BC Looking To Attract US-Trained Doctors and Nurses with Fast-Tracked Credential Recognition

BC is hoping to capitalize on the uncertainty and political climate in the US to attract doctors, especially from California, Oregon and Washington.  

“With the uncertainty and chaos happening south of our border, we have an unprecedented opportunity to attract skilled health-care workers interested in moving to Canada,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Our message to doctors and nurses working in the U.S. is that now is the time to come to British Columbia. We will welcome you to our beautiful province where together we can strengthen public health care, deliver services for people and build healthy communities.” 

Key Takeaways 

• US-Trained Doctors and Nurses will benefit from a fast-track to credential recognition and licensure in British Columbia in the near future.  

• BC will join Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in removing barriers for US-Trained doctors and nurses.  

• The goal is to attract doctors and nurses from the US to British Columbia. 

First Things First, Can Doctors and Nurses Immigrate to BC? 

Doctors and nurses are in demand in Canada – but that doesn’t mean the immigration pathway is guaranteed.  

In fact, many doctors or nurses who trained in the US and do not have Canadian work or study experience may not have a high enough Comprehensive Ranking System score to receive an invitation in a healthcare draw. The last healthcare draw, on November 20 2024, had a Comprehensive Ranking Score cut off of 463. Meanwhile, a newly graduated doctor with one year of work experience in the US and a Doctor of Medicine from the US, may have a score around 445 (depending on age and other Comprehensive Ranking factors).  

So, that could mean they need to qualify for a BC Provincial Nominee Program to qualify. 

There are two options for US-Trained Doctors and Nurses to receive a provincial nomination in BC:

• The Health Authority stream; and
• Targeted draws for Healthcare workers.

If a US-Trained worker received a provincial nomination, they would be very likely to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Canada’s Express Entry system.  

In other words, through the PNP, doctors and nurses from the US have an efficient and relatively easily accessible pathway to permanent residence in Canada.  

Why Would US-Trained Doctors and Nurses Choose BC?  

While the BC government’s news release focuses on the chaos and uncertainty south of the border, there are many reasons these medical professionals would choose BC.  

For one, BC values primary care and primary carers. It operates using a longitudinal payment model that values the time physicians spend with patients, which can improve health outcomes and reduce physician stressors, while also compensating physicians for time spent on indirect care and administration.  

Dr. Habib Ur-Rehman, physician who recently moved from the U.K. to B.C. – 

“Moving to B.C. wasn’t just about finding a place to work, it was about finding a place that values primary care. From the moment we arrived, we’ve been embraced by a community that not only welcomes family doctors but truly celebrates them. The beauty, the people and the government’s commitment to health care make this feel like home. We’re honoured to be part of this change and excited for the future ahead.” 

For another, it’s a dream destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. British Columbia is known globally for its hiking, cycling, rock climbing, snow sports, and extremely easy access to nature. Given the interconnectedness between health and nature, it’s likely to be an attractive destination for health care professionals.  

Pay For Doctors and Nurses in BC vs in the USA

While wages vary depending on location, training, hours and other factors, family physicians in British Columbia earn around $385,000 CAD annually (or around 280,000 USD). Dr Bill estimates that the average physician in the US earned $229,300 USD, so BC pay rates may be attractive for US-Trained doctors.  

Nurses in BC earn an average of $45 per hour, or $87,750 CAD ($64,000 USD). Though, higher earning nurses can earn $50+ per hour, or over $100,000. So, this may be a less attractive route for nurses in the US, who tend to have a higher annual salary than Canadian nurses.  

Which Province Pays Doctors The Most in Canada?  

According to Canada’s Job Bank, these are the most lucrative territories/provinces for physicians:  

• Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia.  

Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick had lower earnings (though the earnings were far above median earnings in those regions, and may result in higher earning potential due to favourable income tax rates and lower cost of living).  

Immigration Help From Our Trusted Partners 

If you’re a US-Trained healthcare professional and you’re considering moving to Canada, you can learn more about some immigration consultants we trust.