News Summary
British Columbia is witnessing a notable influx of U.S.-based health care professionals applying for positions to combat staffing shortages. Nearly 780 applications have been received within two months, with 2,250 professionals showing interest in relocating since a targeted recruitment campaign began. Changes to licensure processes for foreign-trained doctors have facilitated this process, enabling quicker deployment and reducing costs. However, the urgency remains as approximately 300,000 residents still lack family doctors, highlighting the ongoing need for additional health professionals in the province.
British Columbia Sees Surge of U.S. Health Care Professionals Responding to Staffing Shortages
Victoria, British Columbia — In an effort to address ongoing staffing shortages in its health-care system, British Columbia has experienced a significant influx of U.S.-based health care professionals applying for jobs across the province. Over the past two months, nearly 780 applications have been received from U.S. professionals seeking to work in British Columbia’s health system, signaling a strong response to the province’s targeted recruitment initiatives.
Key Numbers Indicate Growing Interest
Among the applications, Interior Health Authority accounted for 181 submissions, representing a substantial portion of the total. Overall, more than 2,250 health care workers from the United States have expressed interest in relocating to British Columbia since March 2025. The breakdown includes 827 physicians, 851 nurses, 254 nurse practitioners, and 256 allied health workers.
Recruitment Campaign and Strategy
The province launched a focused recruitment drive in June, concentrating efforts on specific regions including Washington, Oregon, and select cities in California. This campaign is part of a broader Provincial strategy to attract international health professionals and alleviate staffing constraints within the public health sector.
Streamlined Licensure Processes Accelerate Recruitment
Recent policy changes have significantly expedited licensure for foreign-trained doctors. On July 7, 2025, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. (CPSBC) approved bylaw amendments allowing U.S.-trained physicians, certified by recognized boards, to attain full licensure without the need for additional assessments, exams, or extensive training. This process can sometimes be completed within a few weeks, reducing barriers that previously delayed deployment.
Additional modifications have made it possible for doctors trained outside Canada and the U.S. to bypass the requirement for the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, resulting in savings of approximately $1,500 for applicants. Since these bylaws took effect, CPSBC has received 29 new registration applications from U.S.-based physicians within the first week.
Regional Application Distribution and Ongoing Consultations
Applications span all health regions in the province, with the following distribution:
- Interior Health: 181 applications
- Fraser Health: 154 applications
- Vancouver Coastal Health: 121 applications
- Island Health: 112 applications
- Providence Health Care: 70 applications
- Provincial Health Services Authority: 66 applications
- Northern Health: 63 applications
In addition, the province is consulting publicly on proposed bylaw amendments to include physicians trained in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and other jurisdictions, aimed at further easing licensing procedures.
Broader Collaborative Efforts
The provincial government describes these initiatives as part of a “Team B.C.” approach, emphasizing collaboration among health authorities and professional licensing bodies to attract qualified international professionals. Several physicians, including Dr. Avi Kopstick and Dr. Kyle McIver, have committed to moving to B.C. under the new licensure rules, supporting the government’s efforts to bolster the workforce.
Persistent Challenges and Need for Additional Health Professionals
Despite progress, the province continues to face critical staffing challenges. An estimated 300,000 residents in British Columbia are currently without a family doctor, contributing to increasing hospital closures and strained medical services. To meet these needs, nurses have also been prioritized; the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives reported that since simplifying credential transfers, 320 nurses have gained registration and are available to work across the health system.
Conclusion
The ongoing recruitment efforts and policy reforms mark a strategic move by British Columbia to mitigate health care staffing shortages. By streamlining licensure and actively recruiting internationally trained professionals, the province aims to strengthen its health system, providing better care for its residents and addressing long-standing gaps in service coverage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Victoria Experiences Surge in U.S. Healthcare Worker Applications
Additional Resources
- Victoria Buzz
- Abbotsford News
- HR Consultant Magazine
- The Globe and Mail
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in Canada
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