How to Immigrate to Canada as a Physician Assistant, Midwife or Allied Health Professional

On this page you will find

• The NOC 2021 code and job definitions for Physician Assistants, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals
• Expected salary ranges for each of these professions in Canada
• A step-by-step guide for applying through the federal Express Entry system, including occupation-specific draws for healthcare jobs
• Information on other immigration pathways beyond Express Entry
• A five-question FAQ addressing common concerns

1. Occupational definitions and classification

If you are a Physician Assistant, Midwife or an allied health professional, your occupation falls under the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 as follows:

• The code is NOC 31303 (Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals).
• “Allied health professional” is a broader term that may include roles such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other health diagnosing/treating roles – but for the purpose of this guide we focus on the grouping listed under NOC 31303.
• It is a TEER 1 category (in the NOC 2021 system, TEER 1 refers to occupations requiring a university degree).

2. Expected salaries

Here is a summary of recent salary data in Canada for this occupational classification:

• Nationally, data from the federal Job Bank show for NOC 31303: low about CAD $20.67/hour, median about CAD $42.00/hour and high about CAD $62.50/hour (reference period 2022-2023).
• In Alberta, provincial data put the average wage for this group at CAD $51.21/hour and annual salary about CAD $89,150.
• On Glassdoor the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Canada is around CAD $81,535 per year (≈ CAD $39/hour), with reported range up to approx CAD $99,468/year.
• For Midwives specifically, different sources report wide ranges: SalaryExpert shows an average of CAD $47,672/year (~CAD $23/hour) in Canada. Indeed reports a higher average of about CAD $116,262/year in one sample of 85 salaries.
• Because the grouping is broad (Physician Assistants, Midwives and allied roles), actual salary will depend greatly on province, employer, experience, scope of practice and whether self-employed (as some Midwives are).
• In summary: You can reasonably expect salaries in the range of CAD $80,000 to CAD $120,000+ per year for experienced practitioners in this category, with considerable regional variation and scope differences.

3. Why this is a strong immigration opportunity

• Canada is experiencing labour-shortages in healthcare and allied health professions as its population ages and health demands rise.
• The federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses category-based draws in the Express Entry system that specifically target “healthcare and social services occupations” (including NOC 31303) to invite candidates to apply for permanent residence.
• Because of this target and the relative demand, your occupation in this category may increase your chance of being selected.

4. Step-by-step guide for applying via Express Entry (occupation-specific draw)

Here is how you can proceed, in simple steps, to apply for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry as a Physician Assistant, Midwife or allied health professional:

1. Assess your eligibility
   • Make sure you meet the eligibility for one of the three federal programs managed by Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST).
   • Because your occupation is TEER 1 and skilled, you will likely fall under FSWP or CEC (if you have Canadian work experience).
   • For a category-based draw for healthcare and social services you must:
     • Have at least six months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) continuous work experience in one eligible occupation (such as NOC 31303) within the past three years, either in Canada or abroad.
     • Meet language, education and other requirements of the program under which you apply.
   • If you are a Midwife or allied health professional, confirm that your specific role is properly classified under NOC 31303 or another eligible NOC for the draw.
2. Have your educational credentials assessed
   • If you were educated outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organisation to verify your credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.
   • Ensure your professional licensing or certification requirements for your occupation in Canada are considered (you may need provincial/territorial registration/licensing).
3. Take language tests
   • You must take an approved language test (e.g., IELTS General Training, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF for French) and achieve minimum scores.
   • Higher language scores will improve your CRS points and your chance of receiving an invitation.
4. Create your Express Entry profile
   • Submit your profile online to IRCC via Express Entry and indicate which program you’re applying for (FSWP or CEC).
   • Provide all required information truthfully about your age, education, language ability, work experience, etc.
   • Once in the pool, you will be given a CRS score and ranked among other candidates.
5. Monitor for and participate in category-based draw
   • Watch for draws specifically for healthcare and social services occupations (the “Healthcare” category) which target NOC 31303 among other codes.
   • If you are among the highest-ranked candidates with your occupation, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
6. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
   • If you get an ITA, you have 60 days (unless otherwise specified) to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
   • At this stage, you must provide all supporting documents: police certificates, medical exam results, proof of funds, job offer (if applicable), etc.
7. Submit the application for permanent residence
   • Submit your application online with all documentation and pay required fees.
   • IRCC will review your application to ensure you are admissible and eligible.
8. Receive a decision and complete landing
   • If approved, you’ll receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and later you’ll land in Canada as a permanent resident.
   • Then you may begin your career in Canada under your occupation.

5. Other immigration pathways beyond Express Entry

• Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP): A new federal pilot offering permanent residence in 14 selected rural communities. Requires a job offer from a designated employer and meeting work experience, language and education thresholds.
• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): For candidates who want to live and work in six selected Francophone-minority communities. Job offer required; French ability is key.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces run healthcare-targeted streams. A nomination adds 600 CRS points if aligned with Express Entry, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Employer-driven pathway for skilled workers settling in Atlantic Canada. (Note: settlement fund amounts are updated periodically.)
• Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP): For qualified refugees and displaced persons who meet job and language criteria.
• Quebec Skilled Worker/Health recruitment: Quebec selects its own skilled workers outside Express Entry; check occupation-specific rules if planning to live in Quebec.
• Work permit first, PR later: Secure an LMIA-supported job offer (TFWP) or LMIA-exempt role (IMP, where applicable), gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR through CEC or a PNP.

6. Key tips for success

• Ensure your occupation is correctly classified under NOC 31303 (or other correct NOC if your role differs) and that your work experience aligns with the NOC description.
• Keep documentation strong: reference letters from employers, proof of duties matching the NOC, continuous employment periods.
• Strengthen your language test results and other CRS-relevant factors (education, age, job offer, provincial nomination).
• If you plan to practise in Canada, check provincial licensing/regulatory requirements early – for Midwives and certain allied health roles this may be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions