How to immigrate to Canada as a Healthcare worker?
immigrate to Canada as a Healthcare worker
Were you aware that between 2017 and 2024, Canada warmly received more than 21,000 healthcare professionals, averaging just over 4,000 workers annually? According to the recently unveiled Canada Immigration Levels Plans for 2024-2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) intends to double this figure, aiming to bring in approximately 8,000 healthcare workers each year in the upcoming years. This is particularly exciting news for Indian healthcare professionals considering a move to Canada in 2025.
What's the reason behind this development?
How to Migrate to Canada as a Healthcare Professional
Canada’s growing demand for healthcare workers has led to the creation of multiple pathways for Indian healthcare professionals seeking immigration to Canada. Here are some of the most viable options:
Option 1: Express Entry
Category-Based Express Entry Draws
n a recent update on May 31, 2024, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new category-based selection for Express Entry, with healthcare being one of the prioritized categories. The Healthcare occupations category includes 35 occupations such as Dentists, Nurses, Physiotherapists, and Doctors.
Standard Express Entry Draws
Standard Express Entry draws select candidates for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) visas through streams like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Standard draws are open to all eligible occupations, not just healthcare workers.
Option 2: Provincial Nominee Program
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are managed by individual provinces and territories in Canada. Each province has unique eligibility criteria, requirements, and application processes. PNPs often prioritize candidates with job offers or connections to the local community. Many provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, have specific streams for healthcare workers.
Accreditation and Licensing
After obtaining Canada PR as a healthcare worker from India, the next step is to acquire accreditation or licensing to work in Canada. Each province has its licensing institution for internationally educated workers.
In-Demand Jobs for Indian Healthcare Workers in Canada (2025)
Here are the top 8 in-demand healthcare jobs in Canada, along with job openings and average salaries:
Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
- Job Openings: 155,400
- Average Salary: CAD$ 51,900 - CAD$ 93,256 Per Year
Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
- Job Openings: 27,800
- Average Salary: CAD$ 42,473 - CAD$ 66,557 Per Year
Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors (NOC 31300)
- Job Openings: 23,100
- Average Salary: CAD$ 43,200 - CAD$ 104,796 Per Year
General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)
- Job Openings: 48,900
- Average Salary: CAD$ 74,759 - CAD$ 52,967 Per Year
Specialist Physicians (NOC 31100)
- Job Openings: 29,800
- Average Salary: CAD$ 100,664 - CAD$ 547,366 Per Year
Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating (NOC 31209)
- Job Openings: 17,900
- Average Salary: CAD$ 26,466 - CAD$ 123,516 Per Year
Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
- Job Openings: 16,100
- Average Salary: CAD$ 53,132 - CAD$ 145,200 Per Year
Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
- Job Openings: 14,300
- Average Salary: CAD$ 49,500 - CAD$ 97,884 Per Year
job opportunities in Canada
