International Applicants
Island Health welcomes applications from experienced and qualified internationally trained health care professionals.
Start here
Visit BC HealthCareers.ca for more information on how to obtain your provisional license, receive tailored recruitment supports, streamlined immigration processes, and transitional education programs.
Learn about job opportunities
Learn about job opportunities for international applicants at Physician Jobs BC, Nursing Jobs BC, or Allied Heath Jobs BC. Bursaries and financial supports may be available.
Learn about immigrating to Canada
Learn about immigrating to Canada on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Foreign Credentials Assessments
This Government of Canada office provides assessments for professional foreign credentials: Foreign Credentials Referral Office
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is for individuals with a job offer in a high-demand occupation (or students with a post-graduate degree from a B.C. post-secondary institution in the natural, applied or health sciences). Learn more about the BC PNP at: British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
A job offer from a Canadian employer is required to apply for a Work Permit. The job offer must be approved by the Government of Canada and is called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA demonstrates that a “significant” effort has been made to hire a Canadian for the position. The procedure for obtaining a LMIA is often demanding and time-consuming. Learn more about LMIAs at: Labour Market Impact Assessment
Work permits and extensions
Foreign individuals seeking work temporarily in Canada require a Work Permit. A Work Permit is a document issued by Canadian immigration officials which allows a foreign individual to work in Canada, generally at a specific job for a limited time – usually one to two years. A work permit is not a contract. You or the employer can end a job at any time.
Free Trade Agreements
Under CUSMA (and other Free Trade Agreements), citizens in certain identified professional occupations, may be permitted to enter and work in Canada. Under these agreement, Labour Market Opinions are not required.
If you qualify and you have a letter confirming your job offer from a Canadian employer, you must have approved medical clearance by an IRCC designated medical practitioner prior to going to the Port of Entry. Clearance is required before a valid temporary work permit can be obtained.
Welcome to BC Newcomers Guide
Are you new to British Columbia? The BC Newcomers Guide provides valuable information to help you and your family settle in quickly and easily. BC Newcomers Guide
Once you are employed
Once you are employed, Island Health’s New Entrant Practice and Recruitment Services teams will work together to support your transition into Canadian practice. Welcome to Island Health!