Surge in Job Applications from US Health Care Professionals in BC

Healthcare professionals working together in a British Columbia hospital to provide care.

News Summary

British Columbia has experienced a notable increase in job applications from health care professionals in the United States, with nearly 780 applications submitted in two months. This effort is part of the province’s strategy to address staffing shortages in the health care sector. The recruitment campaign, targeting regions in Washington, Oregon, and California, has yielded strong interest across various health regions. Changes to licensure procedures for U.S.-trained doctors have further enhanced BC’s appeal, resulting in an urgent response in light of an ongoing doctor shortage affecting local residents.

Victoria, British Columbia – British Columbia has seen a significant surge in job applications from health care professionals based in the United States, receiving nearly 780 applications within just two months. This response is part of the province’s strategy aimed at mitigating ongoing staffing shortages affecting the health care system.

The recruitment campaign, launched in June 2025, specifically targeted areas in Washington, Oregon, and select cities in California. It has already proven successful; Interior Health received 181 applications from the overall total. Other health regions have also reported strong interest, with Fraser Health receiving 154 applications, Vancouver Coastal Health with 121, Island Health at 112, Providence Health Care garnering 70, the Provincial Health Services Authority at 66, and Northern Health with 63 applications.

In total, since March 2025, over 2,250 health care professionals have expressed an interest in relocating to British Columbia. These include 827 physicians, 851 nurses, 254 nurse practitioners, and 256 allied health workers. The magnitude of the initial response has prompted Health Minister Josie Osborne to highlight how the results have exceeded expectations.

In order to further streamline the recruitment of foreign-trained professionals, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. (CPSBC) introduced bylaw changes on July 7, 2025. These changes facilitate a quicker licensure process for U.S.-trained doctors certified by recognized boards, enabling them to receive full licensure in British Columbia without requiring further assessment, exams, or training, and in some cases, achieving licensure within just a few weeks. Additionally, foreign-trained doctors from outside Canada and the U.S. will no longer need to hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, resulting in a cost savings of around $1,500.

Following the bylaw amendments, CPSBC received 29 new registration applications from U.S.-trained doctors in the first week alone. Further amendments for physicians from Australia, the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, and other jurisdictions are undergoing public consultation, indicating an expanding focus on broadening the potential professional pool.

The B.C. government’s recruitment efforts are described collectively as a “Team B.C.” initiative, emphasizing collaboration with health authorities and professional colleges. This program aligns with similar policy shifts in other Canadian provinces like Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, which recognize international credentials to address health care shortages.

With over 300,000 residents in British Columbia currently without a family doctor, the need for qualified health care workers has become urgent. The province is facing increasing hospital closures attributed to the shortage of doctors, prompting immediate action from government officials.

In recognition of the pressing demand for nursing staff, the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives has also made moves to simplify the qualification transfer process. As a result of the modifications enacted, 320 nurses have already received registration to practice in British Columbia.

Several physicians, including practitioners who have expressed intent to move to B.C. under the new regulations, reflect a growing confidence in the province’s capacity to offer robust health care services, bridging gaps in care currently facing the system.

The swift response to the recruitment campaign is indicative of a broader commitment to overcoming the challenges that complicate health care delivery in British Columbia while ensuring that all residents have access to necessary health services.