Work in Canada
British Columbia Opens Doors for U.S. Healthcare Professionals with Faster Credential Recognition
British Columbia is taking bold steps to attract skilled healthcare professionals from the U.S. by simplifying credential recognition and launching a targeted recruitment campaign. With increasing demand for doctors and nurses, the province is making it easier than ever for U.S.-trained professionals to start working in Canada.
Streamlined Licensing for U.S. Doctors and Nurses
The province is working closely with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC to introduce a direct pathway for U.S.-trained doctors. Those certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties will no longer need additional assessments, examinations, or training to become fully licensed in B.C. Similar changes in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick have already proven successful, and British Columbia expects to implement these reforms within the coming months.
For nurses, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives is also expediting licensing procedures. Instead of going through complex assessment steps, U.S.-registered nurses will soon be able to apply directly for licensure. Their credentials will be verified through the U.S. national nurse-licensure and disciplinary database, reducing wait times and allowing faster workforce integration.
Targeted Recruitment Efforts Across the U.S.
To ensure a steady inflow of healthcare professionals, British Columbia is ramping up its recruitment strategy. The province has initiated immediate efforts to bring U.S. doctors and nurses to Canada, with a major marketing campaign set to launch in Washington, Oregon, and California by spring 2025. This initiative will highlight job openings in critical areas such as emergency care and cancer treatment, while also promoting opportunities in rural communities that are struggling with healthcare shortages.
These efforts build on successful campaigns in the U.K. and Ireland, which helped attract international healthcare workers to the province. Additionally, British Columbia continues to enhance credential recognition processes for professionals from other countries, ensuring a robust and well-supported healthcare workforce.
Strengthening Primary Care Services in British Columbia
The province has already made remarkable progress in connecting residents with healthcare providers. Since 2019, the Health Connect Registry has expanded significantly, linking more people to primary care providers. In 2024, a record-breaking 250,000 people were matched with a doctor or nurse practitioner, averaging 680 new matches daily. This marks a significant increase from the 186,000 matches in 2023 and 131,000 in 2022.
British Columbia has also been investing in healthcare professionals to address its growing and aging population. Since 2023, the province has welcomed 1,001 new family doctors under a revised physician payment model. Additionally, the number of nurse practitioners has tripled since 2018, reaching over 1,200 in 2024, including 178 newly registered nurse practitioners this year.
A Promising Future for Healthcare Professionals in B.C.
As British Columbia continues to enhance its healthcare workforce, the province is creating new opportunities for skilled professionals looking for a stable and rewarding career. With improved credential recognition, strategic recruitment efforts, and a commitment to expanding primary care access, British Columbia is positioning itself as a top destination for U.S.-trained doctors and nurses.
For healthcare professionals in the U.S. considering a move, now is the time to explore opportunities in British Columbia. The province offers a welcoming environment, competitive job openings, and a streamlined process to help medical professionals quickly integrate into the Canadian healthcare system.
