News Summary
British Columbia has opened its borders to U.S.-trained healthcare workers to combat ongoing staffing shortages. Since starting its recruitment campaign, BC has received 780 job applications from U.S. medical professionals, including doctors and nurses. The province has streamlined licensing procedures, enabling quicker integration of qualified personnel. This initiative aims to improve service delivery and attract healthcare workers from the U.S. who are dissatisfied with local policies. Enhanced pathways for nurses and practitioners are also being implemented to address the pressing needs within the province’s healthcare system.
Vancouver, British Columbia — British Columbia has officially opened its borders to U.S.-trained healthcare professionals as part of a strategic effort to address ongoing staffing shortages within its healthcare system.
Significant Increase in Applications from U.S.-Trained Medical Personnel
Since launching its recruitment campaign in March, British Columbia has received a total of 780 job applications from healthcare professionals trained in the United States. This figure includes 188 doctors and 399 nurses. The interest from U.S.-based professionals indicates a growing trend to relocate to BC amid persistent staffing issues.
A broader pool of approximately 2,250 Americans have expressed intent to move to BC, attending specialized webinars about job opportunities. This group comprises 827 doctors, 851 nurses, 254 nurse practitioners, and 250 allied health professionals. The initiative aims to attract qualified healthcare personnel to improve service delivery across the province.
Changes to Licensing Procedures Facilitate US Medical Professionals’ Entry
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) took steps to streamline the licensing process for U.S.-trained doctors by amending its bylaws effective July 7, 2025. Under these changes, qualified U.S. physicians can obtain full licensure without undergoing additional assessments, exams, or training requirements.
Following the implementation of the new regulations, the number of U.S. doctors applying for registration in the first week increased to 29, reflecting heightened interest and a smoother licensing pathway. These reforms aim to quickly integrate foreign-trained physicians into BC’s healthcare system, thereby alleviating doctor shortages.
Broader Strategy to Address Healthcare Staffing Challenges
The provincial government views this recruitment effort as part of a larger strategy to combat staffing shortages exacerbated by demographic shifts, increased demand for services, and retirements. The initiative also seeks to attract U.S. physicians disillusioned with the healthcare policies implemented in the United States, particularly under the previous federal administration.
Health Minister Josie Osborne highlighted the province’s attractive lifestyle and professional environment as key incentives for potential recruits. Additionally, the province is working on expanding its Practice Ready Assessment program, increasing available spots from 32 to 96 by 2024, to better accommodate international applicants.
Enhanced Pathways for Nurses and Practitioners
U.S.-trained nurses are now able to directly apply to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), which expedites the licensure process. Currently, applications from U.S. nurses have reached 320, with 46 applications from nurse practitioners. These measures are designed to ensure allied health professionals can more quickly contribute to the healthcare system.
Regulatory and Structural Initiatives to Support Recruitment
To further improve healthcare accessibility, BC has introduced the Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) payment model, operational since 2023, with the goal of increasing compensation for primary care physicians. Such salary reforms aim to make working in BC more financially attractive, although compensation still remains lower than in the United States, which may influence the decision of U.S. doctors to relocate.
Additionally, the regulatory adjustments do not currently apply to South African family doctors, who have been effectively barred from practicing in Canada since 2010 due to revised training standards.
Focus on Northern Regions and Future Challenges
The ongoing physician shortage in the Northern Health regions of BC has been partly attributed to shifting work expectations among newer generations of doctors. Addressing these disparities is a key objective in the province’s comprehensive staffing strategy.
The Government of BC continues to collaborate with healthcare authorities and partners as part of its “Team BC” approach to bolster staffing numbers and enhance healthcare delivery throughout the province. The primary focus remains on ensuring timely access to medical services, reducing emergency room closures, and improving patient outcomes across underserved communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Prince George Citizen
- Google Search: American Doctors in BC
- Radio NL
- Google Scholar: BC US Doctor Recruitment
- Victoria Buzz
- Encyclopedia Britannica: healthcare in British Columbia
- My Bulkley Lakes Now
- Google News: BC Healthcare Recruitment
- HCAMag
- Google Search: fast track US doctors nurses BC
- Maple Ridge News
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in Canada
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
