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Application Process for Skilled Foreign Health Care Workers

At the present time Alberta Health Services is not actively recruiting internationally for nursing staff.  Openings for other international health care professionals will be posted on our website. Thank you for your interest in Alberta Health Services.

If you are applying for other positions with Alberta Health Services and are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada (landed immigrant), you must complete all the steps listed below.

Step 1

Determine whether you are eligible to work as a skilled foreign worker.

  • Review the information in the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to determine whether you are eligible to apply for a Skilled Temporary Foreign Worker Permit.
  • Please note: At this time, AHS is not recruiting "unskilled" (non-professional) health care workers.

Step 2

Apply for a professional licence in Alberta.

  • In Alberta, skilled temporary foreign workers are required to have a licence or practice permit issued by their provincial professional association.
  • View professional associations for:
  • Contact the appropriate professional association in Alberta to determine the regulatory requirements for obtaining a professional licence or practice permit in your profession.
  • Complete all licensing requirements carefully and thoroughly. Professional associations may have different requirements for eligibility. You cannot be considered for a job without your professional licence, so it is very important that you complete all requirements of this step first.

Step 3

Ensure you have proof of other important employment requirements.

  • You will need to prove that your English language skills meet certain standards (for example, by taking the IELTS test).
  • You will need to have a clear criminal record check (police/security check) and a medical exam done by an Immigration-approved physician. Find out more on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

Step 4

Review our posted job opportunities and submit your resume.

  • Search the Alberta Health Services job postings and apply online, or contact your recruitment representative for more information.
  • Physicians: Please refer to the employment information for physicians.
  • Nursing and allied health professionals: Please contact your recruitment representative for further information regarding the next steps.
  • Please send your resume and cover letter directly to the appropriate recruitment office. In some situations, you may be advised to contact an "Agent of Record."

Step 5

Proceed through the interview and selection process.

  • All submitted documents and resumes will be reviewed and assessed. Qualified candidates will be selected for interviews.
  • Please note that all competitions are conducted in compliance with immigration requirements and the terms of the union's collective agreements. In all cases, applications from qualified Canadian candidates will be considered first.
  • Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted and scheduled for the interview.
  • The interview is typically conducted by telephone (or video conference), and more than one interview may be necessary.
  • You will need to supply the interviewer with the names and contact information of three (3) supervisory references. The interviewer will let you know if there are any other requirements.
  • If you are the successful candidate, you will be notified with an official Offer of Employment letter.
  • You must sign and return the Offer of Employment letter before the next steps in the process can proceed.
  • You will also need a copy of your signed Offer of Employment letter to apply for a work permit (see Step 7 below).

Step 6

Wait for approval from Service Canada and obtain a copy of your Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

  • Alberta Health Services (AHS) must provide proof to Service Canada that there are no Canadian candidates available for all positions through the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) process.
  • A job offer does not guarantee approval from Service Canada.
  • If the Labour Market Opinion application is approved, confirmation is provided to AHS.
  • AHS will forward a copy of the LMO approval to you by e-mail, fax or regular mail. This document is required for you to obtain a work permit.
  • There is a different process for candidates coming through NAFTA.
  • For more information about the Labour Market Option (LMO), see Immigration Information.

Step 7

Apply and obtain your temporary work permit.

  • Once you receive your LMO approval, you can apply to a Canadian Immigration visa office for a temporary work permit.
  • To obtain your work permit, you will need to meet all requirements including, but not limited to, completing a medical examination, undergoing police security clearance and paying an application fee.
  • If you meet all the requirements, you will receive a letter indicating you are eligible for a temporary work permit.
  • For more information about the temporary work permit, see Immigration Information

Step 8

Confirm your start date and discuss travel, arrival and relocation details with your manager or recruitment.

  • Once you receive a letter indicating you are eligible for a temporary work permit, you must contact your hiring manager (or agent) to confirm your employment start date.
  • Discuss with your hiring manager or recruitment contact (or agent) any outstanding details of your travel to Alberta and what to expect on your arrival.
  • You will also be advised as to what assistance may be available to you for relocation and accommodation.