Canada is actively recruiting US-trained healthcare workers. Since 2025, Ontario has let US-licensed physicians and nurses start working while they complete registration. British Columbia lets US-registered nurses apply directly to its college, often registered in days, and gives board-certified US physicians a direct licensing pathway. Most American nurses and doctors can then work on a CUSMA work permit and move to PR through Express Entry’s healthcare category.
Healthcare is one of the fastest US-to-Canada routes right now. This guide covers licensing, work permits and PR. For the immigration-side overview, see Canada PR options for US citizens.
Step 1: licensing (provincial)
Healthcare professions are regulated by provincial colleges, so you need a licence in the province where you’ll work.
| Province | Change for US-trained workers | Since |
| Ontario | US-licensed physicians, NPs, RNs and RPNs can practise for up to six months while completing registration (“As of Right” expansion) | Announced June 2025 |
| British Columbia (nurses) | US-registered nurses apply directly to BCCNM without the earlier third-party assessment; registration often in days | April 2025 |
| British Columbia (physicians) | US physicians with American Board of Medical Specialties certification can be fully licensed without further assessment, exams or training | July 2025 |
| Other provinces | Several, including Nova Scotia, have announced faster processing for US-licensed nurses | Check the provincial college |
You generally need an active US licence in good standing with no disciplinary history. Requirements vary by college, so confirm before you resign from a US job.
Step 2: the right work permit
- US citizens: the CUSMA Professional work permit covers registered nurses, physicians (for teaching and research, with limits on direct patient care), pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and more. Confirm your profession’s exact conditions.
- Non-citizens (H-1B, green card holders): an employer-specific permit, often LMIA-supported. Healthcare shortages usually make employers willing to sponsor.
- Spouses: for 2025 spousal open work permit rules, see the spousal work permit changes.
Step 3: permanent residence
Healthcare has its own Express Entry category. On September 4, 2026, IRCC invited 3,500 healthcare workers at a CRS cut-off of 475. That was far below the general CEC cut-offs above 500 at the time. Physicians with Canadian experience have their own category too. Read our breakdowns of the healthcare Express Entry draw and Express Entry pathways for doctors.
Provinces add more routes. Alberta’s Express Entry stream has a Dedicated Health Care Pathway, and BC PNP prioritises healthcare. See PNPs for US residents.
A realistic timeline
| Stage | Typical step |
| Months 0–2 | Licensing application; job search with Canadian employers |
| Months 1–3 | Job offer; work permit (CUSMA at the border for US citizens, or an employer-specific permit) |
| From day 1 | Express Entry profile with the correct healthcare NOC code |
| After an ITA | 60 days to file; mandatory upfront medical exam |
Frequently asked questions
Can a US registered nurse work in Canada?
Yes, after registering with the provincial nursing regulator and getting a work permit. Ontario and BC have made this much faster for US nurses since 2025.
Do US doctors need to redo residency in Canada?
Not necessarily. BC lets ABMS-certified US physicians be licensed without further exams, and Ontario allows practice during registration. Rules differ by province and specialty.
Is there an Express Entry category for healthcare?
Yes. Healthcare and social services draws have recently had lower CRS cut-offs than general CEC draws.
Do I need a job offer?
For a work permit, yes. For Express Entry PR, a job offer isn’t required, but your NOC must be eligible for the healthcare category.
Which NOC code is a US registered nurse?
Usually 31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. See finding your NOC code.
