Federal routes
- Express Entry healthcare and social services category: nurses, licensed practical nurses, physicians, pharmacists, therapists, personal support workers and many other occupations, with at least 12 months of qualifying experience.
- Physicians with Canadian experience: a new 2026 Express Entry category for doctors who have already worked in Canada.
- Canadian Experience Class: for healthcare workers already working in Canada in eligible roles.
Provincial routes
Many provinces hold draws specifically for healthcare occupations, and some have dedicated health streams. Ontario’s new Workforce Priority stream includes a pathway for self-employed physicians, who are exempt from the job offer requirement.
Licensing
To practise, you must be registered with the regulator in the province where you will work, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Internationally educated nurses often start with the National Nursing Assessment Service. Licensing can take months, and some immigration routes require it, or progress toward it, before you apply.
Working while you qualify
Employer-specific work permits (LMIA-based or exempt), trade agreement categories for some U.S. and Mexican professionals, and provincial work permit support letters can let you work while licensing and permanent residence are completed.
How ATWORLD IMMIGRATION helps
We build one plan that sequences licensing, work authorization and permanent residence, so you are not waiting on one step to start the next.
Last reviewed November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law and IRB procedure change often; we confirm the current rules for your file at your consultation.