Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has designated healthcare as one of five priority sectors for immigration in 2023, using a newly introduced category-based selection system through the Express Entry program. This shift reflects mounting concerns over acute labor shortages in Canada’s healthcare system.
Rather than solely relying on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, category-based draws in Express Entry now target candidates with relevant work experience in high-demand sectors. Alongside healthcare, the government has also highlighted science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), transport, trades, and agriculture/agri-food as critical occupations experiencing labor shortfalls.
Healthcare was prioritized due to a worsening shortage of professionals across the country. Maple News notes that hospitals in Ontario, including those in Niagara and Minden, have recently had to reduce services or close emergency facilities due to insufficient staffing. Alberta has also seen concerns raised, with over 180 ER doctors in Calgary calling attention to unsafe working conditions caused by staff shortages.
Immigration plays a vital role in sustaining Canada’s healthcare system. By the end of 2022, the healthcare and social assistance category recorded 143,695 job vacancies—the highest among all occupational groups—with a vacancy rate of 6%. Currently, immigrants make up a significant portion of the healthcare workforce: 36% of physicians and 25% of registered nurses in Canada were born abroad.
To address these gaps, IRCC has implemented policies to streamline immigration pathways specifically for internationally trained healthcare professionals. This includes easing the licensing and credential recognition process so skilled workers can integrate more quickly into the workforce.
Looking forward, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) uses the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) to estimate future demand. Between 2022 and 2031, COPS forecasts high numbers of job openings in healthcare, driven by an aging population, retirements, and expanding healthcare needs nationwide.
Canada’s evolving Express Entry system now serves not just economic goals but also public health priorities. By aligning immigration policy more closely with labor market realities, the country aims to ensure accessible and sustainable healthcare for its growing population.
As category-based draws continue through 2023 and beyond, healthcare workers, particularly experienced physicians, nurses, and allied professionals, may find expedited pathways to Canadian permanent residency under the new selection criteria.