TEER Categories for Healthcare Streams in Canada: Find Your PR Pathway [2025-26]

Why TEER Categories Matter for Healthcare PR

If you’re a healthcare worker eyeing Canada, here’s the first thing to know: immigration doesn’t just look at your job title — it looks at your TEER category.

TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities, and under the NOC 2021 system, every healthcare job in Canada gets slotted into one of six levels (TEER 0–5).

Now here’s the kicker: your TEER level decides how easy — or how tricky — your PR journey will be. Doctors and registered nurses often get priority in Express Entry healthcare draws. Personal support workers? They’ve got options too, but usually through provincial or employer-driven routes.

Think of TEER like airport boarding groups. Some people board first, others wait a bit longer — but everyone eventually gets on the plane if they play it smart.

TEER 1 Healthcare Occupations

If you’re in TEER 1, congratulations — you’re basically on Canada’s priority passenger list. These jobs need a university degree and years of specialized training. And right now, Canada can’t get enough of them.

Examples (with NOC codes):

• Family physicians (NOC 31100) – general practitioners running clinics.
• Specialist physicians (NOC 31101) – from surgeons to psychiatrists to cardiologists.
• Physiotherapists (NOC 31202) – helping patients rebuild strength and mobility.

Average salaries (Job Bank / StatsCan):

• Family doctors: $180,000–$320,000/year
• Specialists: $250,000–$500,000/year (depends on field)
• Physiotherapists: $70,000–$110,000/year

Best PR Pathways:

• Express Entry (FSWP or CEC): TEER 1 occupations are regularly targeted in category-based healthcare draws.
• PNPs (Ontario, BC, Alberta, etc.): Many provinces have dedicated streams for doctors and allied health.
• Work permits + PR later: Common for specialists who need licensing first.

If you’re TEER 1, you’re not just eligible. You’re wanted.

TEER 2 Healthcare Occupations

Now, if you’re in TEER 2, you’re still in a very strong spot. These roles usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training, sometimes with professional licensing.

Examples (with NOC codes):

• Nursing coordinators & supervisors (NOC 31300)
• Registered nurses (RNs) (NOC 32121)
• Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121)

Average salaries:

• RNs: $75,000–$110,000/year
• Nurse supervisors: $80,000–$120,000/year
• Radiation techs: $70,000–$95,000/year

Why Canada needs you:

Nurses and mid-level healthcare professionals are stretched thin. Hospitals are burning out staff, and provinces like Ontario and BC have been scaling up hiring.

PR Pathways:

• Express Entry (CEC, FSWP): RNs are now a core focus of healthcare draws.
• PNPs: Provinces like Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba are constantly nominating nurses.
• Work permits → PR: Internationally educated nurses often take this route while waiting for licensing.

TEER 2 may not sound as “VIP” as TEER 1, but in today’s Canada? Nurses are basically holding the system together.

TEER 3 Healthcare Occupations

Here’s where things get interesting. TEER 3 jobs require a college diploma or less formal training, but they’re absolutely essential.

Examples (with NOC codes):

Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates (NOC 33102)

Salaries: Around $35,000–$50,000/year depending on location.

PR Pathways:

• Caregiver pilots: Like the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot.
• PNPs & regional programs: Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Rural Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) often target these roles.
• Employer-driven LMIA work permits: Common in long-term care homes and rural hospitals.

TEER 3 isn’t always the fastest Express Entry route, but with caregiver pilots and PNPs, thousands have secured PR this way.

TEER 4 & 5 Healthcare Occupations

Let’s be real — these are often labeled as “lower-skilled” roles. But anyone who’s seen a personal support worker in action knows the word “low” doesn’t apply to the effort.

Examples:

• Personal support workers (PSWs)
• Home support aides
• Other entry-level care jobs

Salaries:

• Typically $30,000–$42,000/year

PR Pathways:

• AIP & RNIP: Both prioritize employers who can’t fill local shortages.
• Caregiver pilots: Still the strongest option for many TEER 4–5 roles.
• Employer-based streams: LMIAs are common for long-term care facilities.

TEER 4–5 applicants usually need a bit more patience. Employer or regional support is key here.

Which TEER Gets PR Faster?

Here’s the million-dollar question

• TEER 1: Fastest, thanks to priority draws and high CRS scores.
• TEER 2: Also very strong — nurses and supervisors are in constant demand.
• TEER 3–5: PR is possible but usually takes longer. Employer sponsorship or regional pilots are the most realistic entry points.

Why? Because IRCC wants to balance high-demand professionals with critical support roles. TEER 1–2 often move quicker, but TEER 3–5 absolutely matter in Canada’s healthcare ecosystem.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Canada PR

No matter your TEER, the steps look pretty similar:

1. Find your NOC & TEER level (NOC 2021 system).
2. Take a language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF for French).
3. Get your ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
4. Choose your pathway — Express Entry, PNP, caregiver pilot, AIP, or RNIP.
5. Submit your application — then wait for that golden ITA or nomination.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Canada isn’t just opening doors for healthcare workers — they’re practically rolling out the red carpet.

• TEER 1 & 2? Fast-track options with Express Entry and PNPs.
• TEER 3–5? A little more effort, but still very possible with caregiver pilots and regional programs.

The key is knowing your TEER, matching it with the right pathway, and staying patient. Because whether you’re a surgeon or a support worker, Canada needs you — and there’s a PR route waiting if you plan it right.