High Demand Healthcare Jobs in Canada for Immigrants 2026:Canada has always been recognized for its strong universal healthcare system, but in recent years, the demand for healthcare professionals has grown faster than the available workforce. With an aging population and an increasing need for medical services, healthcare jobs are among the most sought-after careers in the country.
For immigrants planning to move to Canada in 2026, this situation opens the door to several rewarding career opportunities in the healthcare field, from nurses and caregivers to laboratory technicians and home support workers.
Canada’s Healthcare Job Opportunities 2026 – Overview
| Aspect | Details |
| Department | Health Canada |
| Post Title | High Demand Healthcare Jobs in Canada for Immigrants 2026 |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Healthcare |
| Job Roles | Nurse aides, caregivers, lab technologists, home support workers, etc. |
| Immigration Pathways | Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, Caregiver Pilots |
| Average Annual Salary | $35,000 – $100,000 CAD |
| Target Applicants | Foreign healthcare professionals |
| Official Website | https://immigration.ca/ |
Why Healthcare Jobs Are in High Demand in 2026
The shortage of healthcare workers in Canada has reached a critical point. This issue is especially serious in rural and northern communities, where medical services are limited.The main reasons for the high demand include:
- Retirement of existing staff – Many healthcare professionals are nearing retirement age.
- Population growth – More people means greater healthcare needs.
- Aging population – Seniors require more medical attention and long-term care.
- Limited local recruitment – Some areas have difficulty attracting and retaining skilled healthcare workers.
For newcomers and international job seekers, these gaps present a chance to not only work in Canada but also to qualify for permanent residency (PR) through immigration pathways linked to healthcare jobs.
Top 5 In-Demand Healthcare Jobs for Immigrants in 2026
Let’s look at the most in-demand healthcare occupations in Canada that immigrants can apply for in 2026, along with average salaries and immigration pathways.
1. Nurse Aides, Orderlies & Patient Service Associates
Job Description: Nurse aides and orderlies help patients with their daily needs such as bathing, mobility, feeding, and maintaining hygiene in hospitals, private homes, and long-term care facilities.
Average Salary: $42,000 – $52,000 CAD per year (with higher pay in urban hospitals and northern provinces).
Immigration Pathways:
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Why It’s in Demand: Hospitals and eldercare homes need continuous support staff due to rising patient numbers and limited nursing resources.
2. Caregivers & Home Support Workers
Job Description: Caregivers provide personal and emotional care to elderly, disabled, or recovering patients in private homes. Many of these positions come with LMIA-supported work permits and sometimes free accommodation if the worker lives with the employer.
Average Salary: $35,000 – $45,000 CAD annually.
Immigration Pathways:
- Home Support Worker Pilot
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot
- Canadian Experience Class
- PNP streams for caregivers
Why It’s in Demand: The aging population and the preference for home-based care have created thousands of openings in this category.
3. Registered Nurses & Psychiatric Nurses
Job Description: Registered nurses handle patient care, administer medications, and provide mental health support in hospitals and clinics. Psychiatric nurses focus on emotional and mental well-being.
Average Salary: $70,000 – $90,000 CAD per year; those working in remote or northern regions can earn up to $100,000 or more.
Immigration Pathways:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
- PNP streams dedicated to healthcare workers
Why It’s in Demand: Canada faces a long-term shortage of registered nurses, especially in specialized fields like mental health, geriatrics, and community health.
4.Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Job Description: LPNs provide bedside care, assist doctors and RNs, and handle routine medical tasks like taking vital signs or giving injections. They work in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Average Salary: $55,000 – $65,000 CAD annually.
Immigration Pathways:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Employer-specific LMIA Work Permits
- Express Entry (for experienced professionals)
Why It’s in Demand: As hospitals experience staffing gaps, LPNs are playing a crucial role in maintaining patient care quality.
5.Medical Laboratory Technologists & Assistants
Job Description: Lab technologists and assistants conduct diagnostic tests on blood, tissue, and other body samples. They work in hospitals, private labs, and research centers.
Average Salary: $60,000 – $80,000 CAD per year for technologists and $40,000 – $50,000 CAD for assistants.
Immigration Pathways:
- PNPs in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia
- Saskatchewan’s “Occupations in Demand” Stream
- Express Entry
Why It’s in Demand: As diagnostic testing increases and lab professionals retire, new skilled workers are urgently needed.
Immigration Pathways for Healthcare Workers
Canada offers multiple immigration routes for skilled healthcare professionals. The most common are:
- Express Entry – For skilled workers under the Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class categories.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia nominate healthcare workers to meet local needs.
- Atlantic Immigration Program – For those wanting to work in Atlantic provinces such as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.
- Caregiver Pilots – For home support and childcare providers, offering a path to permanent residency after work experience.
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) – Designed for skilled refugees and international candidates in healthcare fields.
Salary Range for Healthcare Professionals in 2026
The salaries in Canada’s healthcare sector vary based on location, role, and experience:
| Job Role | Average Salary Range (CAD/Year) |
| Nurse Aides / Orderlies | $42,000 – $52,000 |
| Home Support Workers / Caregivers | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Registered Nurses | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | $55,000 – $65,000 |
| Medical Lab Technologists | $60,000 – $80,000 |
How to Apply for Jobs?
- Visit immigration.ca or the official website of your target Canadian province.
- Check the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of your profession.
- Create an Express Entry profile or apply for a PNP nomination.
- Secure an LMIA-supported job offer if applicable.
- Submit the required documents, including proof of experience, education, and language test results (IELTS/CELPIP).
FAQs on High Demand Healthcare Jobs in Canada 2026
Yes. Many healthcare jobs welcome internationally trained professionals, especially under Express Entry or PNP streams.
Nurse aides, caregivers, and home support workers are among the easiest to get for newcomers.
Yes, unless you already have permanent residency. Most healthcare jobs require a valid work permit.
Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia have the most openings, but rural areas and Atlantic Canada often offer faster immigration processing.
Depending on the role, salaries range between $35,000 and $100,000 CAD annually.
Absolutely. Many healthcare occupations are prioritized under Express Entry and PNP programs, making it easier to obtain permanent residency.
Yes. Rural and northern communities have the highest demand and often provide incentives like relocation support or higher pay.