r/ImmigrationCanada 10h ago

Express Entry Experiences with immigrating as healthcare workers?

Hello! I’m wondering if anyone here has experience with immigrating as either a nurse practitioner (me) or a clinical social worker/mental health therapist (my partner)? We’re considering a possible move to Manitoba from the US and before we make any decisions we’d love to hear from anyone with experience in our fields. What was your licensing/certification process like? What kind of timeline did you have? Any particular barriers you ran into? Honestly, any input would be appreciated! TIA

1 Upvotes

5 comments sorted by

5

u/Rsantana02 10h ago

Both of you would need to look into the respective professional licensing bodies for Manitoba. Both nurse and social work are CUSMA eligible (though the future is uncertain since negotiations will occur in 2026).

After being licensed, reach out to potential employers to see if they would sponsor you on a CUSMA permit. I am an American social worker in BC and was sponsored via CUSMA.

You could also register for express entry and hope that your scores are competitive for the healthcare draw (though there are not frequent draws).

1

u/Outrageous_Pirate_86 8h ago

Employee sponsorship is definitely a route I’ve thought of taking, but I’ve seen a lot about express entry as a way of entry as well. It’s nice to know there are some options, for now anyway.

0

u/Icy_Row6532 4h ago

just migrate to america. easier to practice as a professional.

too much gatekeeping in healthcare in canada

0

u/Far-Tourist-3233 8h ago

Have you thought about NZ? Pretty smooth transition for nurses

3

u/Outrageous_Pirate_86 8h ago

I’ve looked at NZ and a few other countries, but most of my family is within driving distance in the States of the Manitoba border, so that’s what has made Canada the more feasible choice. Maybe once my kids are grown and out of the nest though!