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

Canada faces a shortage of skilled professionals, and there are several immigration options available to help skilled workers move to the country. Below are some key pathways you can explore for permanent residency (PR).

Express Entry

The Express Entry (EE) system is an online process where skilled workers can apply for PR. It uses a points-based system, considering factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. High-ranking candidates are invited to apply for PR.

• Healthcare-Specific Draws: Recently, Canada has held special draws for healthcare workers with at least six months of continuous work experience in eligible healthcare jobs. These draws have lower points requirements, making it easier for healthcare professionals to qualify.
• Processing Time: Applications under Express Entry are typically processed in about 6 months.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each province in Canada has its own immigration programs to meet local economic needs. Many provinces have specific pathways for healthcare professionals. Here are some examples:

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

• Ontario holds draws targeting healthcare professionals with work experience or job offers in roles like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare occupations.
• Streams include the Foreign Worker Stream, Human Capital Priorities Stream, and the International Student Stream.
• To qualify, candidates must create an Express Entry profile or an Expression of Interest (EOI) to ensure they’re considered for upcoming draws.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

• BC has a Health Authority Stream for healthcare workers directly employed by a provincial health authority. This pathway allows direct applications without waiting for an invitation.
• Other healthcare professionals with job offers in priority roles can apply through other BC PNP streams.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

• Alberta’s Health Care Pathway is for healthcare workers with job offers in eligible occupations. This program offers faster processing for those who meet the criteria.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

• Saskatchewan’s Health Talent Pathway targets healthcare professionals with full-time job offers in the province.
• Candidates must meet language requirements, have relevant work experience, and be eligible for licensing in Saskatchewan, if applicable.
• Saskatchewan also has an EOI process to help healthcare professionals connect with employers and secure job offers.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

• Labour Market Priorities Stream: Targets physicians with job offers from the Nova Scotia Health Authority or Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre.
• Physician Stream: Open to general practitioners and specialists with approved opportunities in the province.
• Healthcare Professionals Immigration Pilot: Recently targeted pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for job opportunities.
• Occupations in Demand Stream: Includes nurse aides with job offers from Nova Scotia employers.

Work Permits

If you’re applying for a temporary work permit, ensure the job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code matches the one required for your PR pathway.

Next Steps

These pathways don’t cover all options. Your eligibility will depend on your individual situation. Contact us to explore the best route for your immigration to Canada. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.