The campaign, which began in March 2025, has resulted in nearly 1,200 American health professionals visiting B.C. The ministry says 573 doctors, 413 nurses, 133 nurse practitioners and 39 allied health professionals have expressed interest in working in the country.
“Given the uncertainty and chaos in the United States, we have a unique opportunity to attract health professionals who can strengthen B.C.’s public health system,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne. Applications from American nurses have increased by 127 per cent since the new process began.
The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives has begun using a common system and exams to streamline the registration process. Nurses can now apply directly to the college instead of going through a third-party assessment organization. The college has access to a database to check the education, exam results, employment and registration of applying nurses. This has reduced the average registration time from four months to just a few days.
“American health professionals are attracted to BC because it supports science, protects reproductive rights and cares for everyone, no matter how much money they have in their bank account,” said Premier David Abey. The province plans to launch a targeted marketing campaign in early June in select cities in Washington, Oregon and California, where the most interest in moving to BC has been seen.
The campaign is being held in BC. It is a major step towards addressing the shortage of professionals in the health system. Nearly 400,000 people in the province are looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The recruitment of American health professionals is expected to improve access to health services, especially in areas where patients face long wait times. The initiative is fueled by challenges related to health care in the US, such as cuts to government services and growing political tensions over reproductive rights. This step by the BC government will not only strengthen the health system but also boost the state’s economy and social securit