Every year, healthcare professionals from around the world choose Canada as their destination of choice. With its high quality of life, robust healthcare system, and immigration-friendly policies, Canada offers unmatched opportunities for healthcare workers looking to build a successful and fulfilling career.
The Growing Demand for Healthcare Professionals in Canada
An Aging Population and Labour Shortages
Canada’s ageing population and increasing healthcare needs have created a pressing demand for healthcare workers across various specialties. It is estimated that approximately 500,000 healthcare workers will retire over the next decade, leaving significant gaps in the workforce. According to government data, there are approximately 96,200 unfilled healthcare jobs annually.
Immigrants in Canada’s Healthcare System
Immigrants are vital to Canada’s healthcare system, making up nearly 25% of the workforce. As demand for healthcare workers rises, this share is expected to increase, creating more opportunities for international healthcare professionals.
Immigration Pathways for Healthcare Workers
Express Entry System
Canada’s Express Entry system prioritises healthcare workers through dedicated healthcare category-based selection draws. These draws offer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency to healthcare workers with the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications.
Eligibility for Express Entry:
To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): For skilled workers with no Canadian experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For workers with Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): For skilled trades professionals.
Once eligible, candidates are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency
Recent Express Entry Draw
On 20th November 2024 Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued invitations to apply (ITAs) for healthcare in the Express Entry draw.
The department issued 3,000 ITAs in a healthcare category-based selection draw.
Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 463 to be considered. The tie breaking rule was October 21, 2024 at 16:12:39 UTC.
In Demand Healthcare Occupations
Canada has a long list of healthcare occupations in demand, including but not limited to:
Healthcare Occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
| Audiologists and speech language pathologists | 31112 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 |
| Dentists | 31110 |
| Dieticians and nutritionists | 31121 |
| Education counsellors | 41320 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities | 42203 |
| Kinesiologists and other professional occupation in therapy and assessment | 31204 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 |
| Massage therapists | 32201 |
| Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33101 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 |
| Medical radiation technologists | 32121 |
| Medical sonographers | 32122 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 |
| Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors | 31300 |
| Occupational therapists | 31203 |
| Optometrists | 31111 |
| Other assisting occupations in support of health services | 33109 |
| Other practitioners of natural healing | 32209 |
| Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 31209 |
| Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 |
| Paramedical occupations | 32102 |
| Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 |
| Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
| Psychologists | 31200 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 |
| Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 |
| Specialists in surgery | 31101 |
| Therapists in counselling and related specialised therapies | 41301 |
| Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists | 32200 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 |
Reasons to Choose Canada as a Healthcare Worker
1. Competitive Compensation
Healthcare workers in Canada receive competitive salaries and benefits packages. These include retirement plans, health insurance, and paid leave. For instance, nurses in remote areas may qualify for loan forgiveness programs and additional benefits.
2. Immigration-Friendly Policies
The Canadian government actively facilitates the relocation of healthcare professionals through initiatives like:
- Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program: Focused on training and integrating healthcare workers.
- Working Together to Improve Healthcare for Canadians Plan: Dedicated to retaining healthcare professionals.
3. Comprehensive Social Services
Canada’s extensive social safety net ensures healthcare workers and their families feel secure. Benefits include:
- Maternity or parental leave.
- Sick leave (up to 15 days annually).
- Pension plans and unemployment insurance.
4. Work-Life Harmony
Work-life balance is a core Canadian value. Healthcare professionals enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and ample vacation time. These factors contribute to high job satisfaction.
Innovation and Excellence in Healthcare
Canada’s healthcare system is a leader in innovation, offering opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking advancements. Key accelerators in healthcare innovation include:
- Health Technology Catalyst
- MaRS Discovery District
- Centech
These platforms foster cutting-edge research, helping healthcare workers enhance patient care and medical technology.
With healthcare labour shortages projected to worsen and Canada’s immigration policies becoming increasingly accommodating, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether you’re a nurse, physician, or medical technologist, Canada offers a thriving environment for healthcare professionals.
Start your journey today to build a rewarding career and enjoy a high standard of living in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
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