Over Half of Canada’s Healthcare TFWs Became PRs via PNP

Majority of Healthcare Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada Have Become Permanent Residents

• 58% of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in healthcare transitioned to permanent residency between 2000 and 2022
• Countries like the Philippines and India were key sources of healthcare workers
• Most transitions to PR happened through economic immigration programs such as the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program
• TFWs play a crucial role in Canada’s healthcare system, especially in long-term care and home health services
• Dedicated immigration pathways exist for healthcare professionals, including Express Entry and PNP streams
• Over 25% of healthcare TFWs gained PR within two years of starting work in Canada

Canada has long relied on international talent to meet its healthcare needs—and now, a new Statistics Canada study confirms just how many of those temporary foreign workers (TFWs) are putting down permanent roots. Between 2000 and 2022, over half (58%) of healthcare TFWs became permanent residents (PRs). That’s a huge milestone not only for those individuals and their families, but also for Canada’s healthcare system as a whole.

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers, trends, and immigration pathways that are helping thousands of healthcare professionals build a life in Canada.

Who’s Making the Transition from Temporary to Permanent Residency?

According to the study, approximately 105,000 healthcare workers made the jump from temporary to permanent residency during the 22-year period. And the pace of these transitions has grown significantly over time. For example, in just the two-year span from 2022 to 2023, 27,300 healthcare workers became PRs—more than double the number from 2005–2009.

Notably, the majority of those who transitioned (between 68% and 78%, depending on the cohort) did so through economic immigration programs. These include popular pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Express Entry, and the Manitoba PNP.

Which Programs Are Driving These Transitions?

Over the years, different programs have stepped up as the main vehicles for healthcare TFWs to become permanent residents. In the earlier years (2005–2019), about 25% of transitions happened through the now-sunset Live-in Caregiver Program. However, its role diminished in later years as newer options like the Home Care Worker Pilot were introduced.

In 2022 and 2023, a significant portion—27%—of healthcare TFWs became PRs through the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway, a one-time initiative introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Canadian Experience Class also saw a spike in use during the 2020–2021 period, which makes sense given Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) decision to invite a large swath of Express Entry candidates during that time.

Who Are These Healthcare Workers?

The study also sheds light on some demographic trends. About three out of every four healthcare workers who became PRs were women. That’s not surprising, given the gender makeup of caregiving professions globally.

Interestingly, the average age of workers who gained PR dropped over time—from 36.9 years in the 2005–2009 cohort to 33.9 years in the 2022–2023 group. This suggests that Canada is attracting younger talent to its healthcare system.

When it comes to origin countries, Asia continues to be the dominant source region, with the Philippines, India, and China leading the way. However, more recent years have seen a noticeable uptick in healthcare workers from India and Haiti, while numbers from the Philippines have declined slightly.

Why Foreign Healthcare Workers Matter More Than Ever

Canada’s healthcare system has always leaned on the support of internationally trained professionals—but since the pandemic, that reliance has deepened dramatically. In fact, the number of TFWs in healthcare jumped from 3,200 in 2000 to a staggering 57,500 by 2022. That’s a 17-fold increase.

And the COVID-19 years brought even more urgency. TFW numbers leapt by 50% in a single year—from 26,100 in 2019 to 39,300 in 2020—as hospitals and care homes struggled to meet surging demand.

By 2022, TFWs accounted for:

• 8% of home healthcare workers
• 5% of nursing and residential care staff
• 3% of workers in ambulatory health services
• 1.2% of hospital staff

Some provinces leaned more heavily on this workforce than others. For instance, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario all had above-average shares of foreign healthcare workers in 2022. Meanwhile, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia together employed over 90% of all TFWs in the healthcare sector.

Immigration Pathways for Healthcare Professionals in Canada

Given this massive contribution, it’s no surprise that Canada has created several immigration pathways tailored to healthcare workers. If you’re a healthcare professional thinking about making Canada your permanent home, here are some of the most relevant options:

• Express Entry – Healthcare Occupation Category: A specialized category for top-priority occupations, including many in healthcare.
• Home Care Worker Pilot (HCWP): Designed for caregivers with Canadian experience who want to transition permanently.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
  • Alberta’s Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
  • Saskatchewan’s Health Talent Pathway
  • Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream
  • Manitoba PNP — often includes healthcare occupations as in-demand roles

Healthcare-related programs are also recognized under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules, making it easier for students in healthcare fields to earn valuable Canadian experience after their studies—even if they’re studying below a bachelor’s level.

Final Thoughts: A Win for Healthcare Workers and Canada

The fact that over half of all temporary foreign healthcare workers have successfully transitioned to permanent residency is a testament to Canada’s ongoing need—and appreciation—for their work. With an aging population and growing healthcare demands, these professionals are more vital than ever to the health and well-being of Canadians coast to coast.

If you’re a healthcare worker who’s currently in Canada, or thinking about making the move, there are plenty of immigration pathways to help you build a future here.

Curious about your options? Check your eligibility for all Express Entry streams and see how you can start your journey toward permanent residency today!