Top 5 Canadian Provinces : Physician Requirements, Salary & Recent Express Entry Draws
Last Updated On : January 06 , 2025
Canada's healthcare system consistently ranks among the best in the world, but the demand for skilled healthcare professionals, including doctors, is growing. As a doctor, you must be wondering which province would be the best place to live as a newcomer.
To decide on a province in Canada, you must know the number of job vacancies there and the salary associated with each occupation. Also, going through NOC codes for doctors is a complementary process to successful immigration.
This article explores the top five Canadian provinces with significant requirements for doctors:
- Alberta,
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- British Columbia
We’ll provide data on vacancies, average salaries, immigration programs, and express entry draws for each of these provinces.
Alberta
Alberta is facing a critical shortage of medical professionals, particularly oncologists, as the demand for cancer care surges. Over the past year, the province has seen a 10% rise in unique cancer patients and a staggering 25% increase in patient visits, while the number of oncologists has grown by only 1%. This alarming gap underscores an urgent need for skilled healthcare workers.
Alberta requires at least 35 additional oncologists to meet immediate needs. Internationally trained doctors can play a pivotal role in addressing this shortfall, bringing their expertise and helping to ensure timely, high-quality care for patients across the province.
How Many Vacancies Does Alberta Have for Doctors?
Alberta currently faces a shortage of doctors in urban and rural areas, with an estimated 1,500+ vacancies. The demand is particularly high for family physicians and specialists in remote regions.
What is The Average Salary For Doctors in Alberta?
The average salary for doctors in Alberta is approximately CAD 300,000 to CAD 400,000 annually, varying by specialization and experience level.
Alberta Immigration Program For Doctors
There are multiple immigration streams for doctors to move to Alberta. Still, there are two main pathways: the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (express entry and non-express entry).
Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)
Alberta Opportunity Stream under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway - Express Entry recently invited 80 candidates with a minimum score of just 40 in its November 22, 2024, draw. This low score requirement demonstrates the province's urgent demand for healthcare professionals, making it an excellent opportunity for skilled doctors worldwide to immigrate.
| Draw date | Dedicated Health Care Pathway - Express Entry | Minimum score of invited candidates | Number of invitations |
| November 22, 2024 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 40 | 80 |
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Alberta prioritises healthcare professionals through its Dedicated Health Care Pathway under Express Entry, offering multiple opportunities for international candidates.
During The Year Alberta Provincial government has allotted Nomination to 139 doctors through express entry and 60 doctors through non express entry.
These low thresholds demonstrate Alberta's commitment to addressing its healthcare labor shortages by welcoming skilled professionals into its workforce.
Alberta Express Entry Draws 2024
| Draw date | Dedicated Health Care Pathway - Express Entry | Minimum score of invited candidates | Number of invitations |
| December 17, 2024 | Job offer in a Dedicated Healthcare Pathway-eligible occupation | 47 | 14 |
| December 11, 2024 | Job offer for full-time employment in Alberta | 52 | 8 |
| December 4, 2024 | Job offer for full-time employment in Alberta | 49 | 52 |
| November 4, 2024 | Job offer in a Dedicated Healthcare Pathway-eligible occupation | 51 | 65 |
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan actively recruits physicians in high-demand specialities such as Anesthesiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry. In 2023, many new licenses were issued in these areas, indicating a strong need for qualified professionals.
How Many Vacancies Saskatchewan Has For Doctors?
Saskatchewan requires around 700 doctors, especially in rural and underserved areas. Family medicine and general practice are in particularly high demand.
Saskatchewan Health Authority is looking for the following occupations on an urgent basis:
| Job Title | Posting Type | NOC Code |
| Hematologist | Specialist - Hematologist | 32120 |
| Hematologist - Transplant | Specialist - Hematologist | 31100.13 |
| Academic Otologist - Neurotologist | Specialist - Otolaryngologist | 31100 |
| Adult Psychiatrist | Specialist - Psychiatrist | 31100.04 |
| Anatomical Pathologist | Specialist - Pathologist | 31100 |
| Anesthesiologist | Specialist - Anesthesiologist | 31100.01 |
What is Average Salary For Doctors in Saskatchewan?
Doctors in Saskatchewan earn an average salary of CAD 290,000 to CAD 350,000 per year.
Saskatchewan Immigration Program For Doctors
Programs tailored for doctors include:
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): Specific pathways for healthcare professionals.
- SINP Health Professionals Sub-Category: For doctors with valid job offers in the province.
- Health Talent Pathway (support express entry and non express entry)
Saskatchewan Express Entry Draws 2024
Saskatchewan held four draws targeting healthcare professionals in 2024, with CRS scores ranging between 300 and 400.
Manitoba
How Many Vacancies Manitoba Has For Doctors?
Manitoba’s need for doctors is critical, with over 500 vacancies, particularly for family physicians and paediatricians in rural communities.
What Is The Average Salary For Doctors In Manitoba?
The average annual salary for doctors in Manitoba ranges from CAD 280,000 to CAD 330,000.
Manitoba Immigration Program For Doctors
Programs include:
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP): Aimed at healthcare professionals.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): For doctors willing to work in rural areas.
Manitoba Express Entry Draws 2024
| Draw date | Immigration Pathway | Number of Letters of Advice to Apply issued | National Occupational Classification (NOC) |
| December 27, 2024 | Skilled Worker in Manitoba (Profiles declaring current employment in Manitoba) | 18 |
|
| August 1, 2024 | Skilled Worker in Manitoba (Profiles declaring current employment in Manitoba) | 145 |
|
| June 25, 2024 | Occupation-specific selection (Eligible Skilled Worker Overseas profiles declaring a nursing occupation) | 250 |
|
| May 2, 2024 | Occupation-specific selection (Profiles declaring current employment in Manitoba in occupations identified with high labour needs) | 488 |
|
Manitoba’s 2024 draws targeted healthcare workers with CRS scores between 320 and 410, inviting numerous doctors to apply.
Nova Scotia
How Many Vacancies Nova Scotia Has For Doctors?
Source:CBC News
Nova Scotia faces a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, with over 1,000 positions currently unfilled, particularly in primary care and psychiatry. This shortage has led to a 16.5% vacancy rate. Efforts to address the shortage include operationalizing integrated needs-based workforce planning and implementing initiatives to retain healthcare workers.
Positions are available in community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and research institutions throughout Nova Scotia. You can check these vacancies in real time on career opportunities for Pharmacy Professionals in Nova Scotia.
What Is The Average Salary For Doctors In Nova Scotia?
Doctors in Nova Scotia earn approximately CAD 275,000 to CAD 320,000 annually.
Pathway for International Medical Graduates to Practice in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program (NSPRAP) offers a structured pathway for internationally trained family physicians to practice in the province. NSPRAP ensures that international medical graduates (IMGs) possess the necessary clinical skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care in Nova Scotia.
Successful candidates are then integrated into community practices, particularly in underserved rural areas, addressing the province's need for qualified family doctors. This initiative enhances the medical workforce and maintains high healthcare standards across Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Express Entry Draws 2024
Your approved job offer from NSHA or IWK as a doctor in Nova Scotia grants you eligibility for the Express Entry immigration program. The province’s draws in 2024 had CRS cut-offs between 310 and 400, prioritizing healthcare professionals.
Nova Scotia Express Entry draw has issued Priority ITAs to the following physician streams:
| Physician Stream | NOC Code |
| General Practitioners and Family Physicians | NOC 31102 |
| Specialists in surgery | NOC 31101 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | NOC 31100 |
British Columbia
How Many Vacancies British Columbia Has For Doctors?
British Columbia reports a demand for over 1,200 doctors, especially in family medicine, internal medicine, and emergency care.
What is Average Salary For Doctors in British Columbia?
Doctors in British Columbia earn an average salary of CAD 300,000 to CAD 350,000 per year.
British Columbia Immigration Program For Doctors
- BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): For skilled healthcare workers.
- Health Authority Stream: Specifically for doctors with job offers in the province.
- International Medical Graduates-BC : International physicians have the chance to pursue residency programs and build their careers in British Columbia.
British Columbia Express Entry Draws 2024
BC held seven targeted draws in 2024 for healthcare professionals, with CRS scores between 315 and 420.
Comparative Summary of Vacancies and Salaries
| Province | Estimated Vacancies | Average Salary (CAD) |
| Alberta | 1,500+ | 300,000 - 400,000 |
| Saskatchewan | 700+ | 290,000 - 350,000 |
| Manitoba | 500+ | 280,000 - 330,000 |
| Nova Scotia | 250+ | 275,000 - 320,000 |
| British Columbia | 1,200+ | 300,000 - 350,000 |
Chart: Distribution of Doctor Vacancies in 2024
Conclusion:
This overview highlights the immense opportunities for doctors in Canada’s top provinces. Whether you’re a general practitioner or a specialist, these provinces offer lucrative salaries, numerous job openings, and tailored immigration pathways to help you establish a rewarding career in Canada.
Reference:
College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan
Nova Scotia Health Physician Career Opportunities