British Columbia Attracts Hundreds of U.S. Healthcare Professionals with Targeted Recruitment Campaign

A targeted recruitment campaign by British Columbia (B.C.) has successfully attracted over 400 U.S.-trained healthcare professionals, many from Oregon and Washington, to address healthcare staffing needs within the province. The initiative, launched in March 2025, aims to bolster B.C.’s public healthcare system by offering opportunities to doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals.

Recruitment Efforts and Results

The $5 million campaign specifically targeted workers in Washington and Oregon, as well as select cities in California. As of January 2026, more than 400 U.S.-trained healthcare professionals have accepted job offers in B.C., a threefold increase from September 2025. Premier David Eby highlighted B.C.’s appeal, stating the province “values science, respects reproductive rights and provides great care.”

From March 2025 to January 2026, B.C. Received over 2,750 job applications from U.S. Healthcare professionals. The accepted job offers include:

• 89 doctors
• 260 nurses
• 42 nurse practitioners
• 23 allied health professionals

Streamlined Licensing Processes

Interest in licensing within B.C. Has also increased significantly. More than 1,300 U.S.-trained doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners have registered to practice in the province.

The BC College of Nurses and Midwives streamlined the credential recognition process for U.S.-trained nurses in April 2025, resulting in over eight times more registrations compared to the previous year. In 2024, 127 U.S. Nurses registered, while 112 registered in 2023.

From March 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, over 210 U.S.-trained and certified doctors registered in B.C., a 145% increase compared to the same period the previous year. This growth is attributed to a new pathway implemented in July 2025 by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, designed to simplify the registration process for U.S.-trained doctors.

Impact on Communities

The recruitment push is already making a positive impact in some communities. The mayor of Terrace, British Columbia, Sean Bujtas, noted that the program has brought six American doctors and nurses to the community, providing much-needed access to family doctors for residents.

Attracting Professionals with Quality of Life

British Columbia promoted its publicly funded healthcare system, high quality of life, and access to services like education and childcare as key incentives for U.S. Workers. Dr. Ianto West, a U.S. Psychologist who moved to Vancouver in July 2025, described his transition as smooth, citing a welcoming community and a convenient bike commute to perform.