From Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) to Permanent Residence (PR): New Stats Reveal the Future of Canada’s Health Care Workforce
- Mati Lio
- Sep 29, 2025
- 4 min read
Statistics Canada’s latest analysis shows a sharp rise in temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canadian health care since 2000, with most eventually becoming permanent residents—and many staying in health care after landing. The mix of permit types, source countries, and where TFWs work has shifted, and recent policy changes have accelerated transitions to PR.
Key Information
Rapid growth: TFWs working in health care rose from ~3,200 in 2000 to ~57,500 in 2022. Since the late 2010s, more of these workers have been in nursing and residential care facilities than in hospitals.
Permit mix changed: Earlier years were dominated by health-occupation-specific permits; by 2022, open and other International Mobility Program (IMP) permits made up a much bigger share—including many holders who nonetheless worked in health roles.
Where they work: In 2022, TFWs formed 2.7% of the national health-care workforce, with PEI (3.9%), Nova Scotia (3.8%), New Brunswick (3.4%) and Ontario (3.3%) above the national average; Alberta (1.5%) and Saskatchewan (1.7%) were below.
Who they are: Source countries shifted over time. India has become the largest source overall, while the Philippines remains a key contributor—especially in certain subsectors.
Becoming permanent: By 2023, 58% of TFWs who worked in health care between 2000 and 2022 had become permanent residents (PRs)—and more recent cohorts reached PR faster than earlier ones.
After landing, many stay: About two-thirds of former TFWs remained in health care one year after obtaining PR; retention stayed above half even five years out. Retention is highest for those who held health-occupation-specific permits.
Policy signals: Recent federal measures emphasize transitioning in-Canada workers (including health workers) to PR and setting targets for temporary residents, which likely support the observed faster PR transitions.
Changing Landscape of Healthcare Workforce
Programs & permits
The workforce used to be dominated by people on permits tied to a specific health occupation. Over time, the IMP’s open or non-health-specific permits grew quickly—yet census estimates suggest many of those workers still performed health jobs, meaning the impact of TFWs in care settings is larger than a strict “health-coded permit” count would imply.
Geography
The TFW footprint has become more concentrated in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. In 2022, over half of TFWs in ambulatory services were in Ontario, while nearly half of those in hospitals were in Quebec—a shift from the early 2000s when Alberta’s share was much higher.
Countries of origin
Filipino workers surged in the 2000s, dipped, then rebounded during the pandemic; Indian workers increased more than tenfold and surpassed Filipino numbers around 2017. These two countries also account for a large share of TFWs who later landed as PRs.
Pathways to Permanent Residence—and Who Used Them
Among ~105,000 people who worked in health care and landed as PRs between 2005–2023, about three-quarters were women, and average age at landing edged younger over time. The most common economic pathways have been the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The Live-in Caregiver Program was significant up to 2019, and the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway made up ~27% of landings in 2022–2023—reflecting that limited-time 2021 policy.
Do Former Temporary Foreign Workers Stay in Healthcare?
Yes—especially those who had health-occupation-specific permits. One year post-landing, ≥80% of that group was still in health care; even five and ten years out, their retention remained well above workers who arrived via other permit types. This suggests targeted, health-specific work experience is linked to staying in the sector.
Why This Matters
For employers & planners: Rising retention among health-specific permit holders indicates that clearer job-to-immigration pathways can stabilize staffing—vital for hospitals, clinics, and long-term care.
For policy makers: The data align with IRCC’s current strategy to prioritize in-Canada transitions (including health and trades) and to manage overall temporary resident volumes via explicit targets—choices that can shape workforce planning and training investments.
For internationally trained professionals & students: Recent cohorts are transitioning to PR faster than earlier groups, with solid odds of staying employed in health care after landing—especially if you’re already working in a health-coded role.
Related News:
Next Step for Students and Professionals
✨ Your Global Journey Starts Today
Whether you are planning to study abroad or need expert academic writing support, professional guidance can help you achieve your goals. From personalized assistance with schools and scholarships searches to academic and research mentorship, I provide the tools and support to help you succeed on an international level.
Explore my Study Abroad and Academic Writing Support Packages and Pricing.
Start with a free 30-minute consultation today.
Disclaimer
This article provides an independent summary and interpretation of publicly available government data and policy documents. It is not legal advice and should not be considered an official statement from any government body. For guidance on individual circumstances, consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a licensed immigration professional, and always verify the latest program rules and eligibility criteria before making decisions.
All statistics cited are drawn directly from the Statistics Canada analysis unless otherwise noted, and all policy descriptions reference IRCC primary sources.
Hey, I have a software that generate over $5000 in 1 week on binary trading option with amazing strategies and skills I employ, I manage and guide you on how to earn up to $5000 successful in 1 week. feel free to contact me on WhatsApp (+1 814 730 3988) if you are interested to earn extra profits on binary trading.