How to apply as an international or out of province applicant
We welcome trained international and out-of-province health-care professionals to apply for our jobs. Navigating the immigration process to Canada may appear complex, but as you set foot on the stunning West Coast, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you to experience the beauty and warmth our country offers.
Getting your accreditation and authorization to work in B.C.
If you do not already know, British Columbia (B.C.) is a fantastic place to live, work and play. In fact, many of our cities and towns can often be found on global lists of the “best places to live in the world.”
To work in B.C. as a non-Canadian citizen or non-Canadian permanent resident, you will require a valid work permit. For nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, physicians and allied health professionals, obtaining a work permit or work visa and licensing registration is an independent process that can take place concurrently. Generally, the entire process takes six to eight months, but please be aware that delays may occur. Complicated cases can take up to 10 to 12 months.
For more information on how to apply for a work permit, visit www.canada.ca. For helpful resources on B.C., please visit www.welcomebc.ca.
If you are planning to relocate to B.C. from out-of-province, here are two important resources for you to explore before applying:
- Government of Canada: Getting a job in a different province or territory
- Government of B.C: Moving to British Columbia from within Canada
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The BC PNP is an immigration program that gives foreign workers, international students and entrepreneurs a pathway to permanent residence. Essentially, it allows the province to select and nominate qualified applicants to help meet B.C.’s workforce needs, support government priorities and help grow an economy that works for everyone.
Due to the crucial need for more health-care workers in the province, these occupations have been prioritized in the application process, increasing the number of health-care workers nominated for permanent residence. Priority access will be given to qualified candidates whose occupation is on this list of in-demand health occupations.
Health Match BC
Health Match BC is a health professional recruitment service funded by the Government of British Columbia, Canada. They currently help with the recruitment of physicians, registered nurses and allied health professionals on behalf of BC's publicly funded health employers.
Professional registration
In order to practice your profession in B.C., you must be registered with the appropriate statutory body at the time of the start date. If you are a physician not currently registered in B.C., please see the Licensure and credentialing for physicians at VCH section of our physician jobs page. For all other professions, please see your provincial or national licensing body to register or contact our team to learn more.