In 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) spotlighted healthcare occupations among their top priorities in Express Entry category-based draws. This strategic focus highlights the pressing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Canada.
The selection of occupations was a thorough process by IRCC. They considered feedback and suggestions from a diverse group of people, including the public and various stakeholders. IRCC identified five categories facing significant labour market gaps:
This strategic identification aims to address specific workforce needs in Canada and ensure that immigration candidates align with the evolving demands of the job market.
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Category-based draws operate similarly to standard Express Entry draws. However, unlike standard Express Entry draws that primarily consider a candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, category-based draws prioritize work experience in the specified occupations.
Canada is grappling with a persistent shortage of physicians and nurses, adversely impacting primary and emergency care services. In a notable example, Niagara Health had to cease overnight operations at its urgent care centers due to a lack of physician staff, and a hospital in Minden, Ontario, permanently closed its local emergency room due to staffing challenges. Additionally, 180 emergency room doctors in Calgary expressed concerns about the city's emergency care state.
Recognizing the crucial role immigration plays in addressing healthcare workforce gaps, Canada has turned to foreign talent to fill vacancies. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Healthcare and Social Assistance category had 143,695 job vacancies, with a 6% job vacancy rate, the highest among category-based occupations. Notably, 36% of physicians and 25% of registered nurses in Canada were born outside the country.
However, foreign-trained medical professionals often need help in obtaining proper licensing in Canada. In response, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented measures to streamline the immigration process for foreign-trained healthcare workers. These efforts aim to facilitate the entry of physicians and other professionals into the Canadian workforce, addressing labour shortages in the healthcare system.
The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), provided by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), furnishes information on the anticipated job outlook for various professions. It calculates the projected number of job openings in a specific profession from 2022 to 2031.
Outlooks for some healthcare professions include:
| Healthcare Professions | New Job Openings |
| Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses | 155,400 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 27,800 |
| General Practitioners and Family Physicians | 48,900 |
| Specialist Physicians | 29,800 |
| Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors | 23,100 |
| Optometrists, Chiropractors, and Other Health Diagnosing and Treating Professionals | 17,900 |
| Pharmacists | 16,100 |
| Physiotherapists | 14,300 |
The provided figures underscore the substantial demand for skilled healthcare workers in Canada, with hundreds of thousands of new job openings expected in the coming years. These projections highlight the nation's reliance on immigration to fulfil the growing needs of its healthcare sector.
Former Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, announcing category-based draws, highlighted the dedicated efforts of health professionals providing world-class care across Canada. Acknowledging the evident need for more workers in the health system, Fraser mentioned that between 2017 and 2022, Canada welcomed approximately 21,000 healthcare workers, averaging just over 4,000 workers annually. He further disclosed IRCC's plan to double that number, aiming to bring in around 8,000 new healthcare workers each year. He acknowledged the undeniable need for more workers in the health system to ensure the continued delivery of quality care that Canadians rightfully deserve.
In addition to Express Entry's category-based draws, several provinces have conducted draws specifically for healthcare professionals using targeted streams within the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). For instance, Alberta offers a Designated Healthcare Pathway as part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
This means healthcare professionals interested in immigrating to Canada have eligibility options through various immigration pathways. With an apparent demand for healthcare workers, prospective candidates can play a vital role in filling labour market gaps while pursuing meaningful and fulfilling careers in Canada.
IRCC has conducted two rounds of invitations specifically targeting eligible Express Entry candidates with recent work experience in healthcare occupations.
The first healthcare category-based draw occurred on June 28, 2023, when IRCC issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to 500 immigration candidates with healthcare work experience. To be considered, candidates in this draw needed a minimum CRS score of 476.
Eight days later, on July 6, 2023, IRCC held a second draw for healthcare workers, inviting 1,500 eligible immigration candidates with a minimum CRS score of 463 to apply for PR in Canada.
In its latest and third Express Entry draw held on October 26, 2023, the department issued 3,600 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a category-based selection draw for healthcare occupations. To be eligible, Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 431.
In conclusion, targeted Express Entry draws show Canada's proactive approach to addressing healthcare workforce shortages. The recent surge in ITAs for healthcare professionals reflects the nation's commitment to strengthening its healthcare sector. Prospective immigrants in the healthcare field now have promising opportunities to embark on meaningful careers in Canada.
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