On June 28th, 2023, the Government of Canada announced a significant step to address the unprecedented shortages of health workers across the country. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, unveiled new features of Canada's flagship economic immigration program, Express Entry, to attract and invite health workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Under the updated program, the government can now issue invitations to apply specifically to candidates from the health field who possess essential skills, training, or language abilities. This targeted approach aims to bring in talented professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists.
The first round of category-based selection was held on the 28th June and invited 500 health workers to apply for permanent residency. A second round, scheduled for July 5, will invite an additional 1,500 workers. This phased approach ensures a smooth launch of the program. Additional category-based selection rounds will be conducted alongside general invitation rounds, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.
The introduction of category-based selection for health workers not only addresses the immediate need for qualified professionals but also enhances access to healthcare services for Canadians and their families. These dedicated rounds align with Canada's commitment to attracting in-demand professionals and skilled workers to various communities throughout the country.
The initiative to invite health workers is part of Canada's broader efforts to fill labour gaps in the health sector. Various existing immigration initiatives, such as the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, have been implemented to facilitate the entry of skilled refugees and displaced individuals into healthcare careers in Canada. Furthermore, recent changes to Express Entry have made it easier for physicians providing publicly funded medical services to obtain permanent resident visas.
By advancing these measures, Canada is taking significant strides to address the health workforce crisis and fulfil the shared health priorities outlined in the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan. To support these efforts, the government has allocated nearly $200 billion over ten years, including $46.2 billion in new funding to provinces and territories, to enhance healthcare services for Canadians. Provinces and territories are also being encouraged to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals and facilitate labour mobility.
Minister Fraser expressed enthusiasm for the announcement, emphasizing the increased access to permanent residency for skilled workers with healthcare experience. Minister Duclos highlighted the critical role of qualified health professionals in improving patient care and pledged to continue working with stakeholders to address the workforce crisis by improving planning, retention, and foreign credential recognition.
The government's proactive approach to attracting and retaining health workers demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a sustainable healthcare workforce and meeting the evolving needs of Canadians.
To know more about Canada’s Express Entry program and check your eligibility, connect with an MWT Education Consultancy counsellor today!
