Canada’s healthcare system is under constant pressure to meet growing demands, especially after the pandemic. With thousands of job vacancies in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, the country has increasingly turned to internationally trained professionals to fill the gaps. A new study by Statistics Canada reveals that temporary foreign workers (TFWs) are now a driving force in healthcare and play a vital role in Canadian immigration pathways.
The Growing Role of Temporary Foreign Workers in Healthcare
Back in 2000, only about 3,200 temporary foreign workers were employed in Canada’s healthcare sector. Fast forward to 2022, and that number skyrocketed to nearly 57,500. This surge highlights how essential TFWs have become in keeping hospitals and care facilities running.
Interestingly, the fastest growth came during the pandemic years. Between 2019 and 2020 alone, the healthcare sector saw a 50% jump in temporary foreign workers, helping Canada respond to the urgent need for front-line staff.
Transition from Temporary Status to Permanent Residency
One of the most promising trends revealed by researchers is the high transition rate of TFWs into permanent residency. For example, almost 60% of workers who entered the healthcare sector between 2010 and 2014 became permanent residents within just five years. This is higher than earlier cohorts, showing that today’s immigration system is creating stronger long-term opportunities for healthcare workers.
This pathway also benefits Canada’s healthcare sector, as many of these new permanent residents choose to remain in their healthcare roles after obtaining status. This helps reduce turnover and ensures more stability in patient care.
Canadian Immigration Priorities in Healthcare
The federal government has taken significant steps to attract and retain health professionals. Some recent measures include:
- Dedicated streams under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.
- Targeted Express Entry draws specifically for healthcare professionals.
- Public policies for physicians making it easier for them to obtain permanent residency.
- A priority allocation for healthcare workers under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
These programs are designed to convert short-term labour solutions into permanent, long-term contributions to the healthcare workforce.
Where Temporary Foreign Workers Come From
Another shift is in source countries. Historically, the Philippines was the largest source of healthcare workers. Since 2017, however, India has taken the lead. The majority of TFWs are concentrated in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, where healthcare demand is highest.
This trend reflects Canada’s growing reliance on a global talent pool, and it also opens up opportunities for aspiring immigrants abroad who wish to build a future in healthcare within Canada.
Why This Matters for Aspiring Immigrants?
The story of temporary foreign workers in healthcare is also a story about opportunity. Many arrive in Canada on temporary permits, contribute directly to the health system, and then successfully transition to permanent residency. With healthcare remaining a priority sector in immigration, internationally trained nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals now have more options than ever to build long-term careers in Canada.
For newcomers seeking stability, Canadian immigration through healthcare is more than a pathway, it’s a fast-growing reality.
The Future of Healthcare and Canadian Immigration
Temporary foreign workers have become the backbone of Canada’s healthcare system, and their contributions are shaping the country’s future immigration trends. With high permanent residency transition rates, new government programs, and priority given to healthcare professions, Canadian immigration is increasingly opening doors for internationally trained health professionals who want to make Canada their permanent home.
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