Explore a comprehensive guide on immigrating to Canada as a healthcare professional. Uncover challenges in the healthcare sector and discover solutions for contributing to essential services. The urgent need to address the worrying issue of a lack of workers in the nation is underscored by this handbook, which addresses worker shortages and guides healthcare professionals through the Canadian immigration process. Discover important topics, such Ontario’s decision to close emergency rooms early, and acquire knowledge about how to get over obstacles to guarantee a smooth transition for medical professionals looking to leave a lasting impression in Canada.
Immigrating to Canada as a healthcare professional
Although the story above is an isolated incident, it provides a clear picture of a growing issue in Canada: the growing need for healthcare professionals. As such, what follows will provide an overview of the several immigration pathways available to foreign nationals looking for work in the Canadian healthcare industry.
Express Entry category-based selection draw
The Canadian federal government launched the Express Entry category-based draws in June 2023. Furthermore, this novel strategy was created to target immigration applicants who have specific recent work experience and high-level abilities, thereby streamlining their road to obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Among the five occupational focus groups in this strategy framework, the healthcare industry is noteworthy for the present year.
Standard Express Entry selections draw
Regular Express Entry draws often target individuals who qualify for immigration to Canada through important programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Programs, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Furthermore, utilizing the Comprehensive Ranking System to evaluate candidates’ scores and allocate distinct ranks, the Express Entry system oversees applications. It is noteworthy that these drawings are not restricted to healthcare professionals; rather, they are open to all immigration aspirants.
Nevertheless, in the context of the healthcare sector, individuals with nursing training from foreign countries may meet the eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Canada’s provincial nominee program
Local governments in Canada have the authority to strategically address labor market issues and shortages by using Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Each province and territory operates its own PNP; however, it’s important to note that two exceptions, Quebec and Nunavut, are not included in this list.
Normally, healthcare professionals have entry to the subsequent PNP streams:
- Saskatchewan’s International Health Worker Pool (Nurses)
- Nova Scotia’s Labor Market Priorities Stream
- British Columbia Skills Immigration and Express Entry immigration pathways – Healthcare Professional Category
- Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream
- New Brunswick’s Internationally Educated Nurses Program
Achieving recognition as a healthcare professional from abroad in Canada
For those who wish to work as healthcare professionals in Canada, foreign nationals must currently get a license or accreditation. They cannot begin practicing in the province or region of their choice until they have obtained the necessary licenses.
It is important to remember that licensing and accreditation procedures vary by region because each province retains the ability to license nurses with international education (IENs). If an IEN decides to move to another Canadian province or territory after receiving accreditation in one, they may have to reapply for licensing.
What are the typical stages in the accreditation procedure?
Again, every province has a different accreditation procedure for medical practitioners. However, the following details give a general overview of the procedures that an IEN must take in order to become accredited in order to work in Canada.
- Upon arriving in Canada, it is essential to connect with the relevant provincial governing body based on the specific nursing licensing requirement.
- In most cases, the next step involves undergoing an assessment through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). NNAS evaluates credentials against Canada’s standards, and successful applicants receive an Advisory Form. Submit this form along with your subsequent application to the respective provincial regulatory body.
- However, the NNAS is not applicable to the three Canadian territories and Quebec, each having its distinct evaluation procedures.
- Following the comprehensive evaluation and fee payment, the third step is to apply to the regulatory body of the province where you intend to practice. Moreover, this may necessitate additional educational programs as mandated by the province to meet licensing criteria in a specific area for an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN).
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