Canada’s healthcare sector is expanding fast — but so are its challenges. As millions of Canadians age and demand for medical care increases, the system is struggling to keep pace. The real question is: who’s holding it all together?
The answer lies in immigrants. Newcomers are stepping into vital roles, often filling gaps that domestic hiring can’t meet. Whether it’s hospitals, long-term care homes, or clinics, immigrants are helping Canada maintain a steady flow of care when it’s needed most.
But while they play an essential part in the healthcare workforce, many newcomers face serious barriers — especially when it comes to working at their skill level.
Canada’s Healthcare Growth Depends on Immigration
Over the last 25 years, Canada has more than doubled its healthcare workforce. From 1998 to 2024, the sector added nearly 898,000 new jobs — a growth rate of over 114%. But it’s not all smooth sailing.
One of the biggest problems? Aging workers. Nearly 18% of healthcare professionals are 55 or older. As more of them retire, replacements are needed urgently.
That’s where immigrants come in.
According to a recent Statistics Canada report, newcomers — including permanent residents and non-permanent residents — make up a significant share of younger healthcare workers. In some roles, nearly one in four workers aged 25–34 are newcomers.
Table: Role of Immigrants in Key Healthcare Occupations
| Occupation | % of Workers (Age 25–34) Who Are Newcomers |
| Nurse aides, orderlies, patient associates | 24% |
| Medical specialists | 11% (combined non-permanent and recent PRs) |
| Licensed practical nurses | Significant, growing share |
Skilled But Stuck: The Reality of Underemployment
A major concern in Canada’s healthcare sector is underemployment.
Many immigrants working in support roles — like nurse aides or orderlies — hold university degrees, often in health-related fields. These credentials, however, are not always recognized in Canada.
Here are some surprising facts:
- 47% of recent immigrants in support healthcare roles have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Among Canadian-born workers in the same roles, only 6.3% have that level of education
- Over 24% of degree-holding immigrants earned their qualifications in health-related fields overseas
Despite being highly educated, many immigrants are locked out of regulated professions because of:
- Delayed or unclear credential recognition
- Lack of Canadian experience
- Limited access to bridging programs
- Licensing exams that don’t account for international training
It’s Not Just About Replacing Workers — It’s About Growth
Even if all retiring workers were replaced, it still wouldn’t be enough. Canada’s aging population is growing fast, and healthcare demand is rising with it.
In fact:
- Healthcare job vacancies hit a record 97,000+ in late 2022
- The number of Canadians aged 65+ is expected to reach 11.8 million by 2051
Canada doesn’t just need to replace — it needs to expand.
Immigrants can power this expansion. Many are ready and willing to take on roles across the sector. But unless their skills are better recognized, they’ll remain underused.
Healthcare Needs Immigrant Talent — But With Better Support
If Canada wants to keep its health system strong, it needs to make real changes.
Policy suggestions include:
- Speeding up credential recognition for internationally educated professionals
- Creating more bridging programs and mentorship opportunities
- Matching immigration programs more closely with healthcare shortages
- Supporting upskilling and training programs for newcomers already in healthcare roles
Without these improvements, Canada risks losing out on the full potential of immigrants who are already here — and ready to help.
Immigration Is Key to Canada’s Healthcare Future
The data is clear: Canada’s healthcare system depends on immigration. Newcomers aren’t just filling roles — they’re keeping the sector alive and helping it grow.
But too many are working far below their qualifications. If Canada wants to build a healthcare system that can serve its aging population, it must do more than recruit — it must recognize and support immigrant healthcare professionals.
With the right policies in place, immigrants will not only boost workforce numbers — they’ll lift the quality and resilience of care across the country. Canada’s healthcare system needs them. The future depends on it. For further guidance, connect with experts at ImmigCanada!
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