Can a Physician Assistant Immigrate to Canada?

Q: Can a Physician Assistant immigrate to Canada?

Yes, Physician Assistants can immigrate to Canada through programs like Express Entry (FSW), Provincial Nominee Programs, and employer-sponsored LMIA work permits. There are currently 9 active job openings and 7 employers hiring.

Yes — here are the immigration programs, active jobs, and provinces hiring physician assistants in Canada right now.

Active Jobs

Employers Hiring

Provinces

Low

Demand

Key Requirements

Work Experience

At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience as a physician assistant within the last 10 years.

Language Proficiency

Proof of English or French language skills via an approved test (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF, TCF for French). A minimum CLB 7 in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.

Education & Credential Assessment

International medical graduates (IMGs) must have their credentials verified by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). You will typically need to pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I and Part II, complete a residency program in Canada, and obtain licensure from the provincial/territorial medical regulatory authority (e.g., CPSO in Ontario, CPSBC in British Columbia).

Licensing and Registration

Medicine is a regulated profession. You must be licensed by the provincial/territorial College of Physicians and Surgeons before practising. The pathway typically involves credential verification, qualifying examinations, a Canadian residency, and meeting provincial requirements.

Job Offer

A valid job offer supported by a positive LMIA is required for employer-sponsored work permits and satisfies eligibility criteria for some Express Entry programs. Note: as of March 2025, job offers no longer add CRS points.

Proof of Funds

You must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds — currently $15,263 for a single applicant, $28,362 for a family of 4. Waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.

Family Size	Minimum Funds (CAD)
1 (Single)	$15,263
2 (Couple)	$19,001
3	$23,360
4	$28,362
5	$32,168
6	$36,280
7	$40,392
Each additional member	+$4,112

Eligible Immigration Programs

Express Entry (FSW)

Medium Match

Federal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.

Provincial Nominee Program

High Match

Provinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.

Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)

High Match

Employer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.

Atlantic Immigration Program

Medium Match

Employer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.

International Experience Canada

Medium Match

Working holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.

Salary Information

Province	Median	Low	High
Canada	$46.81/hr	$24.09	$60.26
Alberta	$39.46/hr	$26.26	$51.70
British Columbia	$44.34/hr	$30.14	$54.11
Manitoba	$49.00/hr	$34.78	$60.58
New Brunswick	$49.34/hr	$32.18	$55.35
Newfoundland and Labrador	—	—	—
Northwest Territories	—	—	—
Nova Scotia	$46.38/hr	$35.00	$57.60
Nunavut	—	—	—
Ontario	$44.36/hr	$29.34	$53.55
Prince Edward Island	—	—	—
Quebec	$43.00/hr	$29.68	$58.01
Saskatchewan	$43.15/hr	$34.54	$49.78

Top Provinces Hiring

Saskatchewan3 jobs Newfoundland and Labrador2 jobs New Brunswick1 jobs Ontario1 jobs

Current Job Openings

Physician Assistant - Canadian Armed Forces (caf)

$4,337.00 to $6,413.00 monthly (to be negotiated)

Canadian Armed Forces/ Forces Armées Canadiennes · Undetermined Locationthe Work Location for This Job May Vary. This Job May Also Require Relocating Periodically Throughout Your Career.