How to Immigrate to Canada as a Medical Laboratory Technologist

On This Page You Will Find:

• How medical laboratory technologists can immigrate to Canada in 2025
• Canada’s shortage of medical laboratory technologists and job outlook
• Express Entry occupation-specific draws for medical laboratory technologists
• Salary expectations and job demand across provinces
• Steps to qualify for permanent residence

Are you a skilled medical laboratory technologist looking to immigrate to Canada? With increasing demand for professionals in this field, Canada offers excellent immigration opportunities. Submit your credentials today.

Canada’s Demand for Medical Laboratory Technologists in 2025

Canada continues to face a shortage of medical laboratory technologists, making it an ideal time for qualified foreign professionals to apply for immigration.

Since 2023, IRCC has been prioritizing in-demand professions through occupation-specific Express Entry draws.

According to Canada Job Bank, the demand for medical laboratory technologists in Canada is projected to remain strong over the next decade, with a significant risk of labour shortages nationally between 2024 and 2033. This is largely driven by an aging workforce—30% of current workers are over 50—and a median retirement age of 61, which means many professionals will be leaving the field soon.

Medical Laboratory Technologists Qualify for Occupation-Specific Express Entry Draws

Under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 32120, medical laboratory technologists are eligible for occupation-specific Express Entry draws. This means candidates with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years—either in Canada or abroad—can apply without requiring a job offer.

Eligible roles include:

• clinical genetics technologist
• cytogenetics technologist – medical laboratory
• histology technologist
• medical laboratory cytotechnologist
• medical laboratory technologist
• medical laboratory technologist supervisor

These roles align with other healthcare professions, offering a variety of career pathways for immigrants.

Strong Job Demand and Salary Outlook for Medical Laboratory Technologists in Canada

According to Job Bank Canada, the job outlook for medical laboratory technologists is very good in Ontario and Saskatchewan, and good in provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.

The median hourly wage for medical laboratory technologists in Canada is $37.50, with wages ranging from $25.00 to $46.15 per hour. Based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can reach up to $89,981.

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in 2025

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

To qualify for Express Entry, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• At least six months of continuous work experience as a medical laboratory technologist in the past three years
• Language proficiency in English or French at the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
• Educational credentials (foreign degrees may require an Educational Credential Assessment)
• Proof of settlement funds if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Candidates must submit an Express Entry profile and select NOC 32120 as their occupation. If eligible, they may be invited in an occupation-specific draw.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Candidates selected in an occupation-specific draw will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Step 4: Submit a Complete Application

Once an ITA is received, candidates must submit all required documents within 60 days, including:

• Proof of work experience
• Language test results
• Educational credential verification
• Medical and police clearance certificates

Express Entry Targeted Draws for Medical Laboratory Technologists: What You Need to Know

Canada’s Express Entry system consists of three main immigration pathways:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program

Occupation-specific draws focus on high-demand professions. These draws select candidates based on their job title rather than just their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing the chances of receiving an ITA.

Benefits of occupation-specific draws:

• No job offer required for eligibility
• Higher selection chances compared to general draws
• Additional immigration options through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Why Choose Canada for Your Medical Laboratory Technology Career?

• The demand for medical laboratory technologists continues to rise due to population growth and healthcare service expansion.
• Express Entry occupation-specific draws provide a clear immigration pathway.
• Salaries are competitive, and professionals can access universal healthcare and social benefits.
• Professional licensing bodies and networks support newcomer medical laboratory technologists in career development.

Start Your Journey to Canada Today

If you are a qualified medical laboratory technologist, now is the time to apply for Express Entry and build your future in Canada.

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