Doctors looking to live and work in Canada will find the country’s migration programs for skilled workers and professionals to be the best pathway towards moving to this vast and beautiful country. While there is no dedicated visa for healthcare workers like the UK’s Health and Care Worker Visa, qualified doctors should find that one of the following national or regional visa options sufficient to allow them to begin the next stage of their life and career in Canada.
Express Entry
Express Entry is a fast-track visa application system which can speed up the process of acquiring a visa for skilled workers with work experience in or outside of Canada, or a formal qualification and offer of a job in Canada. The system is points-based, with those candidates scoring highest having their applications considered first. In addition to the skill level of the applicant’s job (doctors fall into Skill Level A), points are awarded based on:
- Language skills (in English or French)
- Amount of work experience
- Whether the applicant has a valid job offer [not applicable for ‘Canadian Experience Class’ applications]
If eligible, applications to the Express Entry system are usually reviewed within six months. The Canadian Government’s application fee is CAD 1,365, with an additional CAD 1,365 to include a spouse and CAD 230 for each dependent child.
Individuals who have an application through the Express Entry system accepted are also eligible for permanent residence in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
The PNPs are regional visa pathways which enable Canada’s provinces to attract migrants with the specific skills, education and work experience required in their part of the country. In recent years, it has become the most common way for individuals to obtain a Canadian visa.
The specific application process and eligibility requirements vary by province but, in general, applications can be lodged either directly with the province or territory or by securing a nomination from your chosen region and then submitting an application via the Express Entry system. PNP applicants are eligible for permanent residence in Canada but must request this separately from the federal government.
The following provinces offer PNPs:
Quebec Immigration Program
Quebec has a separate regional visa program from the PNP used elsewhere in Canada, though it works in a similar fashion. Most doctors looking to work in Quebec will be best-placed to apply for the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker program (RSWP).
Applicants must first submit an expression of interest, which will be assessed using a points-based system which awards credit based on education, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency and age, as well as whether you intend to be accompanied by your spouse and/or children.
Successful applicants will be invited to complete a full application form and pay the appropriate fees (CAD 822 for the applicant and CAD 176 for any dependents). If an expression of interest does not receive an invitation within 12 months, it will expire.
Work Permits
A work permit may be the most straightforward option for doctors who have already secured a job offer from an employer in Canada, and who are not seeking permanent residency or do not expect to require the immediate flexibility of being able to change jobs.
Typically, work permits restrict the holder to working in a specific role, for a particular employer and at a particular location. However, it may be possible to apply for an open work permit or other visa once you are in Canada depending on your background and circumstances.
Fees for work permits start at CAD 155 for applicants, though the sponsoring employer may also need to pay compliance fees and supply the applicant with a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Applications for work permits for doctors are typically processed within a few weeks.
Tailored visa advice for medical professionals
VisaEnvoy is a truly international migration firm, with a long track record of working with both companies and private individuals to understand their personal circumstances and visa needs, and helping them get the right visa for them as quickly and hassle-free as possible.
We understand that the key to a successful visa application is understanding both our clients and the immigration systems with which we work. A critical part of that work is keeping on top of the frequent changes to the immigration systems and visa categories of the countries in which we operate.
Our friendly, professional team of migration agents and immigration solicitors work with trusted partners in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Canada and the United States.
If you would like to know more about VisaEnvoy, our agents or the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a member of our team to discuss the needs of you or your company.
Kunal Thakur
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant R#519955
Kunal Thakur is a passionate Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) with close to two decades of immigration experience, during which he has successfully guided thousands of people on their immigration journey. He is quick in responding to client queries and constantly strives to give his clients the best possible advice. Kunal brings immense value to our team with his talks and discourses on immigration. When not in front of his laptop reading and analysing client cases, he enjoys spending his spare time exploring new places and trying new things. Kunal is currently based in Adelaide, Australia. You can book a time with him here.