Introduction – Why Physiotherapists Are In Demand In Canada
If you’re a physiotherapist thinking about building your career here in Canada, honestly, now feels like a really good time. they’re really keen on bringing in physiotherapists, and the government’s even giving them special attention in their express entry healthcare category draws.
So, why the big demand?
Canada's getting older, and that means more folks need help with rehab and getting around.
More people are dealing with ongoing illnesses and injuries from work, so there’s a greater need for long-term care.
Healthcare systems all over the provinces are growing, and they’ve got spots they need physiotherapists to fill.
Basically, Canada isn’t just saying "welcome" to physiotherapists—they genuinely need them. Let's break down the process, what you can expect for your career, the pay, and how to actually immigrate.
NOC 31202 – Physiotherapists In Canada
Physiotherapists are classified under NOC 31202 (TEER 1), which is the official job code they use for job hunting and immigration applications.
Here’s what you need to know about NOC 31202:
TEER level: it’s a level 1, meaning you need a university degree for this.
Education: you’ll need a master’s in physiotherapy or a foreign degree that’s equivalent. You'll have to get that assessed.
Who licenses you: the Canadian alliance of physiotherapy regulators is the main licensing body.
Key Duties:
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Assessing mobility and limitations.
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Developing & supervising treatment plans.
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Rehabilitation after injuries or chronic conditions.
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Advising on ergonomics & prevention.
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Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
What Physiotherapists Do In Canada
Physiotherapists provide both treatment and prevention:
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Assessing and testing physical function.
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Creating customized rehabilitation plans.
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Administering exercise, mobility, and pain management therapies.
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Educating patients on lifestyle, posture, and injury prevention.
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Supervising assistants and students.
Salaries & Job Vacancies By Province
You’ll be glad to know that, according to job bank canada (2025), physiotherapists in canada earn a good bit more than the average worker. Your pay can change depending on the province, where you work, and how much experience you have.
Physiotherapists earn above-average wages.
|
Province/Territory |
Low ($/hr) |
Median ($/hr) |
High ($/hr) |
Job Outlook |
|
Ontario |
$32.00 |
$43.50 |
$55.50 |
Good |
|
British Columbia |
$31.25 |
$42.00 |
$55.00 |
Good |
|
Alberta |
$34.00 |
$46.00 |
$58.00 |
Very Good |
|
Saskatchewan |
$33.50 |
$44.00 |
$56.00 |
Good |
|
Manitoba |
$31.00 |
$42.50 |
$53.00 |
Good |
|
Nova Scotia |
$30.50 |
$40.00 |
$51.00 |
Moderate |
|
New Brunswick |
$31.00 |
$41.00 |
$52.50 |
Moderate |
|
Quebec |
$30.00 |
$40.50 |
$50.00 |
Good |
National Median: $42–45/hr (~$87,000 annually).
Forecast (2022–2031): ~14,000 new jobs expected.
Future Demand – What To Expect
The Canadian government thinks the job market for physiotherapists will stay really good right up until 2031. Here's what they’re saying:
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Cities will keep needing them because more people are getting older.
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There will be more job openings in rural areas and the Atlantic provinces.
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Overall, you can count on having a stable career pretty much anywhere in the country.
So really, the takeaway is that physiotherapists should expect their careers to grow and be quite secure here.
Express Entry & PNP Draws – Recent Trends
Since 2023, Canada has been running these special draws for healthcare workers who are applying through express entry, and physiotherapists have been getting invited pretty regularly.
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Healthcare Express Entry draws (2023–2025): CRS cut-offs between 445–505.
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Ontario (OINP): Frequent healthcare draws targeting physiotherapists.
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BC PNP: Regular invitations under Skilled Immigration Healthcare.
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Saskatchewan (SINP): NOC 31202 often listed as in-demand.
Immigration Pathways For Physiotherapists
Federal Options (Express Entry):
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Healthcare category-based draws
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
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Ontario – healthcare worker draws.
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BC – Skilled Immigration stream.
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Saskatchewan – In-Demand Occupations.
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Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick – targeted health pathways.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Job offers from designated Atlantic employers.
TR To PR – For Physiotherapists Already In Canada
Lots of physiotherapists come to Canada on temporary visas first and then apply for PR from within the country.
Here are some common ways:
If you’re on a work permit: if you got a job offer through programs like LMIA or provincial initiatives, you can move to PR through the CEC or PNPs.
If you’re an international student: some Canadian universities offer special programs that help internationally educated physiotherapists get ready for licensing and PR.
Documents & Fees – What You’ll Need
Essential Requirements:
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ECA for foreign degrees.
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Language test (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF).
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Proof of funds (~$14,700 single applicant, 2025).
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Police clearance & medical exam.
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CAPR exams (mandatory for licensure).
Estimated Costs:
|
Component |
Fee (CAD) |
|
Express Entry application |
$1,525 |
|
Right of Permanent Residence |
$575 |
|
IELTS/CELPIP |
$330 |
|
ECA |
$240 |
|
CAPR Licensing Exams |
$3,800–4,000 |
|
Biometrics |
$85 |
|
Medical Exam |
$200–300 |
|
Total |
$6,500–7,000 |
Case Study – Ananya’s Journey
Let’s look at Ananya’s story, a physiotherapist who came from india:
1. She finished her master’s degree and got her foreign credentials assessed.
2. She got a score of CLB 9 on her IELTS test.
3. Ananya passed capr’s written exam while she was still in india.
4. She put her profile into the express entry system and got an invitation to apply (ita) during
one of those healthcare draws because her CRS score was 470.
5. She moved to Toronto, took and passed capr’s practical exam, and started working at a
rehab center.
It took her just about 18 months from start to finish to become a Canadian permanent resident and started working as a physiotherapist here.
Final Tips For Aspiring Physiotherapists
Get started on the licensing process early: the CAPR exams take a while, so begin from your home country.
Try to get some experience in Canada: working here on a permit, doing an internship, or studying in Canada can really boost your PR application.
Keep an eye on the draw results: these healthcare-focused express entry and pnp draws can really speed things up.
Get your money and paperwork sorted: don’t wait until you get an ita—have your documents ready to go.
Canada’s need for physiotherapists is only going to get bigger. If you truly love helping patients and are looking for a career boost internationally, there’s no better time to seriously consider Canada.