Watch These Videos First

https://youtu.be/8gya6dqDCT0?si=rtQrsAUTv0yrlo7T

https://youtu.be/-ACEPjGYJfg

Next, Read This:

The Process of Moving to Canada as a Healthcare Worker

Finally, here’s some more info:

<aside> ⚠️

The information here is an AI summary of the advice people in our Discord have shared. Their experiences may not always reflect the accurate process. None of this should be considered financial, immigration, or real estate advice.

</aside>

What are the main pathways to get into Canada as a healthcare worker?

Members navigated three common routes:

• CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, formerly NAFTA): allows certain licensed professionals to get a temporary work permit quickly, often processed on the spot at a land border crossing.
• BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) — Health Authority stream: requires employer support but provides a more direct route to Permanent Residency.
• Express Entry: a federal points-based system that, when combined with a PNP nomination, adds 600 points to your profile and significantly speeds up PR approval.

Some members came in under CUSMA first and then pursued PNP while already working in Canada. Social workers found the path more complicated. Island Health was not offering PNP support for that role, though social work is on the eligible occupations list and CUSMA work experience does count toward PR through the Canadian Experience Program.

What is the general order of steps?

Lora outlined the general sequence:

1. Get your Canadian provincial licence recognised (e.g., BCCNM for nurses)
2. Apply for jobs
3. Pursue a work permit once you have an offer
4. Apply for PNP nomination (if your employer supports it)
5. Apply for PR through Express Entry or the standard PNP route