Canada is facing an unprecedented shortage of healthcare workers. To address this pressing issue, the government has introduced Express Entry category-based draws targeting healthcare occupations. This new immigration pathway presents an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals around the globe to relocate to Canada and launch their careers within 6 months.
As a healthcare worker, you can take advantage of the Express Entry system to immigrate to Canada quickly. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to apply as a healthcare worker.
Why Relocate to Canada as a Healthcare Professional
Relocate to Canada in 6 Months: Express Entry Guide for Healthcare Workers.
Canada’s world-class healthcare system provides high-quality working conditions for medical professionals. At the same time, the country is tackling a shortage of healthcare workers across occupations.
As a result, Canada is recruiting foreign-trained doctors, nurses, technicians and other healthcare specialists through targeted Express Entry draws.
Healthcare workers who relocate stand to benefit from:
- In-demand jobs: Canada needs to fill over 500,000 healthcare positions within the next decade. There are abundant job vacancies for every specialization.
- Attractive salaries: Healthcare professionals in Canada are among the best paid globally. Specialist physicians earn a median salary of $329,000 per year.
- High quality of life: Canada ranks among the top countries worldwide in quality of life and work-life balance. Healthcare specialists enjoy an excellent standard of living.
- Established immigrant communities: Over 36% of physicians and 25% of nurses in Canada were born abroad. The country has a supportive environment for foreign-trained medical staff.
- Pathway to permanent residency: Healthcare professionals invited through Express Entry can quickly attain permanent resident status in Canada along with the right to live and work anywhere in the country.
Clearly, Canada offers unrivalled career and lifestyle prospects for medical specialists immigrating from overseas.
Healthcare Occupations Included in Express Entry Draws
To apply under the healthcare occupations category, you must have recent work experience in specific medical fields deemed in-demand in Canada. The government has identified 82 healthcare professions eligible for targeted Express Entry draws.These include occupations such as:
- Physicians
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Registered nurses
- Psychologists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Respiratory therapists
- Medical technologists
- Licensed practical nurses
- Midwives
- Chiropractors
To qualify, you need a minimum of six months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience as a healthcare professional within the last three years. This experience can be gained in Canada or abroad.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To determine if you’re eligible to apply as a healthcare worker, you must:
1. Have work experience in an eligible healthcare occupationRefer to the list of 82 occupations to confirm your medical specialization qualifies.
2. Prove at least six months of related work experienceTo meet Express Entry requirements, you’ll need a minimum of six months of full-time employment within the last three years. Supply letters of reference from previous employers.
3. Get your credentials assessedFor medical degrees earned outside Canada, you’ll need an assessment report from a designated organization to prove your credentials are valid in Canada.
4. Show proof of language proficiencyYou must prove fluency in English or French through standardized language tests like IELTS or TEF. The higher your language score, the more Express Entry points you obtain.
5. Have enough settlement fundsExpress Entry candidates need to show they have adequate savings or financial means to support initial settlement costs after immigrating. If you meet all criteria, you can create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool of candidates for future draws.
Step 2: Enter the Express Entry Pool
To apply as a healthcare worker, you must first create an online Express Entry profile. This profile serves as your expression of interest in immigrating to Canada.
Follow these steps:
1. Determine your eligibility
Use the Come to Canada tool to identify which federal immigration programs you qualify for. For most healthcare occupations, this will be:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
2. Take language tests
Schedule your IELTS, TEF or other approved language proficiency test. You’ll need the results to submit your profile.
3. Get your credentials assessed
Apply to a designated organization for an assessment report on your international education and credentials.
4. Gather supporting documents
Collect all required documents to prove your identity, work experience, language ability, education, settlement funds and more.
5. Submit your profile
Create an account on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) online portal. Complete all sections and upload supporting documents.Submit your profile into the Express Entry pool. IRCC will assign you a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on the information in your profile. This score determines your ranking in the pool.The highest-ranked candidates receive invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Step 3: Improve Your Ranking
Once in the Express Entry pool, aim to boost your CRS score above the minimum cutoff for healthcare draws. The lowest score so far is 431 points. But this threshold may rise for future rounds as competition increases.
Consider these tips to increase your score:
- Get a job offer: Gain an additional 200 points if you secure a permanent job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Enroll in further education: Earn more points for Canadian degrees, diplomas or certificates.
- Improve language score: Maximize your points for English and/or French fluency.
- Gain more skilled work experience: Additional years of professional experience provide more CRS points.
- Apply for provincial nomination: Get a provincial nomination certificate for 600 bonus CRS points.
Check your new score after each improvement to assess if you still need more points.
Step 4: Get an ITA
With an updated profile, wait and watch for the next Express Entry draw inviting healthcare worker candidates. If your CRS score is above the minimum threshold, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.You must then submit a complete application within 60 days.
Step 5: Submit Application
Once you receive an ITA, it’s time to finalize your application for permanent residency.
Follow these steps:
1. Confirm profile accuracy
Double check all details provided in your Express Entry profile are still valid and accurate. Update any expired information like passport validity or test scores.
2. Complete the application
Access your online IRCC account where your ITA is issued. Download application forms and guides.Thoroughly complete all sections, sign forms and prepare supporting documents.
3. Pay fees
Pay all required Canadian immigration fees online through your IRCC account.
4. Submit application
Upload and submit all forms and supporting documents through your IRCC account before the 60-day deadline. Wait for further instructions from IRCC. You may need to complete additional steps like medical examinations or police clearances.
Step 6: Get PR Visa
If approved, you’ll be issued:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): This document confirms your new status as a permanent resident of Canada.
You must validate your COPR by entering Canada within a year.
- Permanent Resident (PR) Visa: This visa allows you to travel to Canada’s border. It is attached electronically to your passport.
Bring your passport, medical results and police certificates when first entering Canada to get your PR card. Once you receive PR status, you can live, work and study anywhere in Canada. Sponsor eligible relatives to join you and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
Finding a Job
To land a healthcare job in Canada, create an effective resume highlighting your medical experience and specialization. Network with industry contacts, search national employment databases and connect with healthcare recruiters. Attend virtual job fairs showcasing Canadian employers. Research average salaries on Job Bank to negotiate fair wage offers.
Some resources for healthcare job seekers are:
- HealthMatch BC (British Columbia)
- HealthForceOntario (Ontario)
- Quebec Healthcare Recruitment Program (Quebec)
Cost of Relocating
When budgeting to immigrate as a healthcare professional, factor in:
- Immigration fees: Application fees for permanent residency range from $1,325 to $2,350 per person. There may be additional costs for medical exams, police clearances, translations etc.
- Travel costs: Estimate flight expenses for you and any family members relocating.
- Settlement funds: Prepare a minimum $13,718 for living costs upon arriving for your household size. Rentals in cities average $2,500 monthly.
- Shipping belongings: Expect to pay $5,000+ for a 40-foot container to Canada.
Leverage Express Entry category-based draws as a healthcare professional to relocate abroad. Within six months, you can attain permanent resident status and launch your medical career in Canada.
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