The express entry system for doctors is now open. For those who are unaware, due to their self-employment, doctors were previously excluded from applying for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. However, this restriction is no longer in effect and doctors can now immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system.
General occupational category for health care workers :
BOC 3
TEER categories for health care workers :
0,1,2,3
Skill level for health care workers :
A – Occupations generally require university education
Major groups for health workers:
30,31,32,33
Update on the Foreign Credential Recognition Program for Health Care Workers:
The Honourable Minister shared some statistics showing how international workers support Canada’s health system. These statistics show that 23% of nurses and 36% of doctors in Canada come from another country. The Canadian federal government has made investments (between $500,000 and $10 million) to address labour and workforce shortages. The federal government’s updates will focus on the following
- Reducing barriers to foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals.
- Providing foreign-trained health professionals with Canadian work experience in their field.
Steps to Immigration to Canada for Physicians
The procedure for obtaining permanent resident status in Canada as a physician is described below, step by step.
1. Verify eligibility :
Before you apply, you must ensure that you are eligible. You cannot apply for a medical licence in Canada if your medical degree has not been accepted by Canadian authorities. Check the World Directory of Medical Schools to make sure and verify it on site.
2. Evaluation of credentials :
Your credentials must be translated into a format that is recognized and understood in Canada. This is done by accredited organizations, known as a CTA. An ECA must be completed before you submit an application for a PR visa.
3. Express Entry Profile:
After collecting all the required documents, you need to create an Express Entry Profile on the official IRCC website, where all the information is available, and the online application will also be submitted. Make sure to fill in all the required fields correctly to avoid any delay in your application.
4. Get your Invitation to Apply (ITA):
You must be patient while you wait for your ITA after submitting your application online. Be aware that the IRCC only sends ITAs to pre-selected applicants. If you are one of the lucky ones, you will receive an ITA, after which you can register for the programme indicated on the document.
5. Final outcome:
After you have successfully submitted your application, you must wait for the IRCC to make a final decision. Keep an eye on your mail for any updates, as the IRCC sometimes requests additional documents before making a final decision.
Update of the NOC for health services in Canada
Health care aides, including nurse aides and orderlies, who were previously classified as unskilled workers in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC), have become eligible for the NOC program, Canada’s federal immigration programs (including the CEC, FSWP) and can immigrate to Canada as a physician.
5 NOC codes have been updated in NOC version 1.0 2021.
33100 Dental Assistants and Dental Laboratory Assistants
33101 Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Personnel
33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33103 Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants
33109 Other Assisting Occupations in Health Services
Immigration to Canada for Indian doctors
There are already many Indian doctors in Canada and under the new rules it has become easier for them to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
Indian doctors have to pass a two-part examination in order to get approval from the Medical Council of Canada and become doctors in Canada.
Jobs for doctors in Canada
Due to the current shortage of physicians across Canada, there are many employment opportunities for physicians in Canada.
For better understanding, we have listed some of the most common positions for physicians in Canada, along with their NOC code and salary range for each in the table below.
| Job Title | NOC Code | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 301 | 55000-88000 CAD |
| Physicians, dentists, or vets | 311 | 60000-2.5L CAD |
| Optometrists and chiropractors | 312 | 90000-1.7L CAD |
| Pharmacists and nutritionists | 313 | 40000-1.1L CAD |
| Therapists | 314 | 50000-90000 CAD |
| General Practitioner | 3112 | 80000-4.2L CAD |
Canada has a record number of job openings in the health sector
Canada’s health sector relies heavily on immigrants to fill vacancies. In Canada, 36% of doctors and 25% of nursing graduates are foreign-born.
IELTS score for doctors in Canada
To be on the safe side, it is advisable to obtain at least an overall IELTS score of 7.0. However, an IELTS score of CLB 7, which is equivalent to a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of the test, may be sufficient to obtain PR.
Documents required for doctors for immigration to Canada
The list of documents you will need throughout the immigration process for doctors in Canada is provided below; be sure to gather all of these documents before submitting your application.
- -A recognised medical degree
- – Experience certificates
- – Report of hours worked
- – Pay slips
- – Your letterhead (if applicable)
- – Language test results
These documents are in addition to the standard documents that must be submitted for any other express entry programme, such as passport and transcripts.
