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

Healthcare Professionals – Options for Canadian Immigration

December 11, 2013 by CIC News

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.

About CIC News

Next Article: Quebec Applications Outpacing Federal Applications
Previous Article: David’s Blog: Here’s to Hoping

Related Canada Immigration Articles:

  • Canada extends application period for Post-Graduation Work Permits, drops valid study permit requirement International graduates of eligible Canadian schools now have 180 days to apply for a PGWP
  • If you’re in the Express Entry pool, these provincial immigration streams may be looking for you Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta use so-called 'passive' immigration streams to search the Express Entry pool for eligible candidates
  • Ontario issues new invitations to French-speaking Express Entry candidates OINP has now issued 189 invitations through French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream in 2019

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    December 12, 2013

    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.

    Reply
  2. BIMENYIMANA Rémy says

    December 12, 2013

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

    Reply
  3. Moses Barclay says

    December 12, 2013

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

    Reply
  4. Ankur says

    December 13, 2013

    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

    Reply
  5. col js sandhu says

    December 13, 2013

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

    Reply
  6. isam says

    December 13, 2013

    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}.

    Reply
  7. Valerie Thomas Saintime says

    December 13, 2013

    It is a good article.

    Reply
  8. abdel halim ahmed sackran says

    December 13, 2013

    iam radiographer..i want gone to the Quebec

    Reply
  9. Vladimir Vujanic says

    December 13, 2013

    What are the conditions required for the job physiotherapist?

    Reply
  10. Dr Jaspreet kaur says

    December 13, 2013

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

    Reply
    • burak says

      May 25, 2017

      Hello Dr.Jaspreet,

      Did you find a job before submitted your application?

      thx

      Reply
  11. Anto Jose says

    December 13, 2013

    this is very helpful for me.

    Reply
  12. Dr loay Chahadi says

    December 14, 2013

    What about dentists with speciality and unique experience?

    Reply
  13. Dr Ankit says

    December 15, 2013

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

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    December 16, 2013

    Thank you sir for a great article..

    Reply
  15. Walid yousef tawfiq Al-saleh says

    December 17, 2013

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

    Reply
  16. Rose says

    December 19, 2013

    How about Registered Nurses?

    Reply
  17. Dr.Meena Parkash says

    December 23, 2013

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

    Reply
  18. Irene Tan abogaa says

    October 4, 2015

    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!

    Reply
  19. JACQUES BANYANGIRIKI says

    December 3, 2015

    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

    Reply
  20. JACQUES BANYANGIRIKI says

    December 3, 2015

    and i am registered physiotherapist here in Rwanda

    Reply
  21. Guylain Lukonga says

    January 13, 2016

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

    Reply
  22. مهاجرت به کانادا says

    February 16, 2016

    Thank you for your really good full article

    Reply
  23. kasule willys says

    March 4, 2016

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

    Reply
  24. Hirdesh kumar says

    April 13, 2016

    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.

    Reply
  25. iniyavai says

    May 13, 2016

    iam a indian how to get nursing job in Canada

    Reply
  26. Reethu Elsa says

    September 5, 2016

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

    Reply
  27. Joan says

    September 12, 2016

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

    Reply
  28. Mercy says

    October 23, 2016

    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.

    Reply
  29. José Luis Rondero Lezama says

    November 13, 2016

    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!!!

    Reply
  30. Princess17 says

    November 17, 2016

    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.

    Reply
  31. Ugwu Felix Chibuike says

    November 29, 2016

    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

    Reply
  32. Mohamad Aqel says

    January 23, 2017

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

    Reply
  33. Efren Kho says

    April 15, 2017

    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

    Reply
  34. DR RAJ HINGORANI says

    June 5, 2017

    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!

    Reply
  35. Matthew Wills says

    June 26, 2017

    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

    Reply
  36. harmandeep says

    July 9, 2017

    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

    Reply
  37. sajid saeed says

    September 17, 2017

    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 .

    Reply

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