One of the privileges I have working as a recruiter with Northern Health is that I get to see the exciting journeys people take when choosing to work in rural healthcare. Some of the most compelling examples have been assisting healthcare workers join Northern Health from areas outside Canada.
The process to get a work permit in Canada can be long and arduous, but many applicants brave it every year. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from South Africa, the Philippines, India and many other countries. Each person has had to take a unique and individual path to make the transition to the Canadian workforce, and seeing them flourish in their new homes in Northern BC while providing care for Northerners is a fulfilling experience for me.
So, for all of those looking for resources who have questions about work permits for healthcare workers, here are a few things to help you get started!
How to start the work permit process
The BC Provincial Nomination Process (PNP) is a rapid means of attaining a work permit in Canada. You can get started here!
What can hold up the work permit process?
There are a number of things that may impact your ability to get a work permit;
- If your status has expired, and you cannot demonstrate that you have applied for restoration of status within the 90-day eligibility period, you will be considered “out of status”
- If you’re working in Canada without proper authorization
- If you have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada
- If you’re under a removal order inside or outside of Canada, or require an Authorization to Return to Canada
- If you have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada
What you need to have
- Experience, education, and/or professional registration as a medical professional
- Any healthcare profession is eligible
- Complete and pass our interview/selection process
- Proof of your English language skills on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB):
- You must be at least a level 4 in all categories (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
- Recognized testing institutions:
- An offer of permanent full-time employment from Northern Health
If anything – don’t get frustrated! It’s a long process, but well worth it. Northern Health recruiters are here to help you along the way. Please be sure to connect with us - we’re available through a range of channels:
Email our recruitment team directly: NHrecruitment@northernhealth.ca
Visit our Facebook page: @NHCareers
Check us out on Instagram: @nhcareers
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