to check which program suits you.
Step 2: Meet Educational and Work Requirements
While requirements may vary slightly by employer and province, in general, you should have:
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A high school diploma
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A caregiver/HCA certificate or diploma (some employers offer bridging courses)
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At least 6 months – 1 year of experience in caregiving or nursing assistant roles
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Basic English or French proficiency (IELTS/CLB level may be required)
Step 3: Get Your Credentials Recognized (If Required)
In some provinces (like British Columbia or Ontario), you must register with a local health authority or body, such as:
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BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry
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Ontario Health (for PSWs)
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Saskatchewan Polytechnic (for CCAs)
Be prepared to submit:
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Transcripts
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Proof of training hours
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Criminal record checks
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CPR/First Aid certifications
Step 4: Apply for HCA Jobs with Sponsorship
Focus on employers who are eligible to hire foreign workers (i.e., they have a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment – LMIA or are part of specific pilot programs).
Where to Find HCA Jobs with Sponsorship:
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Provincial health authority job portals (e.g., Fraser Health, Alberta Health Services)
Step 5: Get an LMIA-Supported Job Offer
For most visa-sponsored jobs under the TFWP, your Canadian employer must:
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Apply for an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
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Receive a positive LMIA decision
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Provide you with a formal job offer
This proves there are no Canadians available to fill the role and allows you to apply for a work permit.
Step 6: Apply for Your Work Visa or Caregiver Program
Once you have a valid job offer and LMIA, apply for your visa online via IRCC.
Documents typically needed:
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Job offer letter
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Copy of LMIA
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Medical exam results
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Proof of qualifications
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Language test results (IELTS/TEF)
 Processing times vary but range from 6–12 weeks on average.
Step 7: Prepare for Relocation and Orientation
Once approved:
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Book your flight to Canada
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Coordinate with your employer for accommodation, onboarding, and training
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Learn about Canadian workplace culture and rights as a foreign worker
Some employers offer:
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Airport pickup
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Temporary housing
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Free uniforms and supplies
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Paid training
Conclusion
Becoming a Health Care Assistant in Canada is a realistic and rewarding pathway to a long-term career and even permanent residency. With a step-by-step approach and the right employer, you can build a secure future in Canada’s compassionate healthcare sector.
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