Canada’s new rules are fast-tracking US healthcare workers
More than 400 US-trained doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers have made the move to British Columbia (B.C.) in the past year — thanks to new rules that make it faster and easier to get licensed and start working.
B.C.’s targeted recruitment campaign, launched in March 2025, has led to the submission of over 2,750 job applications from American healthcare professionals—far exceeding expectations.
Here's what changed, who can benefit, and how to get started if you're thinking about making the move.
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What changed for US healthcare workers in BC
In 2025, British Columbia streamlined how it recognizes US medical credentials for both doctors and nurses.
For doctors
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC created a new pathway in July 2025. US-trained doctors who hold certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties can now become fully licensed in B.C. without further assessment, exams, or training.
Before this change, the process could take months and required additional steps, even for experienced physicians.
For nurses
The BC College of Nurses and Midwives launched a streamlined registration process in April 2025. US-registered nurses can now apply directly to the college for licensure, skipping the third-party assessment that used to be required.
The college reviews their education, exam results, employment history, and regulatory records through a US national database. Registration now takes days instead of what previously averaged up to four months.
Since the new nursing pathway launched, applications from US-trained nurses have jumped by 127%. Over 1,038 US nurses and nurse practitioners registered to work in B.C. between April 2025 and January 2026 — more than eight times the number from the year before.
Who can benefit
B.C. is recruiting across several healthcare roles.
As of January 2026, the 400+ US professionals who accepted job offers included:
- 89 doctors;
- 260 nurses;
- 42 nurse practitioners; and
- 23 allied health professionals.
These professionals are working in hospitals and clinics across the province, from Vancouver to rural and remote communities in Northern B.C.
The province is highlighting opportunities in areas with the greatest need, including cancer care, emergency departments, and rural communities facing worker shortages. Free support and guidance through the process is available from Health Match BC, the province's health workforce recruitment organization.
To explore current openings and register for help, visit BC Health Careers.
How to begin the process of moving to Canada
If you're a US healthcare worker considering B.C., the first step is getting registered with the relevant regulatory college. This confirms your credentials will be recognized before you start applying for jobs.
But getting licensed to practice is only part of the equation. You'll also need to plan your immigration status.
US citizens can visit Canada freely without a visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) for up to six months. However, you can't work in Canada without proper authorization — even with a job offer.
Work permits
The fastest route for many US healthcare workers is a work permit under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This free trade agreement covers 63 professions, including physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists, dentists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
If your profession is on the list, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit once you have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
If your role isn't covered by CUSMA, you can explore other options through Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP).
Healthcare workers in Canada benefit from high demand due to a lack of professionals in the Canadian labour market, often allowing for better access to employer-specific work permits.
Note: Work permits are temporary. You'll need to renew yours before it expires or obtain another form of status — like permanent residence (PR) — to stay in Canada.
Permanent residency
If you plan to stay in Canada long-term, you'll want to look into PR.
The two main federal pathways are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, which you can apply for from outside Canada, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which requires one year of skilled work experience in Canada. Many healthcare workers who move to B.C. on a work permit become eligible for CEC after their first year.
Both programs are managed through Express Entry, Canada's main system for economic immigration. You'll need language test results and an educational credential assessment (ECA) to create a profile — even if English is your first language.
B.C. also runs its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which can boost your Express Entry score and speed up your path to PR through pathways that are linked.
There are also non-Express Entry streams, which are more specifically tailored to healthcare professionals in the province.
Throughout 2025, the BC PNP became increasingly selective of the candidates that the program invited for provincial nomination, with healthcare workers being among the selected groups to continue to receive invitations.
To find out more about your immigration options through the BC PNP, visit our dedicated webpage.
- Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
- Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
