Work in Canada
Surge of Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada’s Healthcare Sector, Higher Transition to Permanent Residency
Canada’s healthcare system has long relied on skilled workers from abroad to fill critical shortages. A new study from Statistics Canada highlights just how important temporary foreign workers (TFWs) have become. From only 3,200 in the year 2000, the number of TFWs in healthcare skyrocketed to 57,500 by 2022. This growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the essential role these workers play in keeping hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes running.
Even more encouraging is that many TFWs are not just temporary contributors. A large share successfully transition to permanent residency, building their lives in Canada and strengthening the healthcare workforce for the long term.
Why Canada Needs Temporary Foreign Workers in Healthcare
Labour shortages in healthcare are not new, but they are worsening. Aging populations, growing demand for long-term care, and an expanding healthcare system mean more workers are needed than ever before. Nurses, personal support workers, and caregivers are in particularly short supply.
This is where TFWs step in. They fill immediate staffing gaps, support overworked Canadian healthcare workers, and ensure patients receive timely care. Without them, many facilities would struggle to operate.
Key Findings from the Study
The Statistics Canada study revealed some remarkable insights:
- Massive Growth: From 3,200 in 2000 to 57,500 in 2022.
- Changing Source Countries: The Philippines was once the top source, but since 2017, India has taken the lead.
- Geographic Distribution: Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia now host the majority of TFWs in healthcare.
- Permanent Residency Transition: Nearly 60% of TFWs from the 2010–2014 cohort became permanent residents within five years.
- Sector Retention: Most healthcare-specific permit holders continued working in the sector after obtaining PR.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Year | Number of TFWs in Healthcare | Top Source Country | PR Transition Rate (5 years) |
| 2000 | 3,200 | Philippines | 54.5% |
| 2014 | 30,000+ | Philippines/India | ~59% |
| 2022 | 57,500 | India | Higher than earlier cohorts |
The Pathway to Permanent Residency
For many TFWs, healthcare jobs in Canada are more than short-term employment—they are the first step toward permanent residency. Transition rates are improving, thanks to policy changes and targeted immigration programs that prioritize healthcare workers.
- Workers on healthcare-specific permits have the highest retention.
- Programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry have helped accelerate transitions.
- Once permanent residency is secured, nearly two-thirds of workers stay in the healthcare sector.
This shows that TFWs aren’t just filling short-term roles—they are becoming long-term contributors to Canada’s healthcare system.
What This Means for Canada’s Future
Healthcare remains one of the fastest-growing sectors in Canada. With labour shortages expected to continue, temporary foreign workers will remain crucial. Their steady transition to permanent residency ensures a sustainable workforce for the future.
The rise of TFWs in healthcare highlights an important reality: Canada’s immigration system is deeply tied to its ability to deliver healthcare. By supporting foreign workers, Canada not only addresses immediate shortages but also secures the long-term stability of the sector. The surge of temporary foreign workers in Canada’s healthcare sector is shaping the future of the country’s workforce.
With growing numbers, high permanent residency transition rates, and strong retention in healthcare roles, TFWs are becoming an indispensable part of Canada’s healthcare landscape. As demand rises, immigration will remain a vital solution—making the link between healthcare and immigration stronger than ever.
