Canada has long been a top destination for healthcare professionals seeking work opportunities combined with the adventure of travel. Healthcare work and travel jobs are increasingly popular among international workers looking to gain professional experience while exploring Canada’s vast landscapes and diverse cultures. These jobs offer competitive salaries and visa support in many cases, making them ideal for foreign healthcare workers who want to live and work temporarily in Canada.
Whether you’re a nurse, caregiver, medical technician, or physiotherapist, there are various work and travel positions open across Canadian provinces. In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 healthcare jobs that allow you to work while experiencing life in different parts of Canada.
Also Read: 10 Healthcare Work and Travel Jobs in the UK That Pay Upto £80,000/Year
Requirements for Healthcare Work and Travel Jobs in Canada
Before applying for any of the listed jobs, you should meet the general and job-specific requirements, which may include:
- A valid passport
- Relevant healthcare qualification (degree or diploma)
- At least 1 year of professional experience (varies by job)
- English or French language proficiency (IELTS may be required)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical exam (for visa and job eligibility)
- Willingness to travel and work in various locations
- A work permit or visa (some jobs offer sponsorship)
How to Apply for These Jobs
- Online Job Portals: Use platforms like Indeed.ca, Job Bank Canada, and Workopolis.
- Recruitment Agencies: Specialized healthcare staffing agencies can connect you with jobs that match your skill set.
- Direct Employer Application: Many hospitals, clinics, and senior care facilities have career sections on their websites.
- Government Programs: Programs like International Experience Canada (IEC) allow young professionals from select countries to work temporarily in Canada.
Do These Jobs Require a Visa or Offer Visa Sponsorship?
Yes, most of these jobs require a valid Canadian work visa. However, many employers offer visa sponsorship for qualified foreign healthcare professionals. Common pathways include:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
You should confirm with the employer whether visa sponsorship is available for your desired role.
10 Healthcare Work and Travel Jobs in Canada
Below are ten healthcare jobs you can apply for, complete with location, salary, and application tips.
1. Travel Nurse
- Location: British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia
- Pay: $40–$60 per hour
- Visa: Sponsorship available
- How to Apply: Apply via health authority websites (e.g., BC Health Jobs) or through staffing agencies like TravelNurse Canada
2. Personal Support Worker (PSW)
- Location: Ontario, Manitoba
- Pay: $18–$25 per hour
- Visa: Often includes sponsorship
- How to Apply: Search “PSW visa sponsorship jobs” on Indeed.ca or contact long-term care homes directly
3. Live-in Caregiver
- Location: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
- Pay: $2,000–$3,500/month (live-in)
- Visa: Yes, through the Caregiver Program
- How to Apply: Apply through Job Bank Canada or immigration-authorized caregivers’ programs
4. Occupational Therapist (Travel Position)
- Location: Rural Quebec, New Brunswick
- Pay: $35–$45 per hour
- Visa: Sponsorship available for remote locations
- How to Apply: Apply through health recruitment platforms like HealthForceOntario or Medrehab Group
5. Physiotherapist – Travel Contract
- Location: Northern Ontario, Saskatchewan
- Pay: $80,000–$95,000/year
- Visa: Yes, through TFWP
- How to Apply: Use websites like CanadianPhysioJobs.ca or contact provincial health departments
6. Medical Laboratory Technician
- Location: Alberta, Newfoundland
- Pay: $26–$38/hour
- Visa: Employers may sponsor
- How to Apply: Apply via LifeLabs, Dynacare, or local health authorities
7. Traveling Respiratory Therapist
- Location: Ontario and British Columbia
- Pay: $35–$50/hour
- Visa: Sponsorship available depending on employer
- How to Apply: Contact hospitals or check career portals of health systems like Fraser Health
8. Mental Health Support Worker
- Location: Nova Scotia, Alberta
- Pay: $20–$30/hour
- Visa: Sponsorship possible for remote placements
- How to Apply: Apply via non-profits like CMHA or government-funded mental health initiatives
9. Dietitian (Community Health)
- Location: Indigenous and rural communities in Ontario and Manitoba
- Pay: $60,000–$85,000/year
- Visa: Available through RNIP or AIP
- How to Apply: Apply via Canada’s Indigenous Services department or local community health organizations
10. Home Care Nurse (Visiting)
- Location: Nova Scotia, PEI, Northern Territories
- Pay: $70,000–$90,000/year
- Visa: Sponsorship included in many cases
- How to Apply: Use government job portals or apply via healthcare staffing firms like Bayshore HealthCare
Conclusion
Healthcare work and travel jobs in Canada offer an excellent opportunity to gain international experience, earn a good income, and immerse yourself in a new culture. From travel nursing to caregiver roles, there’s a wide variety of in-demand jobs across the country that welcome skilled foreign workers. Many of these roles offer visa sponsorship, especially in rural or underserved regions.
If you’re a qualified healthcare professional with a passion for helping others and a spirit of adventure, Canada could be your next big move. Start by checking job boards, contacting staffing agencies, and reviewing visa options available to you. With the right preparation, you could be well on your way to a rewarding work and travel experience in Canada’s healthcare system.
