According to Maple News, a growing number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) employed in Canada’s health care sector are making the successful shift to permanent residency (PR). This trend mirrors increasing demands for long-term care in Canada, along with evolving immigration pathways that reward skilled, experienced workers who contribute meaningfully to essential services.
Data from a recent Statistics Canada study highlights that PR transition rates for health care TFWs have improved significantly over the past two decades. Among those who entered the sector between 2000 and 2004, 54.5% became permanent residents within five years. That success rate increased to 59.6% for workers arriving between 2010 and 2014, and has continued to improve for more recent cohorts.
Much of this shift is supported by Canada’s expanding immigration policy infrastructure. Traditional programs—such as the now-retired Live-in Caregiver Program—have given way to more flexible options like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and temporary special initiatives like the TR to PR Pathway launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2022–2023, over a quarter of TFWs who gained PR did so through the TR to PR program alone.
Women, particularly from the Philippines and India, have led this transition. Between 2005 and 2023, three-quarters of health care TFWs who attained PR status were female. These workers often enter the workforce as caregivers, and their critical role in long-term and home care services has become a cornerstone of Canada’s health system.
The type of work permit held also plays a major role in long-term success. Workers with health-specific permits are significantly more likely to remain in the sector after gaining PR—over 80% stay in health care a year after landing, with more than 75% still in the field after five years. Conversely, those with open or non-health-related permits are more likely to exit the sector post-PR.
Choosing the right region matters too. Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec offer a wider range of PR streams and employment opportunities for foreign workers in health care. Understanding the specific advantages of each provincial pathway can increase the likelihood of permanent success in Canada.
The transition from temporary to permanent residency is no longer an uncertain future for health care TFWs—it’s now a structured, achievable path. With careful career planning, awareness of available programs, and commitment to essential health roles, foreign professionals are finding lasting opportunity in Canada. As the nation addresses an aging population and growing health care demand, these workers remain vital to the country’s long-term stability.