Canada Needs Healthcare Workers: How You Can Move and Work There

Canada is looking for more healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, dentists, and others. To attract these professionals, Canada introduced Express Entry healthcare draws in 2023, a program designed to speed up immigration for healthcare workers.

What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is a system that speeds up immigration applications. The goal is to process most applications within six months, though this isn’t guaranteed. It allows healthcare workers to apply for permanent residency and settle in Canada quickly.

Why Work in Canada as a Healthcare Professional?

• High Quality of Life: Canada is known for being safe, inclusive, and offering a great lifestyle.
• Strong Healthcare System: Canada’s healthcare system is respected worldwide, providing a good environment for healthcare careers.
• Labour Shortages: With 500,000 healthcare workers retiring in the next decade and a growing population, Canada has a high demand for healthcare professionals. As of 2022, one in four healthcare workers in Canada were immigrants, and this number is expected to grow.

Benefits of Moving to Canada

• Permanent residency lets you live anywhere in Canada and work for any employer.
• Family members can join you and settle in Canada.

How to Apply Through Express Entry Healthcare Draws

1. Qualify for Express Entry:
   Express Entry isn’t a program but a system that manages applications for three immigration programs:
   • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): For skilled workers without Canadian experience.
   • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with Canadian work experience.
   • Federal Skilled Trades (FST): For skilled trade workers.
2. Submit Your Profile:
   Create a profile in the Express Entry pool, showing details like work experience, education, and language skills. You’ll receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
3. Wait for an Invitation:
   The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency (called an ITA). Healthcare draws focus on candidates with at least six months of full-time work experience in eligible healthcare jobs within the last three years.
4. Apply for Permanent Residency:
   Once invited, submit your application for permanent residency.

Eligible Healthcare Jobs
To qualify for healthcare draws, you need at least six months of paid work experience in a healthcare job from the eligible occupations list. Check the Canadian government website for the latest list and requirements.

Working in Canada as a Foreign-Trained Healthcare Worker
Healthcare in Canada is regulated by provinces and territories. Foreign-trained professionals may need to get their credentials recognized. Policies are changing to make this easier, but it’s essential to research the regulatory body for your profession in the province you plan to work in.

Here are some national organizations that can help you get started:

• Nurses: Canadian Nurses Association
• Doctors: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Dentists: National Dental Examining Board of Canada
• Midwives: Canadian Midwifery Regulators Council

Why Choose Canada?
Canada offers healthcare workers a welcoming environment, excellent career opportunities, and a chance to contribute to a world-class healthcare system.

Financial Support for Newcomers
Programs like Scotiabank’s StartRight Program help newcomers manage finances, offering up to $1,800 in benefits during the first year. This includes financial advice and tools to make your transition easier.

Start planning your move to Canada and begin a rewarding career in healthcare today!