Top Jobs in Canadas Health Sector That Attract Temporary Foreign WorkersMost common health care jobs for TFWs in CanadaNOC codes and average salary estimatesWhere these roles are most in demandImmigration pathways linked to each occupationHow to qualify and apply as a TFW in health careCanadas Health Sector Needs Foreign Workers More Than EverCanada is experiencing long-term shortages in its health care workforce. Hospitals, long-term care homes, and home support services are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain staff. To fill the gaps, employers across the country are turning to temporary foreign workers (TFWs), who now play a growing role in keeping the system running.TFWs are especially common in direct care and support positions that do not require full medical licensing in Canada. These roles are essential and often provide a clear path toward permanent residency. The most common jobs include nurse aides, orderlies, caregivers, and registered nurses. Below, we explore these top occupations in more detail, including job duties, immigration pathways, and estimated wages.1. Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)Why It Attracts TFWs:This role is highly in demand across Canada, especially in nursing homes and home care. Employers frequently hire through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or recruit international graduates from local colleges.National average: $42,000 $52,000 per yearHigher wages in Northern communities and urban hospitalsImmigration Pathways:Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for those with work experience2. Home Support Workers, Caregivers and Related Occupations (NOC 44101)Job Overview:These workers provide personal care and companionship to seniors, people with disabilities, or patients recovering at home. They assist with cooking, hygiene, and sometimes light medical tasks.Why It Attracts TFWs:This is a common entry-level role that offers LMIA-supported work permits. It has historically been the backbone of caregiver immigration pathways, especially for Filipinos and Indian nationals.National average: $35,000 $45,000 per yearOften includes free room and board if living with employerImmigration Pathways:Home Child Care Provider Pilot (HCCPP)PNP streams targeting caregiversCanadian Experience Class (if minimum experience met)3. Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)Job Overview:Registered nurses (RNs) provide medical care in hospitals, clinics, and residential care settings. They assess patients, administer medication, and coordinate treatment plans. Psychiatric nurses focus on mental health care.Why It Attracts TFWs:RNs are in critically short supply across Canada. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia regularly recruit internationally trained nurses. Bridging programs help foreign-licensed RNs meet Canadian standards.National average: $70,000 $90,000 per yearIn northern and remote areas: $100,000+Immigration Pathways:Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class)PNP streams prioritising health care occupationsEconomic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) for refugees with health training4. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) (NOC 32101)Job Overview:Licensed Practical Nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. They monitor patients, give medication, and assist in treatment plans in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care homes.Why It Attracts TFWs:It is a recognised health occupation with faster credential recognition than RN roles. LPN positions are frequently used in PNP job offers and TFW applications.National average: $55,000 $65,000 per yearImmigration Pathways:Provincial Nominee Programs (especially in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Atlantic Canada)Express Entry if language and education criteria are metEmployer-driven LMIA work permits5. Medical Laboratory Technologists and Assistants (NOC 32120, 33101)Job Overview:Medical Laboratory Technologists perform tests on blood, tissue, and body fluids to help diagnose medical conditions. Assistants help with sample collection and lab prep.Why It Attracts TFWs:Lab techs are on national shortage lists and often qualify for expedited work permits through the Global Talent Stream or healthcare-specific immigration pathways.Technologists: $60,000 $80,000 per yearAssistants: $40,000 $50,000 per yearImmigration Pathways:Express EntryPNP (especially Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia)Occupations-in-demand streams in SaskatchewanWhere the Demand Is HighestTFWs in health care are needed all across Canada, but the biggest demand is in:Ontario especially in Toronto, Ottawa and smaller communitiesBritish Columbia including Greater Vancouver and the InteriorQuebec especially in French-speaking roles in long-term careAtlantic Canada where programs like AIP offer easy paths to PRNorthern and rural areas often offer higher wages and faster immigration processingHow These Jobs Lead to Permanent ResidencyTFWs in health care are not just short-term solutions. Many of these occupations come with clear immigration pathways. Workers who perform well and gain Canadian experience can often transition to PR in under two years.The 20252027 Immigration Levels Pla n n prioritises health care professionals for both economic immigration and special pilot programs. TFWs with job offers in health care can:Apply for Express Entry with a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scoreReceive PNP nominations from provinces facing urgent shortagesBe selected under targeted category-based Express Entry draws for health occupationsThese options make health care one of the most reliable sectors for newcomers seeking to settle permanently in Canada.Tips for TFWs Seeking Health Jobs in CanadaCheck the NOC code and make sure it aligns with your experience and permit requirementsImprove your English or French, especially if aiming for Express EntryChoose provinces with active PNP streams and high demand for your occupationConnect with employers who are LMIA-approved or actively recruiting foreign workersStart credential recognition early if youre applying as an RN or LPNShort-Term Job To Long-Term SuccessTemporary foreign workers are essential to Canadas health care system, especially in front-line and support roles like nurse aides, caregivers, and practical nurses. These jobs are not only in demand they are also practical gateways to permanent residency.With the right occupation, permit, and planning, TFWs can turn short-term employment into long-term success in Canada. As shortages continue, foreign workers will remain key to delivering the care that Canadians rely on every day.FAQWhat are the best health care jobs for foreign workers in Canada?Nurse aides, caregivers, registered nurses, and LPNs are among the most common and in-demand jobs for TFWs. These roles are widely used by employers to fill staffing gaps.Do these jobs lead to permanent residency in Canada?Yes. Most health care jobs come with a clear pathway to permanent residency, especially through PNPs, the Canadian Experience Class, or caregiver pilot programs.What NOC codes apply to these jobs?Key NOC codes include 33102 (nurse aides), 44101 (caregivers), 31301 (RNs), 32101 (LPNs), and 32120 (lab technologists).How much do these health care jobs pay in Canada?Salaries range from around $35,000 for caregivers to over $90,000 for registered nurses. Remote areas and public health care facilities may offer more.Which provinces need health care TFWs the most?Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Atlantic provinces have the highest demand. Northern and rural regions often offer higher wages and easier PR access.Colin R. Singer, Managing Partner of immigration.ca, is a licensed immigration lawyer in Canada with Barreau du Quebec, for the past 35+ years. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Colin R. Singer