How Healthcare professionals can Immigrate to Canada? - Complete Guide
How a Doctor and a Nurse can Immigrate to Canada?
Canada’s healthcare system relies heavily on the expertise of physicians and surgeons. With a growing shortage of skilled doctors across various medical fields, the demand for internationally trained medical professionals is at an all-time high.
If you’ve recently completed your medical education abroad as a nurse or Doctor and have several years of experience as a practicing physician, Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for your career. This guide outlines the immigration pathways available to doctors, Nurses, the licensing requirements in different provinces, and the most in-demand roles for physicians and surgeons across the country.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
Reasons to move to Canada as a nurse and Doctor
1. Shortage of Skilled Healthcare Professionals in Canada Canada
Canada faces a severe shortage of both nurses and doctors, creating strong demand for skilled professionals:
Nurses
According to the government’s Job Bank, between 2019 and 2028, there will be 191,100 job openings for registered nurses (RNs), but only 154,600 qualified candidates, leading to a shortfall of 36,500 registered nurses. Job vacancies for registered nurses, nurse aides, and patient service associates nearly doubled between 2019 and 2021.
Doctors
Between 2022 and 2031, up to 40% of new job openings in medicine may remain unfilled, even with newly graduating physicians and immigrant doctors entering the workforce.
2. High Demand in Most Provinces
Both nurses and doctors are in high demand across Canada’s provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba:
Nurses
Active efforts are underway to recruit and train nurses, with provinces making it easier for internationally educated nurses to immigrate. For example, Ontario allocated $342 million in its 2021 budget to add 5,000 registered and practical nurses. Quebec aims to recruit 1,000 Francophone nurses by 2023.
Doctors
All Canadian provinces project a strong 10-year employment outlook for physicians. In-demand roles include surgeons and specialist physicians. Federal and provincial governments actively encourage foreign-trained doctors to settle and work in Canada.
3. Competitive Salaries and Benefits
Healthcare professionals in Canada enjoy competitive salaries and excellent benefits:
Nurses
The median annual income for registered nurses is around $76,000, with many earning up to $92,000 per year.
Doctors
Family physicians earn a median income of $216,833 per year, while specialist doctors and surgeons earn around $273,510 annually. Many doctors operate under a pay-for-service model, receiving payments from the provincial healthcare system rather than directly from patients.
Does Canada accept foreign nurses and Doctors?
Canada values internationally educated nurses and doctors, and several immigration programs prioritize these professions for permanent residence (PR):
Nurses
Most provinces allow foreign-trained nurses to start the licensing process remotely, speeding up job market entry.
Doctors
Foreign-trained doctors must obtain a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) by passing a knowledge test and registering with their provincial college of physicians and surgeons. Simplified pathways, such as the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA), support integration, and recent changes, like removing the MCCQE II test, streamline the process further.
Immigration Programs for Internationally Qualified Nurses and Medical Graduates.
Canada offers various immigration pathways for internationally trained nurses and doctors to address critical skill shortages.
Here’s a brief overview of key programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program
The Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is a popular route for skilled professionals, including nurses and doctors, to obtain permanent residence (PR) in Canada:
Eligibility :
Candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), considering factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Boosting CRS Score : Extra points are awarded for having:
- A Canadian job offer from a healthcare institution
- A provincial nomination (see Provincial Nominee Programs)
- Canadian work experience or education
Job Offers and Licensing : To secure a Canadian job offer, completing your medical licensing process is essential.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Most provinces and territories (excluding Quebec and Nunavut) operate PNPs to nominate skilled workers with in-demand expertise for PR.
Express Entry Linked Streams : These align with Express Entry, using CRS scores to invite candidates.
Occupation-Specific Streams : Provinces nominate candidates in high-demand occupations, such as nurses, physicians, and surgeons, based on National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
Key Points for Medical Graduates
- Some PNP streams require Canadian work experience or a job offer.
- Doctors may need to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from a prospective employer.
- A Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) is typically required before starting work.
Key Points for Nurses
- PNPs often focus on bridging labour shortages in the nursing sector.
- Remote initiation of the licensing process is allowed in most provinces, enabling a quicker entry into the job market
Here’s the combined information in a structured table format:
Province | PNP Streams for Doctors | PNP Streams for Nurses |
|---|---|---|
British Columbia | B.C. Skills Immigration – Health Authority: For doctors registered with the provincial authority or with a full-time job offer from a public health authority. B.C. Skills Immigration – Skilled Worker: For candidates with a permanent job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job. Also has an Express Entry option. | B.C. Skills Immigration – Health Authority: For nurse practitioners registered with the provincial authority or with a full-time job offer from a public health authority. B.C. Skills Immigration – Skilled Worker: For candidates with a permanent job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job. Express Entry option available. B.C. Skills Immigration – Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled: For semi-skilled workers in select occupations like nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates with a full-time job offer. |
Alberta | Alberta Express Entry: For qualified candidates from the Express Entry pool. | Alberta Express Entry: For qualified candidates from the Express Entry pool. |
Ontario | Express Entry Human Capital Priorities: For skilled workers with Express Entry profiles and the required experience, education, and language skills. Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker: For bilingual skilled workers with Express Entry profiles, required work experience, and qualifications. | Express Entry Human Capital Priorities: For skilled workers with Express Entry profiles and required work experience, education, and language skills. OINP Employer Job Offer – In-Demand Skills: For foreign workers with a job offer in a specific in-demand occupation (such as nursing). Express Entry French– Speaking Skilled Worker: For bilingual skilled workers with Express Entry profiles, required work experience, and qualifications. |
Manitoba | Skilled Workers in Manitoba: For skilled workers with a full-time job in Manitoba, who have been working with that employer for at least six months. Skilled Workers Overseas: For experienced foreign workers with skills needed in the local labour market and an established connection to the province. | Skilled Workers in Manitoba: For skilled workers with a long-term, full-time job in Manitoba, who have been working with that employer for at least six months. Skilled Workers Overseas: For experienced foreign workers with skills needed in the local labour market and an established connection to the province. |
Nova Scotia | Physician Stream: For general practitioners, family physicians, or specialists (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102) with an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Nova Scotia Express Entry Labour Market Priorities: For foreign workers in the Express Entry system who meet Nova Scotia’s labour market needs. Skilled Worker Stream: For foreign skilled workers and recent graduates with work experience and a full-time job offer. | Nova Scotia Express Entry Labour Market Priorities: Common draws for registered nurses under this stream. Skilled Worker Stream: For foreign skilled workers and recent graduates with work experience and a full-time job offer. Occupations in Demand: For internationally qualified applicants with at least one year of work experience and a full-time in-demand job, including nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates. |
New Brunswick | Human Capital Priorities Stream: For skilled workers with relevant experience, education, and proficiency in French or English. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: For French-speaking skilled workers with relevant experience, education, and proficiency in both languages. | Skilled Workers Stream: For foreign workers with skills, education, and experience needed in the local labour market and a full-time job offer. |
Saskatchewan | International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer: For highly skilled foreign workers with a job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Saskatchewan Experience Health Professionals: For skilled physicians and health professionals working full-time in Saskatchewan for at least six months on a valid work permit. | International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer: For highly skilled foreign workers with a job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Saskatchewan Experience Health Professionals: For nurses and health professionals working full-time in Saskatchewan for at least six months. International Skilled Worker – Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot: Includes nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates. International Healthcare Worker EOI Pool: Pre-application for internationally trained healthcare workers.
|
Newfoundland & Labrador | Priority Skills NL: For individuals with work experience in in-demand occupations and high education/language ability. Includes several medical specialists. NL Express Entry Skilled Worker: For high-skilled candidates with a job offer from an NL employer. Skilled Worker: For skilled foreign workers with a full-time job offer or ongoing employment. | Priority Skills NL: Includes nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses. NL Express Entry Skilled Worker: For candidates with a high-skilled job or job offer. Skilled Worker: For foreign workers with a full-time job offer or ongoing employment. |
Prince Edward Island | PEI PNP Express Entry: For qualified candidates in the Express Entry system. Skilled Worker Outside PEI: For candidates with a job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. | PEI PNP Express Entry: For Express Entry candidates. Skilled Worker Outside PEI: For candidates with a job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Occupations in Demand: Includes nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates. |
Northwest Territories | Northwest Territories Express Entry: For qualified candidates with an Express Entry profile. Skilled Worker: For qualified individuals addressing labour market shortages. | Northwest Territories Express Entry: For qualified Express Entry candidates. Skilled Worker: For qualified individuals addressing labour market shortages. Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled: For intermediate skilled foreign nationals with at least six months of full-time work experience in NWT. |
Yukon | Yukon Express Entry (YEE): For Express Entry applicants with a full-time job offer from an eligible Yukon employer. Skilled Worker: For candidates with a full-time job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. | Yukon Express Entry (YEE): For Express Entry applicants with a full-time job offer. Skilled Worker: For candidates with a full-time job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Critical Impact Worker: For candidates with a full-time job offer in NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupations. |
Quebec | Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP): For applicants with skills, experience, and language proficiency to work and settle in Quebec. | Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP): For applicants in all occupations based on factors like age, experience, education, and language proficiency in French and English. |
Note : This list is not exhaustive; other immigration programs may apply depending on individual circumstances.
Licensing Processes for Nursing and Medical Professions in Canada
Both nursing and medical occupations are regulated in Canada, and you must be licensed by your provincial or territorial regulator before you can work. Most provinces allow you to begin the licensing process before arriving in Canada.
Nursing Licenses in Canada –
There are three main types of nursing licenses in Canada, based on education, skill level, and job responsibilities:
License Type | Requirements | Additional Information |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | – Master’s degree in nursing or advanced nursing credential with specialization (adult, pediatric, or primary healthcare). – Work experience as a registered nurse (or equivalent). | – In some jurisdictions, the NP license is considered an extension of the RN license. – Applicants must first register for, or be eligible for, an RN license. |
Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Psychiatric Nurse | – Bachelor’s degree in nursing. – If the degree was earned more than three years ago, evidence of recent nursing practice is required. | – In British Columbia and Alberta, the licensing process for Registered Psychiatric Nurses is separate from that for RNs. |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Registered Practical Nurse | – Diploma in nursing. – If the diploma was earned more than three years ago, evidence of recent nursing practice is required. | – Some provinces have entry-level licenses for nursing students or fresh graduates. |
Provincial Regulation:
British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia each have a single college regulating all categories of nurses.
In other provinces and territories, different nursing categories have their own regulators.
Medical Licensing for Foreign-Trained Doctors in Canada
Step | Details |
| Step 1 : Obtain a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) | Requirements:– Graduate from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. – Verify medical credentials (including postgraduate training) through the MCC credentialing service. – Pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I (available online in over 80 countries). – Complete at least 12 months of acceptable postgraduate medical training. – Pay applicable application fees. |
| Step 2 : Submit LMCC Application | – Visit physiciansapply.ca and create an account. – Navigate to “Other Service Requests” and select “Apply for LMCC.” – Follow instructions to complete the application and upload required documentation. – Processing Timeline: MCC reviews information within 3–4 weeks. – Once approved, it takes an additional 6–8 weeks to receive LMCC documentation and Certificate of Registration. |
Next Steps After LMCC | – Register with the provincial or territorial college of physicians and surgeons where you plan to practice. – Each province has specific licensing requirements; ensure you are familiar with these guidelines to finalize your eligibility. |
Nursing Licensing Process in Canada
Step | Details |
1. National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) | Create Account: Choose category and province, pay $650 USD fee. Complete within 12 months. Identity Documents: Submit notarized copies of two IDs (passport, driver’s license, etc.). Education Form: Sent to institutions; they send transcripts and course descriptions directly to NNAS. Registration Form: Sent to licensing authorities where registered; they send directly to NNAS. Employment Form: Sent to employers from the past five years; they send directly to NNAS. Language Test Results: Required if English/French isn’t your primary language or education/work language. |
2. Apply for Provincial Licensing | Initial Application Fee: Varies by province and category. Examinations: NCLEX-RN for RNs, REx-PN for LPNs, and Jurisprudence Examination. Additional Requirements: Proof of citizenship/PR/work authorization, background check, health declaration. |
Next Steps After LMCC | – Register with the provincial or territorial college of physicians and surgeons where you plan to practice. – Each province has specific licensing requirements; ensure you are familiar with these guidelines to finalize your eligibility. |
Tip : Most provinces allow online completion from outside Canada. The entire process can take up to 18 months.
Medical Licensing Process in Canada
Step | Details |
1. Obtain LMCC Certification
| Medical Degree: From an accredited institution. Credential Verification: Via Medical Council of Canada (MCC). Pass MCCQE Part I: Exam available globally. Apply for LMCC: Through physiciansapply.ca. |
2. Apply for Provincial Regulator
| License Types: Independent practice, clinical observership, provisional license. Legal Authorization: Canadian citizenship, PR, or valid work permit. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English/French. Provisional Licensing: Gain supervised experience in Canada (some provinces). Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA): 12-week supervised evaluation in specific provinces. Additional Requirements: Conduct certificates, references, professional liability insurance. |
Getting Licensed by the provincial College of Physicians
Provincial/Territorial Regulatory Bodies
Province/Territory | Nursing Regulator | Medical Regulator |
|---|---|---|
Alberta | College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta |
British Columbia | British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) | College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia |
Manitoba | College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba |
Ontario | College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario |
Quebec | Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) | Collège des médecins du Québec |
Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia |
Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association (SRNA) | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan |
Yukon | Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA) | Yukon Medical Council |
Nunavut | Government of Nunavut Department of Health | Department of Health and Social Services
|
This table format presents a concise overview of licensing processes and relevant regulatory bodies for both nurses and physicians in Canada.
In-Demand Jobs in Medicine and Nursing in Canada
Medicine :
NOC Code | Occupation | Provinces/Territories in High Demand | Median Annual Salary |
| 31100 | Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine | British Columbia, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island | $273,510 (up to $550,000) |
| 31101 | Specialists in Surgery | British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador | $273,510 (up to $550,000) |
| 31102 | General Practitioners and Family Physicians | British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Territories | $216,833 (up to $450,000) |
Nursing :
NOC Code | Occupation | Provinces/Territories in High Demand | Median Annual Salary |
| 31302 | Nurse Practitioners | British Columbia, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island | $53.37/hour |
| 31301 | Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses | British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador | $40/hour (up to $67.83/hour in Nunavut) |
31300 | Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors | British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Territories | Varies (based on role and experience) |
32101 | Licensed Practical Nurses | British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Territories | $22 – $33.23/hour |
33102 | Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates | British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories | Varies (based on location) |
Key Insights:
Physician Shortages
Canada faces a significant shortage of physicians, particularly general practitioners and surgeons, with around 48,900 job openings expected between 2022 and 2031. High demand and lucrative salaries present strong opportunities for foreign-trained doctors.
Nursing Shortages
High demand exists for registered nurses and nurse practitioners across multiple provinces, especially in rural and remote areas. Median wages are highest in the northern territories and Saskatchewan.
This combined information highlights the promising opportunities and earning potential in Canada’s healthcare sector for both medical professionals and nurses.
Finding Medical and Nursing Jobs in Canada
Steps for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Nurses:
Step |
Tips for Nurses |
Tips for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) |
|---|---|---|
Understand Local Job Market Requirements |
Review job postings to identify required skills and certifications. | Familiarize yourself with Canadian healthcare requirements; emphasize relevant skills like communication or technology. |
Obtain Additional Qualifications |
Consider certifications in CPR, basic life support, or first aid to enhance your candidacy. | Gain specialized certifications or training relevant to Canadian medical practices. |
Craft a Canadian-Style Resume |
Use a format tailored to Canadian standards; include keywords from job descriptions to pass ATS screenings. | Highlight education, credentials, and experience. Customize for each role; download Canadian resume templates if needed. |
Leverage Job Search Platforms |
Explore job boards such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, and niche platforms for healthcare. | Use general job sites and specialized boards like MD Work, MD Search, Dr. Careers, CASPR, and Locums. |
Network with Professionals |
Connect with fellow nurses and healthcare workers; attend seminars and workshops. | Engage with professional networks and attend medical events. Join provincial physician colleges. |
Prepare for Interviews |
Practice common questions and prepare to discuss how your skills meet local healthcare needs. | Expect multiple interview rounds; research the organization and practice answering behavioral questions. |
Gain Related Experience While Licensing |
Work as a personal support worker or caregiver while completing your RN/LPN licensing. | Consider roles in unregulated fields or volunteer opportunities to gain Canadian experience. |
Establish a Private Practice (IMGs only) |
N/A | Steps include leasing a location, obtaining an independent license, registering with CMPA, and setting up billing. |
Key Resources for Job Hunting
Nurses : Use job platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, and consider niche sites tailored to healthcare.
IMGs : Explore specialized medical job boards such as MD Work and CASPR.
Networking :
Engage with professional associations and attend healthcare events for unadvertised opportunities.
By preparing ahead with these steps, you can successfully navigate the job market and find rewarding roles in Canada’s healthcare sector.