Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs in Canada
Healthcare jobs in Canada are in high demand due to a significant workforce shortage, leading to increased wait times, delayed services, and a more pressured work environment from overload. There have been approximately 80,000 job openings in 2026, with demand for physicians, surgeons, nurses, and medical technologists.
Due to a labor shortage, the country has been focusing on hiring global healthcare professionals to address bottlenecks in the healthcare industry. With lucrative job opportunities in the medical industry and attractive salaries, the federal government not only addresses labor market needs but also offers secure career growth.
Occupations in demand in Canada
Individuals planning to work in the medical industry in Canada have numerous specialized jobs to choose from, with the most demand in the following roles:
Requirements to Get a Job in the Healthcare Sector
Before moving to Canada, healthcare professionals require:
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Professionals should verify educational qualifications against Canada’s healthcare degree standards, as well as language proficiency test scores such as IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF Canada (French-language).
Professional License: Numerous healthcare and medical job openings require regulated and authentic medical registration with the provincial licensing bodies, such as nursing, medical, and pharmacy regulatory authorities.
How to immigrate to Canada as a Healthcare Worker?
Primarily, there are two ways for Canadian immigration as a Healthcare professional:
Express Entry Based Category
The federal government has prioritized category-based draws and nominations for the healthcare and medical industry due to its larger scope and benefit system for global workers. In 2026, healthcare and social services remain among the most in-demand job profiles under the Priority-based Express-Entry.
Requirements to apply to the Express Entry Category
Categorically, there are 37 eligible occupations, including chiropractors, registered nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, general physicians, and psychologists.
A minimum of 1 year of work experience in the last 3 years is required, and the candidate must meet the Express Entry eligibility criteria.
Provincial Nominee Program Category
The Provincial Nominee Category is run by specific provinces to fill workforce gaps and hire skilled professionals, boosting the province’s economy. According to the latest 2026 trends, there’s growing demand for healthcare jobs in Canada due to a shortage of healthcare workers, prompting the federal government to prioritize PNP-based draws as well.
Requirements to apply to the PNP Category
Have an equivalent medical degree or higher in accordance with Canadian standards in the healthcare industry.
A mandatory 1 year of experience is required in the eligible healthcare job role.
Proficiency in either English or French is a must, with proficiency test scores in IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF.
Sufficient settlement fund proofs such as bank statements with an intent to work, live, or study in Canada.
Compliance with the government’s eligibility requirements, medical verification, and background checks.
Healthcare professionals can apply for Canadian PR through various Express Entry and PNP programs to address regional workforce shortages and achieve overall economic goals. To apply for either PR program, candidates must meet all eligibility criteria, including proficiency, work experience, and a job offer in the designated industry.
Once eligible and approved for any federal immigration program, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class, candidates receive an ITA with a 600-point boost to their CRS score in the Express Entry category. After final documentation and approval, healthcare workers get permanent residence in the country.
How long can the process take?
The processing time varies depending on the country, application load, and operational efficiency. Primarily, there are two ways: obtain a provincial nomination, or, after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), apply for PR through IRCC.
From provincial nomination to the final PR procedure by the Canadian government, it can take 10-20 months. Processing may vary depending on whether the application is complete and on demand for the specific job in the province or country.
