What versions of iOS are in use on the 2 devices?
Apple has been phasing out the Photo Stream in recent years. With the iCloud Photo Library enabled, there really is no need for the Photo Stream.
My iPad has only the Photo Stream enabled. My Mac and my iPhone have both iCloud Photo Library and Photo Stream enabled.
If I make a photo on the iPad, it shows in the Photo Stream album. It is visible on my Mac and iPhone in the All Photos album.
I don't need to import it within 30 days or 1000 photos which are the limits for Photo Stream.
In practice, I think you can disable Photo Stream and all photos will sync to all devices in real time.