Healthcare Jobs are Growing in Canada. Can Newcomers Actually Access Them?

The short answer is yes, but it takes time. According to Statistics Canada data, healthcare is one of the few industries where jobs are expected to grow, even amid a looming recession. Given the demand, it seems like it should be straightforward to immigrate to Canada as a healthcare professional, but that’s not always the case. 

Key Takeaways  

• Healthcare jobs are in high demand, but licensing is the biggest barrier for newcomers   
• Express Entry now includes category-based draws for healthcare worker 
• Over 50% of 2024 healthcare ITAs went to candidates outside Canada   
• Provincial differences matter—some provinces offer faster licensing pathways   
• Alternative roles (support workers, aides) can be faster entry points  

It’s no surprise that Canada’s healthcare system is under increased pressure. Canada’s population is aging quickly, with nine million people expected to retire by 2030. With more seniors and fewer people working, many of Canada’s social programs are feeling the strain. 

Why Aren’t More Newcomers Filling These Roles?  

Job vacancy data from January 2026 shows 92,000 vacancies in healthcare and social assistance, a number expected to rise as more workers retire.  The vacancy number has been high for years. It leads to some confusion over why more newcomers aren’t coming to Canada to work in healthcare.   

In short, getting a healthcare job as a newcomer can be a slow and difficult process. Many healthcare careers require a license from a provincial health authority, and each province has its own rules. This is because each province, not the federal government, manages healthcare. 

A newcomer to Canada who wants to work in a licensed healthcare profession will more than likely find themselves facing:  

• Credential assessments
• Language testing
• Exams / bridging programs

This can potentially take years, and costs can add up. Again, the cost will vary depending on the province and the requirements.  

Also, there are multiple authorities within a province, so not every licensed occupation goes through a single body. For example, in Ontario, nurses go through the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), and physicians go through the College of Physicians and Surgeons (every province has its own college).  

Taking time, cost and licensing requirements into consideration means you should think carefully about which province or territory you want to settle in. It could take longer for your application and licensing to be approved in a province with more applicants, such as Ontario.   

Some provinces offer faster licensing. Nova Scotia is aggressively recruiting internationally trained physicians and offers on-the-job licensing that can be completed in 12 weeks.  

What Immigration Pathways are Available for Internationally Trained Healthcare Workers?  

Canada has several pathways that target international healthcare workers, even those outside of Canada. Data from 2024 shows that 51% of all healthcare category-based ITAs were issued to applicants outside of Canada.  

Most prominently, Express Entry now includes category-based draws for healthcare and social assistance services occupations. These draws prioritize candidates with relevant experience, increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA). In addition, IRCC recently introduced targeted draws for physicians, inviting hundreds of candidates in early rounds.  

Remember that demand doesn’t guarantee you’ll get an ITA. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking ystem (CRS) score for these draws is typically high, and you should still do everything you can to maximize your CRS score.  

You can also try the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Some provinces have PNP streams that are dedicated to healthcare professions. In Ontario, you can consider the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, which is targeting healthcare workers and in BC, the BC Healthcare Professional stream may be an option for you if you are eligible. Alberta also has a Dedicated Health Care Pathway.  

What Does the Process Look Like?  

For many newcomers, entering a regulated healthcare profession is a multi-step process that can take time.  

A typical pathway might look like this:  

• Apply through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program   
• Receive an invitation to apply (ITA)  and apply for PR 
• Begin credential recognition before arriving in Canada   
• Register with the appropriate provincial regulatory body   
• Work in a related healthcare role if needed   
• Complete licensing requirements and transition into your profession   

Planning ahead—especially starting the credential recognition process early—can help reduce delays after arrival.  

Does Canadian Experience Matter?  

Canadian experience doesn’t necessarily matter for immigration purposes, but it could be more challenging to find a job without it. Many employers do prefer to see it on a resume.   

If you are still waiting for your license, you can take on a healthcare-related role that doesn’t need one. Statistics Canada data shows that “In 2021, recent immigrants (13.0%) and non-permanent residents enumerated in the Census (10.8%) together accounted for close to one-quarter (23.8%) of all nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates aged 25 to 34.”   

Finding work in one of these occupations could act as an advantage in your job hunt. It shows that, while you may not have been working in your chosen profession, you are still familiar with the local healthcare system.  

What Does the Future Hold?  

While there are multiple immigration pathways for healthcare workers, most regulated healthcare roles require licensing, credential recognition, and, in some cases, additional training in Canada. This means there will probably be a gap between arriving in Canada and being able to work in your profession.  

Still, Canada’s ongoing demand for healthcare workers is not expected to slow down anytime soon. Healthcare spending is expected to rise over the next several years amid increased pressure on the system.   

Both the federal and provincial governments are struggling to keep pace and adapt to the ongoing demand by expanding category-based immigration draws, investing in faster credential recognition, and introducing streamlined licensing pathways in some provinces.  

Despite the barriers newcomers face, if you are willing to put in the work, Canada’s healthcare system may offer long-term job security and career progression.