Best Canadian Provinces for Healthcare Workers in 2025
Canada’s healthcare system is actively seeking skilled professionals from around the world, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the most powerful tools to address critical labour shortages. For doctors, nurses, and allied health workers, certain provinces offer faster, more targeted pathways to permanent residence than others.
This definitive 2025 guide breaks down the best Canadian provinces for healthcare workers, comparing the specific PNP streams, eligibility requirements, and processing trends to help you make an informed decision for your immigration journey.
Why Canada’s Provinces are Competing for Your Healthcare Skills
Before we dive into the provinces, it’s crucial to understand the “why.” Canada faces a perfect storm in healthcare: an aging population, retiring medical staff, and growing demand for services. This has forced provinces to create highly aggressive immigration streams designed to attract and retain international medical talent. For you, this means:
- Lower CRS Score Requirements:Â Many PNP nominations add 600 points to your Express Entry score, guaranteeing an invitation.
- Fast-Tracked Processing:Â Provinces often prioritize healthcare applications.
- Dedicated Support:Â Some provinces offer settlement services to help you and your family integrate.
The Top 5 Canadian Provinces for Healthcare Workers in 202
Here’s a detailed comparison of the most active and welcoming provinces for healthcare professionals.
1. Ontario: The Powerhouse for In-Demand Medical Roles
Why it’s great: Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has the highest number of job openings for healthcare workers. Its PNP program, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), regularly holds targeted draws for the healthcare sector.
Key Stream: Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream – Health Draws
- Eligibility:Â You must have an active Express Entry profile and work experience in one of Ontario’s targeted healthcare occupations, such as:
- NOC 31300 – Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses
- NOC 33102 – Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
- NOC 31201 – Physiotherapists
- NOC 31102 – General Practitioners and Family Physicians
- Process:Â Ontario scans the Express Entry pool and issues Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to selected healthcare candidates. You do not need a job offer for these draws.
- 2025 Outlook:Â Consistent and frequent draws are expected, making it a reliable option for highly-scoring candidates.
2. British Columbia: The Strategic West Coast Hub
Why it’s great: British Columbia (B.C.) offers a direct, weekly pathway for healthcare workers through its dedicated PNP streams. The province is known for its high quality of life and specific focus on rural community needs.
Key Stream: BC PNP – Healthcare Professional Stream
- Eligibility:
- A valid job offer in a designated healthcare occupation from a public health authority in B.C.
- Meet the minimum language requirements.
- Be qualified to work in your chosen profession.
- Process:Â This stream operates through weekly draws that are exclusive to healthcare and other priority professions. The required score for an invitation is typically much lower than the general skilled worker draws.
- 2025 Outlook:Â Extremely strong. B.C. has been a leader in targeted immigration and is expected to continue its weekly invitations for healthcare workers.
3. Nova Scotia: The Atlantic Gem with Focused Streams
Why it’s great: Nova Scotia is aggressively recruiting health professionals to serve its communities. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) offers streams that do not always require an Express Entry profile, providing an alternative pathway.
Key Streams:
- Physician Stream:Â For general practitioners and specialist physicians with a job offer from Nova Scotia Health or IWK Health.
- Occupations in Demand Stream:Â For other skilled healthcare roles like Continuing Care Assistants and Nurse Aides who have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotian employer.
- Eligibility:Â Focuses on a job offer and meeting the specific registration and licensing requirements for the role in Nova Scotia.
- 2025 Outlook:Â Nova Scotia has consistently prioritized healthcare in its immigration planning, making it a stable and promising choice.
4. Saskatchewan: The Prairie Province with a Targeted Approach
Why it’s great: Saskatchewan’s International Health Worker EOI Pool is a dedicated system for healthcare professionals, streamlining the process for those with experience in high-demand occupations.
Key Pathway: Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – International Health Worker EOI Pool
- Eligibility:
- Work experience in an eligible occupation (e.g., Physician, Nurse, Medical Laboratory Technologist).
- Eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure.
- A permanent, full-time job offer in the health sector is typically required.
- Process:Â Candidates create an Expression of Interest (EOI) specifically for the health pool. The Ministry of Health assesses and refers selected candidates to the SINP for nomination.
- 2025 Outlook:Â Saskatchewan has been actively expanding its list of eligible occupations for this stream, showing a strong commitment to recruiting international health talent.
5. Alberta: The Energy Leader Investing in Health
Why it’s great: While Alberta is known for its oil and gas industry, its healthcare system is also a major employer. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has a dedicated pathway for healthcare professionals.
Key Stream: Dedicated Healthcare Pathway under the Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Eligibility:
- An active Express Entry profile.
- A valid job offer in an eligible healthcare occupation from an Alberta employer.
- The job offer must be in a role that supports Alberta’s economic development and diversification.
- Process:Â The AAIP regularly conducts draws that target candidates with profiles in the Express Entry pool who have work experience in healthcare and a job offer in the province.
- 2025 Outlook:Â Alberta’s economy is booming, leading to increased investment in public services like healthcare. Expect continued demand for skilled medical staff.
Comparison Table: PNP Health Streams at a Glance (2025)
| Province | Key Stream(s) | Job Offer Required? | Express Entry Linked? | Key Target Occupations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Express Entry HCP – Health Draws | No (for targeted draws) | Yes | Nurses, Doctors, Allied Health |
| British Columbia | Healthcare Professional Stream | Yes | Yes & No (separate pathway) | Wide range, from Nurses to Techs |
| Nova Scotia | Physician / Occupations in Demand | Yes | No (for these streams) | Physicians, Care Aides, Nurses |
| Saskatchewan | International Health Worker Pool | Yes | No | Nurses, Physicians, Lab Techs |
| Alberta | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway | Yes | Yes | Nurses, Therapists, Paramedics |
Critical First Step: Licensing and Credential Recognition
No matter which province you choose, your professional licensing is non-negotiable. You cannot work as a healthcare professional in Canada without being licensed by the provincial regulatory body.
- Start Early: This process can take months or even years. Begin researching the requirements of the provincial college before you apply for immigration.
- For Nurses:Â Contact the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) and the provincial college (e.g., College of Nurses of Ontario).
- For Doctors:Â Contact the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and the provincial college of physicians and surgeons.
- For Allied Health:Â Each profession has its own body (e.g., the Canadian Physiotherapy Association for physiotherapists).
Strategic Tips for Choosing the Right Province in 2025
- Prioritize Licensing:Â Choose a province where you can realistically become licensed. Research the specific requirements, costs, and processing times.
- Job Market vs. Lifestyle:Â Ontario and B.C. have more jobs but a higher cost of living. Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia offer a more affordable lifestyle and strong community support.
- Have a Backup Plan:Â Consider applying to multiple provinces if possible. Increasing your chances of receiving a nomination is a smart strategy.
- Seek a Job Offer Proactively:Â For provinces that require it, use job boards, recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare, and network with professional associations in Canada.
The Bottom Line
The best province for you depends on your specific profession, personal circumstances, and long-term goals.
- If you have a high CRS score and want the option of not needing a job offer, Ontario is your best bet.
- If you have a job offer and are drawn to the West Coast, British Columbia’s streamlined system is ideal.
- If you are a physician or care aide seeking a maritime community, Nova Scotia offers excellent pathways.
- For a targeted, prairie experience, Saskatchewan’s dedicated health pool is highly efficient.
- If you have an Alberta job offer and want a strong economy, the AAIP is a fantastic choice.
The demand for healthcare workers in Canada has never been higher. By carefully comparing these PNP streams and starting the licensing process now, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding career in one of the world’s most desirable countries.
Ready to take the next step? Begin by researching the licensing body for your profession in your chosen province today!
