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CIC News / 2013 / December / Healthcare Professionals – Options for Canadian Immigration

Healthcare Professionals – Options for Canadian Immigration

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CIC News has, in the past, discussed the high demand for nurses in Canada, as well as their many options for immigration. In addition to nurses, Canada is looking for workers in a number of other healthcare fields. In fact, Canadian immigration programs across the country have been structured to specifically attract healthcare practitioners with a wide range of expertise.

This article is a brief overview of the many immigration options currently available for professionals in the field of healthcare services:

Canadian immigration options for medical occupations

Individuals with healthcare expertise are needed in virtually every province and town in Canada. This need is reflected by the abundance of immigration programs geared towards such professionals.

Because of the diversity of programs currently open to healthcare practitioners, successful applicants will have the option to apply to the program most suited to their strengths, and to settle anywhere in the country they choose.

The following programs are particularly favorable to healthcare workers:

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program – The FSW program is currently limited to 24 eligible occupations. Of these occupations, a full nine are related to the healthcare field. They are as follows:

  • Audiologists and speech-language pathologists;
  • Physiotherapists*;
  • Occupational therapists;
  • Medical laboratory technologists;
  • Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants;
  • Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists;
  • Medical radiation technologists;
  • Medical sonographers; and
  • Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists.

A maximum of 300 applications will be accepted in each eligible occupation. However, as of the time of print all occupations (*with the exception of physiotherapists) are still open and accepting applications.

The Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program – This program is open to all skilled workers and semi-skilled workers. In order to be eligible, individuals must score a minimum number of points on the program’s points grid. Applicants with educational backgrounds in healthcare are in luck, because many of these occupations receive very high points, thus boosting the application.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Most Canadian provinces and territories run their own PNPs. These programs allow individual provinces to nominate targeted candidates to the federal government for Canadian Permanent Residency. All PNPs have a stream focusing on skilled workers, under which many healthcare professionals may be considered. However, some have even gone so far as to dedicate specific streams to bringing in health professionals. These include:

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – The Health Care Professional stream of the BC PNP was created to retain medical workers in the following fields:

  • Physicians;
  • Specialists;
  • Registered nurses;
  • Registered psychiatric nurses;
  • Nurse practitioners; and
  • Allied health professional s(such as: diagnostic medical sonographers, clinical pharmacists, medical laboratory techs, medical radiation techs, occupational therapists, physiotherapists)
  • Applicants to this program must have a job offer from a British Columbia-based employer.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – The SINP has similarly created a category for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Applicants must already be working full-time in the province for at least six months in order to be eligible.

Applying to a program

In addition to demonstrating their work experience, healthcare professionals must also meet other eligibility requirements. Depending on the program, this can include meeting minimum requirements for education, English or French language skills and personal funds. In addition, interested candidates should take special note of the following:

Licensing/Certification– Many, if not most, healthcare occupations are regulated in Canada. This means that before practicing in Canada, individuals must hold the necessary Canadian certification, licensing or authorization. Some immigration programs require that applicants already obtain, or be in the process of obtaining, the necessary certification before applying.

Educational verification – Many immigration programs require that applicants have their educational credentials assessed prior to submitting an application. Individuals should take care to make sure their foreign education is sufficient to practice in their desired occupation in Canada.

Organizations – Many health professions are governed by professional societies, organizations, or unions in Canada. Applicants should do research and learn how to become a member of these organizations, if necessary.

Once in Canada

Once a successful applicant has arrived in Canada, he or she may take advantage of the country’s world-class settlement services and robust job market. Though applicants must declare the province where they intend to initially land as immigrants, Canadian Permanent Residents may live and work anywhere in the country. This means that healthcare professionals have the luxury of finding the job and location that best suits them and their families, regardless of where this may be in Canada.

“Healthcare workers have gone through the processes of obtaining valuable skills,” said Attorney David Cohen. “In Canada, these skills are truly regarded in high esteem. This esteem is reflected in high salaries and workplace mobility, which is why our country continues to be a top choice for healthcare professionals from around the world.”

While salaries vary depending on the field and an individual’s experience, workers in Canada in general experience some of the highest wages in all G8 countries. Health professionals can often expect salaries of over $40-50 per hour, depending on their field and location in the country. Wages are only expected to rise in upcoming years, as current workers retire and the competition to attract younger professionals increases.

Related Canada Immigration Articles:

Comments

  1. Unfortunately they do not consider health care aides, registered care aides, etc… As part of the health profession and yet they are in high demand as most of the employers are short for care aides.

  2. The world needs experts to deals with the big problems especially health problems .

  3. I am highly interested living and working in Canada. I can do both skill and unskilled work Thanks.

  4. hi sir ,
    I have sent my file by myself this year under physiotherapist profile on 30 oct but not recieved any letter or acknowledgement . Now the cap is closed & i dont know whether my file is accepted or not. Kindly suggest me the way to find it out & what are the options available for me for Canada immigration.
    Thanks

  5. dear sir,
    information given i news letter is always timely & fantastic
    thanks& regrds

  6. How can I as an overseas doctor be applied for this process if what is written up there indicates no one will be nominated if he/she does not have (conditioned only for those who have been Licensing/Certification from Canada, means other cases from outside Canada will never be accepted? This means that before practicing in Canada {individuals must hold the necessary Canadian certification, licensing or authorization}.

  7. It is a good article.

  8. iam radiographer..i want gone to the Quebec

  9. What are the conditions required for the job physiotherapist?

  10. I have already submitted my case as a physiotherapist in fsw. I am just waiting for my file number.
    Thanx for the information…

  11. this is very helpful for me.

  12. What about dentists with speciality and unique experience?

  13. Are BAMS , BHMS considered under physicians as per BC PNP , SINP …. ?

  14. Thank you sir for a great article..

  15. Dear Mr David . What about vets . Long time ago such occupation not in list

  16. How about Registered Nurses?

  17. Very informative article, I am Medical Sonographer, working in U.A.E, please send me more info, I would like to apply for FSW.

  18. Hi sir/madam,
    I am a registered pharmacist. I would like to us if theres a job for me to apply? Am very much willing to work.
    thank you and more power!

  19. JACQUES BANYANGIRIKI Physiotherapist with Master’s degree done at university of the western cape south africa, i am Rwandese and i live in Rwanda kigali city, i am married and i have 3 children, i have 5 years of working experience so now could you help me to find a work there as professional we ara still waiting you.

    Thanks

  20. and i am registered physiotherapist here in Rwanda

  21. Good day
    I am interested to work in your country as physiotherapist

  22. Thank you for your really good full article

  23. i like the information published.
    i would to get a step by step process for a radiographer wishing to immigrate to Canada.
    Thank you.

  24. Hi I am physiotherapist with master degree with 2 year work experience. I am interested to work in your country, this is my dream thank you.

  25. iam a indian how to get nursing job in Canada

  26. Sir,
    Is it necessary to b a permanent resident on Canada to write the licence exam for physiotherapists?

  27. Will offers be available by 2017? I am nursing student here in Nigeria. Should there be, please email me back. Thank you

  28. Good day
    Iam a qualified physiotherapist with 12years experience, iam interested to work in Canada. Can you kindly assist. Studied and staying in South Africa.

  29. Hello, my name is José Luis Rondero im a licenced physiotherapist from México i have eleven years of experience, i want to know how can me and muy family immigrate to Canada we really want lo live and work there please i hope you can answer my question thank you!!!

  30. Hi.

    I am a registered PT outside Canada who wish to work and migrate there. I wanna know if given my education and 1 year work experience as a licensed Physical Therapist, I can work as Physiotherapist Aide in Canada initially, and move to the CAPR and PCE later? If yes, do I need to undergo accreditation for PT Aides or I can proceed to LMIA or apply to the desired province directly?

    Thank you in advance.

  31. Hi
    I am a medical officer in Nigeria with 5years experience, is there space for people like me or what do I need to do to be part of this program? Please reply.
    Thanks

  32. I am a physiotherapist from Jordan I have several years experience with Syrian refugees in Jordanian camps

  33. Hi I’m a Radiographer here in Singapore, I already acquired the AHPC license. Is there any chance for me to migrate and work as a Radiographer in Canada. Do I need any certification from Allied Health Professionals in order to work? Please help me on this matter.

    Thanks and regards.

    Efren Kho

  34. Hello Dr.Jaspreet,

    Did you find a job before submitted your application?

    thx

  35. I am working with JNPT NAVI-MUMBAI (INDIA )as MEDICAL SUPRINTENDENT. I am performing administrative job. I am basically a General Surgeon. I am interested to work in Canada. Expect an early response.
    Regards!

  36. I am a qualified physiotherapist, having obtained my Qualification in South Africa. I am interested in living and working in Canada. I do not have any dependents. Please could you assist me in supplying me with the relevant and appropriate information required for the application to live and work in Canada as a physiotherapist.

    Thank you

  37. Hello, i passed my bachelor in physiotherapy last year now am looking to practice in canada i have applied for marks evaluation ..how much time it will take and what will be the next step how will i move to canada for pce exam …m highly confuse

  38. i done M.Sc hematology and working in clinical lab more than 10 years.i am interested to work in Canada as lab technologist in hospital. i am also certified as IH(ASCPi).
    please guide me further to apply .