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NOC 31103TEER 0Healthcare
Veterinarian Immigration to Canada
Complete pathway guide for veterinarians moving to Canada. Explore Express Entry, provincial programs, requirements, and job prospects.
NOC Code
31103
TEER Category
TEER 0
Median Salary
$95,000
High Demand
Overview
Veterinarian Pathway to Canada
Veterinarians are needed for companion animal practice, food animal medicine, and public health. Rural areas face severe veterinarian shortages affecting agricultural communities.
Express Entry and provincial programs target veterinarians. National licensure examination required. Rural practice offers highest demand and incentives.
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) credentials assessment required. Clinical proficiency exam pathway for internationally trained veterinarians.
Expert Immigration Support
Get personalized guidance from RCIC-licensed consultants specializing in healthcare worker immigration.
Book ConsultationCalculate CRS ScoreLearn About Express EntryRCIC License: R515110
Immigration Pathways
Eligible Programs for Veterinarians
Multiple pathways available depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Veterinarians with DVM/VMD and 1+ year experience qualify for Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee Program
Rural provinces actively recruit veterinarians for food animal and mixed practices.
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
Rural communities need veterinarians. RNIP offers supported pathways and practice opportunities.
Requirements
What You Need to Qualify
Key requirements for veterinarian immigration to Canada.
Education
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) from AVMA/CVMA-accredited or recognized institution.
Experience
Minimum 1 year veterinary practice experience. Large animal or mixed practice valued for rural positions.
Language
CLB 7 minimum (IELTS 6.0). CLB 9 recommended for client communication and licensing.
Licensing
CVMA assessment, NAVLE or BCSE exam, and provincial licensure required ($5,000-10,000 total).
Express Entry
Express Entry for Veterinarians
Veterinarians score high due to doctoral degree. DVM + 3 years + CLB 9 = 470-490.
Typical CRS Range
460-490
Processing Time
6 months
Employment Outlook
Job Market & Settlement
What to expect when you arrive in Canada as a veterinarian.
Time to Employment
6-18 months
Average time to secure first job in Canada
Top Cities for Veterinarians:
Rural areas nationwideCalgaryTorontoVancouverWinnipeg
Job Search Tips
Start NAVLE/BCSE preparation early (12-18 months). Consider rural or mixed practice - highest demand and fastest licensing support. Contact provincial veterinary regulatory bodies. Join CVMA. Food animal veterinarians critically needed. Locum work during licensing.
Top Employer Types
Veterinary clinics (small animal)
Mixed animal practices
Food animal practices
Government (CFIA)
Universities and research
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about veterinarian immigration to Canada
How long does veterinary licensing take in Canada?
CVMA credential assessment: 4-8 months. NAVLE or BCSE exam preparation and sitting: 6-12 months. Provincial licensing: 2-4 months. Total: 12-24 months. NAVLE preferred pathway. BCSE (clinical proficiency) alternative for experienced veterinarians. Expensive process ($5,000-10,000).
Can I work as veterinarian while completing licensing?
Very limited. Cannot practice independently until licensed. May work as veterinary assistant or in research. Some provinces allow supervised practice during BCSE pathway. Most veterinarians complete licensing before practicing. Consider locum or temporary positions in final stages.
Is rural or urban veterinary practice better for immigrants?
Rural offers higher demand, signing bonuses ($20-50K), housing assistance, faster licensing support. Mixed or food animal practice. Urban small animal practice competitive. Many veterinarians start rural (2-5 years) for immigration and savings, then relocate if desired.
What is salary range for veterinarians?
Small animal associate: $70-90K. Experienced: $90-120K. Mixed/food animal: $100-140K. Rural practice: $110-150K (with incentives). Practice owner: $120-250K. Emergency/specialty: $110-150K. Rural areas pay significantly more. On-call and after-hours increase income.
What veterinary specializations are in demand?
Food animal (cattle, pigs) - critical shortage. Mixed practice (dogs, cats, livestock). Equine (horses). Emergency/critical care. All have good demand. Specialization (surgery, internal medicine) requires residency. Small animal most popular but competitive. Rural/food animal best immigration prospects.
Ready to Immigrate as a Veterinarian?
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