Canada is the one destination where permanent residence usually comes first and the job comes second. Express Entry healthcare draws target nurses and physicians directly, while licensing runs province by province through a national credential assessment.
Canada runs two parallel processes: immigration, handled federally through Express Entry and provincial nominee programmes, and licensing, handled by the regulator in the province where you intend to work. They can run at the same time, which is why Canada often suits people who want residence secured before they move.
Canada’s system is points-based rather than employer-led. Most healthcare professionals arrive as permanent residents rather than on a temporary work permit.
Category-based draws invite candidates with experience in targeted healthcare occupations, typically at lower score thresholds than general draws. You can enter the pool before your licensing is complete.
British Columbia, Ontario and others run healthcare streams that nominate candidates directly, adding points that effectively guarantee an invitation.
Where an employer sponsors you first, a work permit can bring you in sooner, with permanent residence applied for later through the Canadian Experience Class.
Registration, immigration route, demand and indicative pay for the professions with a workable Canadian route.
Detailed, honest walkthroughs of the registration and visa steps above — kept current for 2026.
Register free to build your verified profile, start NNAS and your Express Entry profile in the right order, and pick the province that fits your qualification.