Temporary Foreign Workers Are Helping Canada’s Health Care System
Canada’s health care system has long faced staff shortages, and COVID-19 made it worse. Hospitals, long-term care homes, and home care services often do not have enough qualified workers. Nurses and support staff are leaving, and overtime is increasing. Residential and home care face the biggest problems because of burnout and low pay.
To fill these gaps, Canada relies on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs). They come on work permits to take on important jobs that support seniors and people with disabilities.
Rapid Growth of Health Care TFWs
From 2000 to 2022, the number of TFWs in health care rose from 3,200 to 57,500. During COVID-19 (2019–2020), this number increased by 50%.
Where TFWs work:
- Nursing & residential care: 4.9%
- Home health care: ~8%
- Hospitals: 1.2%
In provinces like Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, the percentage is even higher. Ontario has 43% of all health care TFWs.
Where They Come From
Most TFWs come from the Philippines and India:
- Early 2000s: Mostly Philippines
- 2022: India makes up nearly a third
They usually have:
- Occupation-specific permits (TFWP)
- Open work permits (IMP)
Some start as international students or refugees and later move into health care jobs.
Their Roles
TFWs work in long-term care and home care, jobs that are physically demanding and less paid but essential for Canada’s aging population.
2022 numbers:
- Nursing & residential care: 4.9%
- Ambulatory health care: 3%
- Hospitals: 1.2%
Becoming Permanent Residents
Many TFWs eventually apply for permanent residency (PR), which helps keep the workforce stable.
- 2010–2014 cohort: 59.6% became PR in 5 years
- 2000–2004 cohort: 54.5%
Programs helping TFWs stay:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway
TFWs with health-specific permits usually stay in health care:
- 1 year after PR: >80%
- 5 years after PR: >75%
Those with general permits are less likely to stay long-term.
Why Canada Should Support Them
Canada needs to:
- Make immigration easier for health care TFWs
- Recognize their credentials and help them specialize
- Provide fair pay and better working conditions
- Distribute workers to provinces with the highest need
Temporary solutions help, but long-term planning is essential.
Conclusion
Temporary foreign workers are vital to Canada’s health care system. They take on hard jobs, many stay long-term, and they are now the backbone of care in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care.
FAQ
Q1: Why are TFWs needed in health care?
A: Because of staff shortages, especially after COVID-19.
Q2: What jobs do they do?
A: Caregivers, nurse aides, personal support workers, some nurses and doctors, and home/residential care roles.
Q3: Can they stay permanently?
A: Yes, through CEC, PNP, or other programs.
Q4: Which countries do they come from?
A: Mainly the Philippines and India.
Q5: Do they stay in health care after getting PR?
A: Many do, especially those with health-specific work permits. About two-thirds continue working in health care.