Work in Canada
Immigration Helps Renew Canada Healthcare Workforce
Statistics Canada reports that more than 1.7 million people worked in Canadian health occupations in 2025, an increase of 81,200, or 4.9%, from 2024. Health employment grew faster than overall employment, reflecting sustained demand for care. The findings also show a younger workforce in some occupations, with immigration contributing to renewal even as internationally trained workers face barriers to practising at their qualification level.
How Quickly is Healthcare Employment Growing?
Health occupations gained approximately 279,400 workers between 2019 and 2025, an increase of 19.4%. Their share of Canadian employment rose to 8.2% in 2025 from 7.4% in 2016. Registered nursing occupations recorded an increase of 25,300 workers between 2024 and 2025, representing nearly one-third of the net gain in health occupations that year.
Which Occupations Have the Youngest Workforce Balance?
A renewal ratio compares workers aged 25 to 34 with those aged 55 to 64. Licensed practical nurses had a ratio of 3.2 in 2025, meaning there were roughly three younger workers for each worker approaching retirement age. Registered nurses had a ratio of 2.2, physicians 1.6, and nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates 1.1. These measures describe age composition, not guaranteed replacement of retiring workers.
What Role Does Immigration Play in Healthcare Renewal?
International immigration contributes to the pool of younger healthcare workers and helps communities respond to staffing needs. However, the supplied research also points to a mismatch: some recent immigrants working as licensed practical nurses hold foreign health-related degrees at bachelor level or higher. This suggests that credential recognition and professional licensing barriers can prevent highly trained newcomers from working in positions matching their education.
Are Healthcare Vacancies Still High?
Canada recorded 67,900 vacancies in health occupations in 2025, down from the 2023 peak of 90,700 but still substantially above 2016 levels. Licensed practical nurses had a vacancy rate of 12.3%, compared with 5.0% for registered nursing occupations and 4.7% for nurse aides and similar roles. Almost half of healthcare vacancies were open for at least 90 days, pointing to persistent hiring challenges.
Why Does Credential Recognition Matter?
Healthcare professions are regulated, often at the provincial or territorial level. Foreign-trained professionals may need credential assessments, exams, language evidence or supervised practice before obtaining a licence. Without clear recognition pathways, the country risks underusing skills it already has. Faster and fairer recognition could support patient care while helping newcomers access jobs suited to their training.
What Does the Report Mean for Canadian Healthcare?
The data reveal progress and tension at the same time: more workers are entering healthcare, but shortages and mismatched qualifications persist. The workforce challenge is not only attracting newcomers. It also involves supporting training, licensing, retention, and appropriate job matching. The long-term impact will depend on how governments, employers and professional regulators respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people worked in health occupations in 2025?
Just over 1.7 million.
Which group had the highest renewal ratio?
Licensed practical nurses, at 3.2.
How many health job vacancies were reported?
Approximately 67,900 in 2025.
Are healthcare vacancies increasing?
They declined from the 2023 peak but remain elevated historically.
Does a foreign healthcare degree guarantee Canadian licensing?
No. Provincial and professional requirements still apply.
Stay Updated With Canada Immigration News
Canada’s immigration policies and selection rounds continue to evolve. Follow Canada Immigration News for timely reporting, practical explanations and the latest developments affecting people planning to study, work or settle in Canada.
