Immigration

More than half of the health workers have received the Canadian PR

Study Shows Over Half of Temporary Foreign Health Workers in Canada Obtain Permanent Residence

A recent study by Statistics Canada revealed that more than half (58%) of temporary foreign employees (TFWs) in the health care sector have successfully obtained permanent residence (PR) in Canada between 2000 and 2022. This included 57% of Indian health workers and 77% of Filipino health workers during the same period.

One notable finding from the study is that over 25% of these temporary employees transitioned to PR within two years of their initial employment in the Canadian health care sector. This trend remained consistent throughout the study period.

Key Findings from the Study

  • The characteristics of foreign health workers who transitioned to PR
  • The increasing importance of foreign employees in the Canadian health care system
  • Special immigration measures designed for health workers

Demographics of Health Care Employees Transitioning to PR

Between 2000 and 2022, a total of 105,000 health workers successfully transitioned from temporary to permanent residence in Canada. The number of health workers obtaining PR each year varied, with the highest count recorded in the 2015-2019 cohort.

While most health workers transitioned to PR through economic immigration streams, there were notable changes in the specific pathways utilized over the years. The Live-in Caregiver Program, which accounted for a significant portion of PR transitions between 2005 and 2019, saw a decline in later years due to program changes.

In 2022 and 2023, 27% of TFWs obtained PR through the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway, a policy in effect from May to November 2021. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were also important pathways for health workers seeking permanent residency.

Notably, the study found that about three-quarters of health workers transitioning to PR were women. The average age of these workers also decreased slightly over the study period, reflecting a shift in the demographic profile of foreign health workers in Canada.

While the majority of health workers came from Asian countries such as China, India, and the Philippines, there was a notable increase in PRs from India and Haiti in recent cohorts.

Significance of Foreign Health Workers in Canada

TFWs have become essential contributors to the Canadian health care workforce, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of TFWs in the health care sector has increased significantly over the years, with a notable surge during the pandemic.

By 2022, TFWs accounted for a significant percentage of employees in various health care settings, including outpatient services, hospitals, and nursing care institutions. Their role in supporting critical care services, especially in home care, has been crucial for meeting the growing demand for health care professionals in Canada.

Provinces like Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario have a higher concentration of TFWs in their health care workforce, highlighting the provincial dependence on foreign health workers.

Immigration Pathways for Health Care Professionals

Several immigration pathways are tailored to meet the needs of foreign health workers in Canada. Programs like the Category Healthcare of Express Entry, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, and specific Provincial Nominee Program streams offer opportunities for health care professionals to obtain permanent residency.

Additionally, health care and social services are recognized fields for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), allowing students in relevant study fields to live and work in Canada after completing their studies.

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