More than half of healthcare workers have secured Canadian PR, i.e., a new study by Statistics Canada reveals that more than half (58%) of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) employed in Canada’s healthcare sector between 2000 and 2022 successfully obtained permanent residence (PR).
The data also highlights interesting variations by nationality. Among them, 57% of Indian healthcare workers and an impressive 77% of Filipino healthcare workers transitioned to PR during this period.
Another significant finding is that one in four healthcare TFWs achieved PR within just two years of starting work in the sector. Well, it’s a trend that remained consistent throughout the 22-year study period.
This article explores key takeaways from the study, including:
- Who among healthcare TFWs transitioned to PR
- The increasing reliance on foreign workers in Canada’s healthcare system
- The immigration programs designed to attract and retain healthcare professionals
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Which Healthcare Workers Are Transitioning To PR?
Between 2000 and 2022, about 105,000 healthcare TFWs successfully moved from temporary status to permanent residence in Canada.
The following table breaks down PR transitions across cohorts:
| Landing Cohort | 2005–2009 | 2010–2014 | 2015–2019 | 2020–2021 | 2022–2023 |
| Person count | 10,800 | 19,100 | 27,800 | 19,700 | 27,300 |
The majority (68–78%) became permanent residents through economic immigration streams. However, the program pathways shifted over time.
For example:
- From 2005 to 2019, nearly a quarter transitioned through the Live-in Caregiver Program. Its role diminished later as it was replaced by the Home Care Worker Pilot.
- Among TFWs gaining PR in 2022–2023, about 27% used the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway (TR2PR), which was briefly available from May–November 2021.
Other steady contributors included the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), both of which remained significant throughout the years.
During 2020–2021, PR admissions through CEC spiked sharply when IRCC invited the entire Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residence during the pandemic.
Interestingly, around 75% of healthcare TFWs who transitioned to PR were women, and the average age of applicants gradually decreased, i.e., from 36.9 years in 2005–2009 to 33.9 years in 2022–2023.
When looking at countries of origin, healthcare workers primarily came from Asia (India, China, Philippines). However, in recent years, PR admissions from India and Haiti increased, while numbers from the Philippines declined.
Growing Reliance On Foreign Workers In Healthcare
As more than half of healthcare workers have secured Canadian PR, let us discuss the growing reliance of foreign workers in the healthcare sector.
Well, the study underscores the crucial role of TFWs in Canada’s healthcare workforce, especially since the pandemic.
From just 3,200 healthcare TFWs in 2000, the number soared to 57,500 by 2022, which is a staggering 17-fold increase.
The pandemic years further accelerated this trend. In 2020 alone, healthcare TFW numbers jumped 50%, rising from 26,100 in 2019 to 39,300. These workers provided urgent support in hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care services, easing the strain on overburdened Canadian staff.
By 2022, TFWs accounted for:
- 3.0% of workers in ambulatory health services
- 1.2% in hospitals
- Nearly 5% in nursing and residential care facilities
- Close to 8% in home-health care services, where their presence was most prominent
The reliance on TFWs varied by province. In Prince Edward Island (3.9%), Nova Scotia (3.8%), New Brunswick (3.4%), and Ontario (3.3%), their share of the healthcare workforce exceeded the national average (2.7%).
Notably, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia together employed over 90% of healthcare TFWs, highlighting how concentrated demand is in Canada’s largest provinces.
This sharp rise shows how essential TFWs have become; not only in plugging immediate labour gaps but also in maintaining the overall stability of Canada’s healthcare system.
Immigration Pathways For Healthcare Professionals
Given the sector’s critical shortages, Canada has built multiple immigration routes specifically targeting healthcare workers.
Some key programs include:
- Express Entry – Healthcare Occupation Category
- Home Care Worker Pilot (HCWP)
- PNP Healthcare Pathways, such as:
- Alberta Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
- Saskatchewan Health Talent Pathway
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities stream
Additionally, healthcare and social services are recognized fields under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) framework. This allows students, even those studying programs below the bachelor’s level, to gain work experience in Canada after graduation, making it easier to transition to permanent residence later.
Final Thoughts
This latest Statistics Canada study makes one fact clear: foreign healthcare workers are the backbone of Canada’s health system. Over 105,000 of them have transitioned to PR in just two decades, reflecting both Canada’s urgent need and the government’s ongoing efforts to retain this talent.
With steady immigration pathways, ranging from Express Entry draws to targeted provincial streams, Canada continues to welcome healthcare professionals who not only fill critical shortages but also shape the future of Canadian healthcare.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
