September 2, 2025

Majority of Foreign Healthcare Workers in Canada Now Permanent Residents

Canada’s healthcare system wouldn’t stand where it is today without the contribution of foreign-trained professionals. From caregivers supporting seniors in long-term care to nurses filling critical hospital roles, temporary foreign workers (TFWs) have been essential in bridging gaps in our healthcare workforce. And now, the numbers prove it. A new Statistics Canada report reveals that 58% of healthcare TFWs transitioned to permanent residency (PR) between 2000 and 2022. For many, this was more than just a work opportunity—it was the start of a permanent life in Canada. At Sayal Immigration, we see stories like this unfold every day. One of our clients, a nurse from the Philippines, arrived in Ontario with a temporary work permit. Within three years, she not only secured PR but also reunited with her husband and two children in Toronto. Her story mirrors thousands of others shaping Canada’s future.

Why Healthcare Workers Succeed in Getting PR

Between 2000 and 2022, roughly 105,000 healthcare TFWs made the shift to PR. It’s not an easy process, but the numbers speak clearly: healthcare workers have among the highest transition rates across all industries. Some highlights from the report:
  • Filipino healthcare workers lead the way with a 77% transition rate.
  • Indian workers follow with 57%.
  • More than 25% achieved PR within just two years of starting their jobs in Canada.
If you’re working in healthcare today and want to stay permanently, you’re in a good position. But it’s important to choose the right immigration pathway. That’s where having an experienced Immigration Consultant in Canada can make the difference.

Changing Demographics in Healthcare Immigration

The profile of who’s coming to Canada as a healthcare worker has shifted.
  • Around 75% of those who gained PR were women.
  • The average age of successful healthcare immigrants fell from 36.9 years (2005–2009) to 33.9 years (2022–2023).
Younger professionals are now leading the way, which is promising for Canada’s aging population. A growing share of workers are also arriving from countries like Nigeria and Kenya, adding to the diversity of Canada’s healthcare teams. One client we worked with in Brampton, a 29-year-old caregiver from India, shared: “I was nervous at first, but the pathway was much smoother than I expected. Within two years, I had PR, and now I’m studying part-time to upgrade into nursing.”

From Caregiver to PR: Pathways That Work

In the past, many workers depended on the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) to gain residency. While that program has now been phased out, Canada has introduced several alternatives that are more flexible and inclusive.

Popular PR Programs for Healthcare Workers

If you’re unsure where to begin, reaching out to an Immigration Consultant in Mississauga can help you map out the fastest and most reliable route for your unique situation.

Growing Demand for Healthcare Workers in Canada

The surge in numbers tells its own story:
  • In 2000, only 3,200 healthcare TFWs worked in Canada.
  • By 2022, that number had jumped to 57,500.
Their presence was especially strong in:
  • Nursing and residential care facilities (5% of workers).
  • Ambulatory health services (3%).
  • Hospitals (1.2%).
With staff shortages continuing in many provinces, opportunities are only expanding. And provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are actively using their PNP streams to attract healthcare talent.

Staying Power: Retention After PR

One of the biggest questions many ask is: “Will I have to switch careers after I become a permanent resident?” The Statistics Canada data offers a reassuring answer.
  • Over 80% of healthcare TFWs stayed in the sector one year after becoming PR.
  • Even after five years, more than 75% remained in healthcare.
That’s a strong sign that workers are not only achieving PR but also building stable careers.

What This Means for You

If you’re a temporary foreign worker in healthcare—or considering moving into this field—your chances of securing permanent residency are higher than most. At Sayal Immigration, we’ve guided hundreds of healthcare professionals through:
  • Express Entry profiles under CEC and PNP.
  • Caregiver pilot applications.
  • PR documentation and work permit transitions.
Whether you’re looking for an Immigration Consultant in Toronto, Immigration Consultant in Brampton, or in other regions like Kitchener, Scarborough, or even the best immigration consultant in London Ontario—we can help simplify your journey.

FAQs

1. Do healthcare workers have an advantage in getting PR in Canada? Yes. Healthcare workers consistently show higher transition rates to PR compared to other industries. 2. How long does it take for a healthcare worker to secure PR? Over a quarter achieve it within two years, though timelines vary based on the program. 3. What’s the most popular pathway for healthcare workers today? PNPs, CEC, and caregiver pilots remain strong choices, while TR to PR has become a growing option. 4. Will I still work in healthcare after becoming a PR? Most do. Statistics show over 75% stay in healthcare even five years after becoming permanent residents. 5. How can Sayal Immigration help me? We assess your profile, recommend the best PR stream, and guide you through every stage of the process to maximize your success.

Conclusion

For thousands of healthcare workers, Canada has become more than just a temporary workplace—it has become home. With 58% successfully transitioning to permanent residency, the future looks bright for those entering the field today. Yes, the process requires planning, documentation, and patience. But with the right support, like the tailored services at Sayal Immigration, your journey to permanent residency can be smoother, faster, and less stressful.
March 17, 2025

How Leaving Canada Can Boost Your CRS Score and Improve Express Entry Chances

If you’ve been stuck in the Express Entry pool, watching others get Invitations to Apply (ITAs) while your CRS score remains just short of the cutoff, you’re not alone. Many skilled workers in Canada face the same problem—doing everything “right” but still falling behind.

Submit the Assessment Form to Discover your Eligibility

But what if the answer isn’t in Canada? What if, instead of waiting, you could take action by gaining experience elsewhere and actually improve your CRS score? An Immigration Consultant in Canada can help assess if this strategy is right for you.

Why Canadian Work Experience Alone Might Not Be Enough

A lot of people assume that the more Canadian work experience they have, the better their CRS score. While that’s true to an extent, there’s a limit. Once you hit a certain threshold, additional experience won’t give you a big boost. Take Rahul, an IT professional from India. After completing his studies in Canada, he landed a skilled job and worked for two years. Even with good language scores and solid work experience, his CRS score was stuck at 487—just shy of recent cutoffs. Frustrated, he considered his options. Then he found out that by working outside Canada for two more years, he could add up to 50 extra CRS points. That was the game-changer. With the help of an Immigration Consultant in Mississauga, he planned his next move.

How Foreign Work Experience Can Give You an Edge

According to the Government of Canada’s CRS criteria, combining foreign work experience with Canadian work or strong language skills can add up to 50 CRS points. Here’s how it works:
  1. Foreign Work Experience + Canadian Work Experience: If you already have at least a year of work experience in Canada, adding foreign work experience can give you a significant boost.
  2. Foreign Work Experience + High Language Proficiency: If you have CLB 7 or higher in English or French, foreign experience adds even more value.

Rahul’s Journey: How He Boosted His CRS Score

Rahul returned to India and took a remote IT job with an international company while staying connected to the Canadian job market. After two years, he updated his Express Entry profile with:
  • Two years of foreign work experience
  • CLB 9 in IELTS
  • His existing two years of Canadian experience
The result? His CRS score jumped from 487 to 537, well above the recent cutoff. Shortly after, he got his ITA and secured Canadian PR. Working with an Immigration Consultant in Toronto helped him strategize efficiently.

Other Ways to Boost Your CRS While Working Abroad

If you’re considering this approach, don’t stop at just gaining work experience. Here are other smart moves to maximize your CRS score while outside Canada:

1. Improve Your Language Score

Language proficiency is one of the highest-scoring CRS factors. A better IELTS or TEF score can add up to 160 points. Websites like IELTS.org offer free resources to help you prepare.

2. Get a Higher Educational Credential

Earning another diploma, degree, or certification could give you up to 150 CRS points. Even online courses from accredited institutions count. Visit WES Canada to ensure your credentials are properly evaluated.

3. Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

If your occupation is in demand, you might qualify for a PNP, which instantly adds 600 points to your CRS. Check out IRCC’s PNP page for details.

4. Optimize Your Spouse’s Profile

If your spouse has strong credentials, consider making them the principal applicant. Alternatively, improving their education and language scores could add extra CRS points.

Keep Your Express Entry Profile Updated

Some people think they can only update their Express Entry profile once. That’s a mistake. You should update it whenever you gain experience, improve your language score, or complete a new credential. Staying on top of these updates ensures you get the maximum CRS points possible. An Immigration Consultant in Brampton can help you optimize your profile.

Is This Strategy Right for You?

This approach isn’t for everyone. If you’re close to getting a provincial nomination or have a job offer that might lead to PR, staying in Canada might be a better option. But if you’re stuck with a lower CRS score and no immediate pathways to PR, working abroad could be the solution you need.

Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries

At Sayal Immigration, we specialize in helping skilled workers navigate Express Entry with tailored strategies. Whether you need help evaluating your CRS score, exploring overseas job opportunities, or finding the best PR pathway, we’re here to guide you. Want to see how much your CRS score can improve? Contact us today for a personalized assessment!