Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced changes to Canada’s immigration program that will focus on bringing individuals with health care expertise to the country to help with the health care field shortage.
Express Entry will now allow the Government of Canada to issue invitations to apply for permanent residency to health workers such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and more. A phase approach will be used to ensure a successful launch with 500 invitations sent immediately and 1,500 more sent out on July 5. More category-based selection rounds will take place throughout the year.
“In no sector is the labour shortage more prominent than in the health care sector. Today’s announcement will facilitate, fast track and streamline permanent residency applications and help improve health workforce recruitment efforts by bringing more qualified health professionals into Canada. In return, it will help patients get the timely quality care they need and deserve,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health.
According to IRCC data, an estimated 2,552 skilled individuals arrived in Canada between 2017 and 2022 with the intention of practising dentistry, while an estimated 155 dental hygienists and dental therapists arrived.
Read more about the program from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
