Canada has always had a demand for people with skills in the healthcare sector such as registered nurses, nurses aides to help with the medical needs that exist across Canada. There are multiple immigration options available for nurses, nurses aides, personal support workers and other healthcare providers who want to move to Canada as permanent residents.
Recently, the Canadian federal government and Canada’s provincial governments have been putting in place targeted immigration programs geared specifically towards people who occupy the healthcare services positions. Therefore, if you are in the healthcare services sector, this would be an ideal time to immigrate to Canada. Additionally, the immigration options available would not only allow you to apply for a Canadian work permit but also allow you to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is an immigration program that is designed to assist four provincial provinces, particularly, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, meet their immigration needs. Under this program registered nurses, nurses aides and personal support workers are able to directly apply for Canadian permanent residency.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program lists healthcare professionals as one of the highest priority targeted professions. The targeted professionals include registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, nurses aides, patient support associates, home support workers among others. Thus, if you qualify under any of the covered professions, you would be able to apply for Canadian permanent residency in those particular provinces.
The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Program
Apart from the Atlantic Immigration Pilot System, the province of Nova Scotia also has its own provincial program under the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Program. Some of the listed professions under Category B include licensed practical nurses.
In addition, the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Program also lists registered nurses and psychiatric nurses as some of the targeted professions. Essentially, the listing shows the occupations in demand in Nova Scotia which are therefore targeted under the program.
The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program: In-Demand Skills Stream
The province of Ontario also has an immigration option that targets skilled healthcare providers and professionals. Under the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program, there is an immigration stream known as the In-Demand Skills stream.
One of the targeted occupations listed under the program includes nurses aides, orderlies, patient support workers among others. Individuals in the listed professions would be able to apply for Canadian permanent residency subject to meeting the eligibility requirements.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
It is important to note that if you are looking to move to Canada to work in the healthcare sector, being a registered nurse, or a nurses aide, or a personal support worker is not in itself an automatic guarantee that you will acquire Canadian permanent residency. Each province in Canada has its own requirements that must be met before you can obtain permanent residency such as specific licensing requirements.
Conclusion
Generally, these are just a few of the provincially managed programs available for foreign health care professionals who want to move to Canada as workers and acquire Canadian permanent residency.
There are also federal programs that remain available for foreign nationals across different professions who meet the basic eligibility criteria. Healthcare professionals who qualify under some of the express entry options available under federal immigrations options can also take advantage of the federal immigration programs.
Let Us Help
We are happy to provide advice and the assistance you need to put together your permanent residency applications and guide you throughout the process. Feel free to reach out if you need any help.
Book a call with us today for any further consultation regarding the immigration options available for foreign healthcare professionals into Canada.
