Immigrate to Canada As A Doctor

Last Updated On : May 28 , 2024

Thinking about a move abroad? Canada might be the perfect fit for you. There's a huge need for skilled doctors across the country, especially in some provinces. If you're qualified, these provinces can fast-track your permanent residency application through their special programs.

Let our immigration consultant help you navigate the complex process of immigrating to Canada. With our expertise, you can start practising medicine in Canada quickly. This blog has mentioned all the essential details you need to apply for Canadian immigration as a doctor.

Canada Immigration Updates for Doctors:

• IRCC has updated the Canada PR fee for each skilled worker, including physicians, who want to apply for Canada PR.
• Foreign Physicians Looking to Work in Quebec: Doctors from other countries already licensed to practise medicine in Quebec cannot use a specific program [R205(a) – C10] to fast-track their work permits because they can work in areas with doctor shortages.
• To get details about the latest updates in Canada's immigration Policies, you can refer to this page.

How can I Immigrate to Canada as a Doctor?

The process for applying for Canada PR is the same for all skilled workers applying under the express entry system. Depending on the candidate's occupation (physician), they may need to obtain certificates from their country of residence and the provincial healthcare department. Below is a list of essential certificates:

• You must pass the MCCQE exam, which will provide you with a licence to work as a doctor in any Canadian province. You can also earn points from the provincial government and receive priority.
• Explore PNP streams for doctors, and visit the Provincial Government website for details about occupation-specific programs. For example, in Saskatchewan, you must have a letter of support from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CoPSS). 
• Immigrating to Canada as a doctor through Express Entry? The process is similar, but a medical regulatory body in Canada might handle your specific ECA report.

Which Province is best for Foreign Doctors in Canada?

According to the recent draws, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia have sent higher ITAs to international physicians than other provinces.

List of NOC Codes for Doctors:

• NOC 31100 – Specialists in laboratory and clinical medicine
• NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
• NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
• NOC 31112 – Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
• NOC 31120 – Pharmacists
• NOC 31200 – Psychologists
• NOC 31202 – Physiotherapists
• NOC 31203 – Occupational Therapists
• NOC 31204 – Kinesiologists and similar occupations in therapy and assessment
• NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
• NOC 31302 – Nurse practitioners
• NOC 31303 – Allied health professionals, Physician assistants, and midwives
• NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
• NOC 32103 – Cardiopulmonary technologists, Respiratory therapists, and clinical perfusionists
• NOC 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
• NOC 32120 – Medical laboratory technologists
• NOC 32121 – Medical radiation technologists
• NOC 33102 – Patient service associates, Nurse aides, and orderlies
• NOC 33103 – Pharmacy assistants and Pharmacy technical assistants
• NOC 33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services

How Many Jobs Are There for Doctors in Canada?

Reference: Data from Statistics Canada for Job vacancies by occupation

There are 91,860 job vacancies for doctors in Canada, with 73,305 being permanent and organised by provincial governments and private organisations. This is a significant factor that attracts doctors to Canada, as it assures a secure future compared to other countries.

There are 16,505 vacancies temporarily, which can be held by international students who have completed their doctor's degrees from a Canadian university. Applicants on a TR visa or a work permit can apply for these vacancies.

From the above image, we can see that 92,180 jobs are available for different NOCs under the healthcare category. As per the industry needs, IRCC is announcing express entry draws specifically for Healthcare occupations. 

• Most of these vacancies are for Professional occupations in nursing.

• Assisting occupations in healthcare services are available in the second position, with 26,505 vacancies.

• 18,705 vacancies are for different designations in the healthcare stream, including NOC 311, 312, 313, 314, 321, and 322. The CRS score for these designations would be lower than that of professional occupations in nursing. 

• Some occupations, such as Clinical psychologist, Neuropsychologist, and Psychological associate, require a doctoral or master's degree in a particular field.

• The pie chart's last portion shows skilled tech workers in the healthcare stream who should have a 2 to 3 year diploma or bachelor's degree.

How to Apply for an ECA Report as a Doctor?

During the immigration process, the Canadian government evaluates some reports of the applicant to check whether the applicant meets the Express Entry minimum entry criteria (MEC). An applicant must submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report to evaluate educational credentials. This report will recognize the applicants' foreign degree equivalent to a Canadian degree for a particular NOC.

Depending on the type of occupation, there are different Designated Professional Bodies that provide the assessment report.

Primary Occupation	Designated Regulatory Body
Physicians (NOC 31100, NOC 31101 or NOC 31102)	Medical Council of Canada
Pharmacists (NOC 31120)	Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
Physicians (NOC 3111 or NOC 3112)	Medical Council of Canada
Pharmacists (NOC 3131)	Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

References:

Quebec Instructions For Foreign Physicians

SINP For Physicians