Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

WITH all the talk of health care and unemployment in the news, it seems like a good time to draw attention to a health care dilemma across the border. There is currently a shortage of health care professionals in Canada. Due to this shortage, Canada is offering immigration opportunities for those who have experience and education in various health care fields.

Canada is a country that takes health care very seriously. One of the defining aspects of Canadian society is that it provides free universal health care to every Canadian citizen and permanent resident. This means that there are great demands placed on the system. Hence, the Canadian Government is always in search of more talented medical professionals.

The Canadian Government is attempting to recruit more foreign trained medical professionals by making it easier to immigrate to Canada. Currently medical professionals that are on the Government’s list can apply for Permanent Resident status without getting a job in Canada first. The following health care occupations are currently eligible for this program:

• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Head Nurses and Supervisors
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Medical Radiation Technologists
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians

In order to apply the applicant needs to have one year of continuous work experience in their occupation. The applicant must also meet the educational requirements and be able to prove that they have performed the necessary job duties.

This immigration option is being offered through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. This means that unlike other employment based immigration programs; Canada is offering Permanent Residency to those that are approved.

Canadian Permanent Residency is often confused with traditional work visas. Canadian Permanent Residency differs from standard work permits in various ways. Canadian Permanent Residents have access to most of the social benefits available to Canadian Citizens, including health care coverage. Permanent Residents can also live and work anywhere in Canada, this means that the applicant is not tied to a specific employer. Permanent Residents can also apply for full Canadian Citizenship after three years of living full time in Canada.

It is also important to note that Permanent Residency is not only given to the principal applicant. A qualifying spouse and dependent children are also given full Permanent Residency. This means that the applicant’s spouse and dependent children have the ability to work and study in Canada without restriction.