How to Move to Canada as a Healthcare Worker: PR & Work Visa Tips

Whether you're a physician wrapping up your residency in Dubai or a nurse working long shifts in the UK, you’ve probably asked yourself at some point: Can I move to Canada? And more importantly, how?

The good news? Canada wants you here. The country is actively seeking

internationally educated doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to fill

critical shortages. But between navigating licensing bodies and choosing the right immigration pathway, the process can feel overwhelming.

Let’s break it down—step by step.

First, Why Canada?

Here’s why:

• Strong demand for skilled workers across all provinces, especially in

  nursing and primary care.

• A clear path to Permanent Residency (PR) through immigration streams

  tailored for healthcare professionals.

• Work-life balance and healthcare infrastructure that’s the envy of many.

Understand Your Two Main Pathways

Healthcare professionals typically immigrate to Canada through one of these two

broad routes:

1. Work First, PR Later (Temporary to Permanent Route)

• Ideal for those who want to start working sooner.

Work Permit Options:

• Job offer + LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with employer support

• International Mobility Program (IMP) – if eligible

Once in Canada and employed, you can often transition to PR via:

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)

• PNP with work experience in the province

• TR to PR pathways when available

2. Apply for PR Directly (Permanent Route)

Ideal for those with strong credentials who prefer to skip temporary status.

• Express Entry - Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (some provinces like Nova Scotia and

  British Columbia have healthcare-targeted streams)

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) – small-town Canada, big

  opportunities.

Key Tip for Doctors: Licensing Comes First

For physicians, medical licensing is separate from immigration. You'll need to:

• Start your Medical Council of Canada (MCC) credentials verification via

  physiciansapply.ca

• Pass the MCCQE1, and possibly the NAC exam for residency routes

• Secure a provincial license (each province has its own College of

  Physicians)

Immigration approval means you can live and work in Canada—but without the

right medical license, you cannot practice.

TIP: Some provinces (like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland) are actively

streamlining foreign-trained doctor processes.

For Nurses: You Have a Head Start

Nursing pathways are slightly more streamlined. Here’s your rough checklist:

• Apply for credential assessment through NNAS (National Nursing

  Assessment Service)

• Register with the provincial nursing body (e.g., CNO in Ontario, BCCNM in

  BC)

• Prepare for and write the NCLEX-RN (for RNs) or CPNRE (for LPNs)

• Once you have your license or provisional registration, job offers become

  easier, and so do immigration pathways.

• Some provinces like British Columbia and Nova Scotia are fast-tracking nurses. Ifyou're licensed or close to being licensed, you may be eligible for priority processing under the PNP.

Can You Apply Without a Job Offer?

Yes. But having one gives you a huge advantage.

• PNPs: Most healthcare-targeted PNPs are linked to employment in that

  province.

• Work permit applications: You’ll usually need a valid offer of employment.

If you don’t have a job yet—don’t panic. Some provinces accept expressions of

interest or let you apply directly to PNPs without one.

Smart Moves You Can Make Right Now

• Get your ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) done

• Write your language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English; TEF for French)

• Start the licensing process (physiciansapply.ca for doctors, NNAS for nurses)

• Talk to an immigration professional to map out your tailored strategy

  
  

Final Thoughts

Canada needs skilled, compassionate healthcare workers like you. But it’s not just

about demand—it’s about strategy. Choosing the right province, understanding

licensing timelines, and selecting the best visa or PR route for your situation makes all the difference.

Book A Call Today

We've helped healthcare professionals from around the world successfully immigrate and start rewarding careers in Canada. With the right plan and guidance, your Canadian dream can become a reality too.