Top Courses, Careers, and PR Pathways for International Students
Healthcare Jobs in Canada: Top Courses, Careers, and PR Pathways for International Students
There aren’t enough workers in Canada’s healthcare system, which is causing thousands of job openings in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community clinics, and public health organizations. Canada is actively welcoming skilled healthcare workers and international students who have studied healthcare-related programs as the country’s population gets older and the demand for healthcare continues to rise.
Because of this growing demand, healthcare jobs in Canada are now one of the safest and most promising career paths. For international students, taking healthcare courses in Canada is a clear way to get a job, a work permit, and permanent residency.
If you want to get a Canada study permit, work permit, or move to Canada as a permanent resident,
Why Canada Needs Healthcare Professionals Now More Than Ever
Canada is having trouble getting enough healthcare workers because the population is getting older, there are a lot of retirements in the medical field, long-term care services are growing, and there is more need for mental health and rehabilitation support. To deal with this pressure, the federal and provincial governments are making healthcare jobs a priority by speeding up the process of recognizing credentials, holding targeted immigration draws, and creating Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that are aligned with healthcare.
Because of this, graduates of healthcare programs are getting good jobs and are more likely to be accepted into Express Entry and provincial immigration streams.
The 10 Best Healthcare Courses in Canada for International Students
In-Demand Occupations Eligible for Two-Week Processing (Category B)
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 |
| Civil engineers | 21300 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Mining engineers | 21330 |
| Aerospace engineers | 21390 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 |
| Mathematicians and statisticians (subset) | 21210 |
| Data scientists | 21211 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 |
| Web designers | 21233 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 |
| Computer network and web technicians | 22220 |
| Information systems testing technicians | 22222 |
| Visual effects and video game project managers (subset) | 51120 |
| Digital media and design professionals (subset) | 52120 |
Many of these roles are also aligned with Canada’s STEM immigration priorities, making them highly valuable for long-term settlement.
1. Nursing
In Canada, nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand jobs in the healthcare field. There is a big need for qualified nurses right now because hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers in all provinces are short-staffed. International students who study nursing in Canada get structured clinical training, credentials that are recognized around the world, and a good chance of getting a job after graduation. Nursing is still a top job for immigration programs, which makes it a good way to get permanent residency.
Popular Nursing Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Master of Nursing (MN)
- Practical Nursing Diploma
- Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Nursing Leadership and Management Programs
Top Institutions
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- Conestoga College
- St. Lawrence College
2. Kinesiology
Courses Available
- Bachelor of Kinesiology
- Diploma in Kinesiology
- Master of Science in Kinesiology
- PhD in Kinesiology
Leading Institutions
- Capilano University
- Douglas College
- Seneca College
- Acadia University
3. Public Health
Top Programs
- Bachelor / Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Environmental Public Health
- Epidemiology and Population Health
- Global Public Health Management
Institutions Offering Public Health Programs
- University of Alberta
- Brock University
- University of Winnipeg
- Conestoga College
4. Dental Science
Courses Offered
- Bachelor of Dentistry
- Dental Hygiene Diploma
- Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene
- Dental Office Administration
Top Institutions
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Saskatchewan
- George Brown College
5. Medical Radiation Technology
Medical Programs
- Advanced Diploma in Medical Radiation Technology
- Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Imaging
Top Institutions
- McGill University
- Dalhousie University
- University of Regina
- Fanshawe College
6. Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Programs
- Certificate in Personal Support Worker
- Diploma in Health Care Assistance
Popular Colleges
- Centennial College
- Algonquin College
- Conestoga College
- Cambrian College
7. Gerontology
Courses
- Bachelor of Gerontology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontology
- Master of Applied Gerontology
Institutions
- Simon Fraser University
- Brock University
- Sheridan College
- Seneca College
8. Addictions and Mental Health Worker
Programs Available
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health
- Community Health and Mental Wellness
Top Institutions
- Humber College
- Durham College
- Fanshawe College
- University of Toronto
9. Pharmacy Technician
Courses
- Pharmacy Technician Diploma
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- PharmD
- MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Institutions
- University of Waterloo
- University of Alberta
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Bow Valley College
10. Occupational Health and Safety
Programs
- Occupational Health and Safety Diploma
- Graduate Certificate in Workplace Health
Top Colleges
- Mohawk College
- Georgian College
- Cape Breton University
- Seneca College
PR Pathways for Healthcare Workers in Canada
Canada actively supports immigration for healthcare professionals through targeted pathways. Many healthcare occupations are prioritised under Express Entry category-based draws, the Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs. Graduates with Canadian education and work experience often benefit from faster and more predictable PR outcomes.
Step 2: Apply for Your Canada Work Permit
Once the LMIA is approved, you can submit your work permit application from outside Canada. During the application, you must clearly indicate that your LMIA was issued under the Global Talent Stream. Most eligible applicants receive a decision within two weeks, allowing them to start working in Canada much sooner than usual.
Why Nova Scotia Is Growing in Popularity
- High demand for healthcare professionals, IT workers, educators, and trades
- Accessible immigration streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Lower housing costs compared to large metropolitan cities
- Strong community integration and settlement support
Final Thoughts: Building Your Future in Canada in 2026
Whether you aim for the fast-paced opportunities of Ontario, the lifestyle appeal of British Columbia, the affordability of Alberta, or the immigrant-friendly environment of Manitoba and Nova Scotia, Canada offers a province where newcomers can truly thrive. With proper planning, research, and professional guidance, choosing the right province can set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nursing, Public Health, Medical Radiation Technology, Pharmacy, and Personal Support Worker programs are among the most popular.
