Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for skilled professionals looking to build a better life. One of the in-demand health professions in Canada today is respiratory therapy. If you’re trained in this field and wondering how to immigrate to Canada as a respiratory therapist, this detailed guide will walk you through every step of the process—from visa options and licensing to job search and permanent residency pathways.
This article is written in simple, easy-to-understand English and is structured for anyone, including recent graduates and internationally trained professionals. Let’s explore how you can turn your healthcare career into a new life in Canada.
Why Canada Needs Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists play a vital role in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care homes. They assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. The demand for respiratory therapists in Canada is growing due to:
- An aging population
- Rising cases of chronic illnesses like asthma and COPD
- Ongoing impact of respiratory infections, including COVID-19
- Shortage of healthcare workers across the country
Because of this demand, respiratory therapists are included in Canada’s list of high-demand occupations, making it easier for foreign-trained professionals to immigrate.
Overview of Immigration Pathways
Here is a summary table of the main immigration options:
| Immigration Pathway | Best For | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program | Experienced international professionals | 6 to 12 months |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Candidates targeting specific provinces | 6 to 18 months |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | Candidates with job offers in Atlantic Canada | 6 to 12 months |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | Job seekers with employer sponsorship | 2 to 6 months (work visa) |
| Canadian Experience Class | Those with Canadian work experience | 6 months |
Step-by-Step: How To Immigrate To Canada As A Respiratory Therapist
Step 1: Understand the Job Title and NOC Code
Before you begin your immigration journey, you need to know how your job is classified in Canada.
- NOC Code: 32103
- Job Title: Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists
Step 2: Meet the Educational Requirements
To work as a respiratory therapist in Canada, you need to have the right academic background.
Minimum education required:
- A diploma or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy
- Training must be equivalent to Canadian standards
Recommended:
Complete a Canadian Respiratory Therapy Program accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy Education (CoARTE), if needed.
Step 3: Credential Recognition
Your foreign qualifications must be recognized in Canada.
Steps to follow:
- Apply to the Canadian Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies (CARTA) for credential assessment.
- Submit transcripts, course outlines, and proof of work experience.
- If your education is not equivalent, you may be asked to complete a bridging program in Canada.
Step 4: Take the National Certification Exam
After your credentials are accepted, the next step is to become certified.
Certification body: Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC)
Requirements to write the exam:
- Credential assessment approval
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS or CELPIP – CLB 7 minimum)
- Payment of exam fees
Tip: You must pass this exam to register and work as a licensed respiratory therapist in most provinces.
Step 5: Apply for Provincial Licensure
Every province has its own licensing body. Once you pass the exam, you must register with the regulatory body in the province where you plan to work.
Examples:
- Ontario: College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO)
- British Columbia: BC College of Respiratory Therapists (BCCRT)
- Alberta: College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA)
Step 6: Choose the Right Immigration Program
Now that you’ve cleared your educational and licensing hurdles, it’s time to apply for immigration.
Option 1: Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Eligibility Criteria:
- At least 1 year of full-time work experience
- Valid language test (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Proof of funds
- Age, education, adaptability, and job offer can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
Steps:
- Create an Express Entry profile
- Enter the candidate pool
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Submit documents and await PR approval
Option 2: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNPs allow provinces to nominate candidates who have the skills they need.
Popular PNPs for healthcare professionals:
- Ontario Health PNP
- Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream
- British Columbia Skills Immigration
Advantages:
- Lower CRS scores needed
- Direct nomination means faster processing
- May lead to permanent residency
Option 3: Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you get a job offer from an employer in:
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
You can apply through AIP.
Benefits:
- No LMIA required
- Employer-driven program
- Includes settlement support
Option 4: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
You may start on a work permit and transition to permanent residency.
Steps:
- Find a Canadian employer willing to sponsor you
- Employer obtains a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Apply for a temporary work visa
- Gain Canadian experience and transition to PR via Express Entry or PNP
Step 7: Start Job Hunting
To successfully immigrate as a respiratory therapist, you’ll need a job offer or a pathway to employment. Here are the best places to look:
Job Portals:
- Job Bank Canada
- Workopolis
- Indeed.ca
- HealthCareersInSask.ca
- HealthForceOntario
Top Employers:
- Provincial health authorities (e.g., Alberta Health Services)
- Private clinics and rehabilitation centers
- Respiratory equipment manufacturers
- Teaching hospitals and research centers
Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport | Identity verification |
| Educational Credential Assessment | Proves education equivalency |
| Proof of Work Experience | Job history and skill assessment |
| Language Proficiency Test (IELTS) | English communication requirement |
| Certification Exam Results (CBRC) | Licensing proof |
| Job Offer (if available) | Boosts immigration chances |
| Proof of Funds | Shows financial self-sufficiency |
Salary and Work Conditions
| Province | Average Salary (CAD/year) | Work Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $65,000 – $85,000 | Hospitals, ICUs, Rehab centers |
| Alberta | $70,000 – $90,000 | Emergency rooms, clinics |
| British Columbia | $60,000 – $80,000 | Community health, private care |
| Saskatchewan | $62,000 – $82,000 | Long-term care homes |
| Nova Scotia | $58,000 – $78,000 | Provincial health networks |
Most therapists work full-time shifts, including evenings and weekends.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Credential not accepted | Take bridging courses or upgrade in Canada |
| Failing the certification exam | Retake after focused preparation |
| No job offer | Use job portals, contact health recruiters directly |
| Long immigration processing times | Apply early and ensure documents are complete |
| Language barrier | Take English courses and practice regularly |
Conclusion
If you’re a qualified respiratory therapist abroad and want a better life in a country that values your skills, Canada may be the perfect choice. By following this complete guide on how to immigrate to Canada as a respiratory therapist, you will be equipped with the right knowledge, steps, and strategies to succeed.
From credential recognition to certification, from choosing the right immigration stream to landing a job, every detail matters. With patience, preparation, and persistence, your journey to Canada as a respiratory therapist is not just a dream—it’s an achievable goal.