Canadian PR Secured By Over Half Of Healthcare Workers Nationwide

A new study shows more than half of temporary foreign workers in health care gained permanent residency in Canada between 2000 and 2022. The report reveals 58% made the transition. Filipino healthcare workers led the way at 77%. Indian workers followed at 57%.

Fast transition to residency
One in four workers secured permanent status within two years of employment. This pattern remained steady across the study years. In total, 105,000 workers in health care moved from temporary to permanent status during this time.

Changing immigration streams
The study highlights how immigration pathways changed. From 2005 to 2019, nearly a quarter transitioned through the Live-in Caregiver Program. Its role later declined as new pilots replaced it. Recently, many gained status through the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway. The Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program also played major roles.

Shifts during the pandemic
The pandemic brought changes. Between 2020 and 2021, Canada opened applications to the entire Express Entry pool. This created a spike in transitions through the Canadian Experience Class. These measures responded to urgent health care needs during COVID-19.

Profile of new residents
Most healthcare workers who became permanent residents were women. Nearly three-quarters of the total were female. The average age dropped from about 37 in 2005 to 34 in 2023. Asia remained the top source region, especially India, the Philippines, and China. More recent years saw higher numbers from India and Haiti, while fewer came from the Philippines.

Foreign workers fill gaps in care
Foreign workers became essential to Canada’s health system. Their numbers grew from 3,200 in 2000 to 57,500 in 2022. The jump was sharp during the pandemic. In one year alone, their numbers grew by 50%. They provided support in hospitals, long-term care, and home-health services.

By 2022, temporary workers made up almost 5% of nursing home staff. In home-health care, their share reached 8%. Provinces like Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Ontario relied heavily on them. Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia employed more than 90% of all foreign healthcare staff.

Pathways for healthcare professionals
Canada continues to create options for foreign healthcare workers. Express Entry has a special stream for healthcare jobs. The Home Care Worker Pilot offers another route. Provincial programs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia also welcome health professionals. Students in healthcare fields qualify for work permits after graduation, even with diplomas below a bachelor’s degree.

This study shows Canada’s growing dependence on foreign healthcare talent. Their contribution keeps hospitals, nursing homes, and care services running at critical times.