IRCC Conducts First Category-Based Selection Draw for Healthcare Workers
Published on: June 29, 2023
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its inaugural category-based selection draw, focusing on healthcare workers to address shortages in the sector.
Key Points:
Targeting Healthcare Occupations:
The draw aimed to streamline immigration for healthcare professionals facing labor shortages.
Eligible occupations included dentists, nurses, psychologists, and more.
500 healthcare workers meeting the criteria were invited to apply.
Reasons for Shortage:
Canada's aging population and low birth rates create increased demand for healthcare services.
An estimated nine million Canadians will reach retirement age within seven years.
Immigration is vital to fill workforce gaps and meet healthcare needs.
Provincial Initiatives:
Provinces and territories have implemented targeted immigration programs to attract healthcare professionals.
Initiatives like Alberta's Designated Healthcare Pathway and British Columbia's BC PNP aim to streamline the process.
Importance of Category-Based Draws:
Category-based draws address labor shortages in specific sectors.
The focus on healthcare workers emphasizes the sector's significance and the need to fill positions nationwide.
Eligibility and Work Experience:
Candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience in a listed healthcare occupation within the past three years.
Experience can be gained in Canada or abroad, allowing skilled professionals globally to contribute.
Future Draws:
The healthcare worker draw is the first of many category-based draws.
Future draws will target other sectors, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions.