Canada’s rapidly aging population and overburdened healthcare system have created major staffing shortages across the country. As a result, Canadian healthcare facilities and recruitment agencies are urgently seeking qualified foreign workers to fill over 143,695 vacant positions in 2024 alone. This high demand presents a unique opportunity for foreigners looking to immigrate to Canada on a work permit while also advancing their healthcare careers.
Why Canada Needs Foreign Healthcare Workers
Several key factors are fueling the pressing need for international healthcare professionals in Canada:
Aging Population
Canada has one of the world’s oldest populations. Over 6.5 million Canadians are aged 65 or older, comprising 17.5% of the total population. This demographic relies heavily on healthcare services, straining medical facilities.
Staffing Shortages
Hospitals, clinics, and care homes nationwide are understaffed, with one study projecting national shortfalls of between 60,000 and 113,000 doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers by 2022.
High Worker Burnout
Many Canadian healthcare workers are leaving their positions due to extreme stress and burnout, especially given the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their departures exacerbate staff shortages.
Increased Immigration
Canada plans to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents in 2023 and 465,000 in 2024. This expanding population will further increase demands on the healthcare system.
Emphasis on Preventative CareThe Canadian government aims to further develop preventative healthcare services and research for common health conditions. Achieving this goal requires hiring more qualified staff across medical disciplines. With such a wide gap between healthcare labor supply and demand within Canada, hiring from abroad is an urgent priority.
Top Healthcare Jobs in Demand for Foreign Workers
Many healthcare occupations offer excellent employment prospects for newcomers to Canada in 2024. Here are some of the most in-demand positions:
1. Registered Nurses
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care across diverse healthcare settings. These highly skilled professionals are urgently needed across Canada.Responsibilities include:
- Conducting patient assessments
- Administering medications
- Implementing care plans
- Monitoring patient progress
- Coordinating care teams
Average Salary: $75,000 CAD
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, RN license
2. Medical Administrative Assistants
Medical Administrative Assistants help with essential clerical and organizational tasks in healthcare facilities to support clinical teams and office operations.Their key duties involve:
- Scheduling appointments
- Maintaining patient records
- Processing insurance claims
- Answering phone inquiries
- Providing customer service
Average Salary: $42,000 CAD Qualifications: College diploma, healthcare experience
3. Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians assist licensed Pharmacists with dispensing prescription medications and overseeing pharmacy supply chains and inventories.They are responsible for:
- Preparing medications
- Maintaining patient records
- Supporting billing and payments
- Ordering pharmaceuticals
- Advising patients on medications
Average Salary: $47,000 CAD Qualifications: Pharmacy Technician certification
4. Personal Support Workers
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) provide daily assisted living care to clients in their homes or in care facilities. With demand skyrocketing due to Canada’s aging demographics, PSWs are urgently needed.Their daily tasks involve:
- Assisting with mobility
- Bathing clients
- Helping with medications
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
Average Salary: $43,000 CAD
Qualifications: PSW certification
5. Medical Laboratory Technologists
Medical Laboratory Technologists analyze clinical specimens to provide critical diagnostic information to physicians.Their analytic work includes:
- Operating complex laboratory equipment
- Performing tests on samples
- Analyzing cellular and chemical test results
- Confirming diagnoses
Average Salary: $60,000 CAD
Qualifications: Medical Laboratory Science degree
This list highlights just a few of the most in-demand healthcare positions in Canada for foreigners in 2024. Other sought-after jobs include Psychiatrists, Midwives, Occupational Therapists, and many more.
Key Healthcare Recruiters for Foreign Workers
Many public and private Canadian healthcare providers actively recruit foreign talent through international job fairs, online postings, and recruitment agencies.
Here are some of the top healthcare recruitment firms helping staff Canadian facilities with overseas professionals:
Greenstaff Medical Recruitment
Greenstaff Medical is one of Canada’s largest healthcare recruitment agencies. They recruit nurses, doctors, care workers, and other personnel for roles across Canada.
Canadian Health Pro helps healthcare employers across Canada fill vacancies by recruiting foreign-trained applicants. They offer free services connecting workers abroad with Canadian facilities.
Carecor Health Services staffs over 250 public and private Canadian healthcare employers through international recruitment campaigns seeking qualified nurses, doctors, and other personnel.
Global Skills provides recruitment support to Canadian employers seeking to hire internationally educated healthcare professionals, including orientation and licensing exam preparation.
CariCare Canada recruits care assistants, support workers, and nurses from overseas to fill staff demands at senior homes, hospitals, and community care facilities across Canada. These are just a handful of the many recruitment firms that can assist qualified foreign healthcare workers with finding in-demand Canadian jobs in 2024.
Step-By-Step Guide to Getting a Healthcare Job in Canada
Foreign healthcare professionals have an excellent chance of securing Canadian employment in 2024 if they follow key steps:
1. Determine Eligibility
Research which healthcare occupations in Canada match your background and qualifications. Ensure you meet all Canadian licensure, education, language, and skill requirements for these roles.For example, Registered Nurses must have an undergraduate nursing degree and pass Canada’s RN licensing exam. If your credentials don’t align with Canadian standards, explore options like qualification recognition, bridge training programs, or language testing to become eligible.
2. Prepare Application Documents
Employers and immigration officials will require several documents translated into English or French, such as:
- Resume
- Diplomas & transcripts
- Proof of professional licenses
- Language test results
- Police check
Ensure all materials accurately highlight your credentials and career experience.
3. Find Job Postings
Search online job boards, recruiter sites, and Canadian publications for open positions matching your qualifications. Focus on opportunities offering relocation and immigration support.Government of Canada job banks like Job Bank also post openings in healthcare and other fields.
4. Apply to Opportunities
Submit required application documents to recruiters and employers per their instructions. Be prepared to pay small application fees; these are typical.
Applying directly on company websites is best. But working with international healthcare recruitment agencies can also help you connect with prospective Canadian employers.
5. Prepare for Interviews
If selected, thoroughly prepare for phone, video, or in-person job interviews:
- Research your potential role, employer, and the Canadian healthcare system
- Review typical interview questions for your profession
- Highlight transferable skills from past jobs
This preparation can help you stand out from other applicants.
6. Accept Job Offer
If you receive an offer, confirm:
- Salary and benefits details
- Sponsorship for Canadian work permits/PR
- Start date, contract length
- Any other key conditions
Be prepared to pay reasonable recruiter fees if applicable.
7. Apply for Visa
Finally, work with your employer to apply for the appropriate work permit or visa to legally work in Canada. Types like the Global Skills Strategy offer expedited processing for skilled foreign workers.
Following these steps can lead to securing an in-demand Canadian healthcare job.
Salary Ranges for Healthcare Jobs in Canada
Salaries for healthcare occupations in Canada depend on the specific job, location, experience level, and employer. However, here are typical earnings that foreign workers can expect:
- Entry-level salaries: $45,000 to $65,000 CAD
- Experienced salaries: $60,000 to $85,000+ CAD
- Highest in-demand occupations: Up to $130,000 CAD
Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to offer higher pay than rural regions. Overtime, shift bonuses, and employer health benefits can also enhance total compensation. Ultimately, Canadian healthcare salaries allow comfortable lifestyles for individuals and families. Workers sponsored under programs like the Global Skills Strategy may even qualify for permanent residence in Canada after 1-2 years.
Start Your Healthcare Career in Canada in 2024
Canada’s immense need for qualified healthcare staff presents unique overseas recruitment opportunities in 2024 and beyond.
From Registered Nurses to Personal Support Workers, foreign workers with the right skills and credentials are in high demand at hospitals, clinics, and care homes nationwide. Excellent salaries, immigration/relocation support from leading recruiters, and pathways to permanent residency make Canada an appealing choice. If you meet all eligibility criteria for your profession, now is the perfect time to launch your healthcare career in Canada!
Also Read
- Massive Recruitment Of Nurses in Canada for Foreign Nurses, Here’s How To Apply: This article explains the different programs and requirements for foreign nurses who want to work in Canada, and provides some tips and resources to help them apply.
- Come To Canada By March 2024 – New Recruitment Drives In Provinces Offer Jobs, Security, And Quality Of Life For Immigrant Families: This article discusses the ambitious immigration goals and provincial nominee programs of Canada, and highlights the benefits of working and living in Canada for skilled immigrants and their families.
