Healthcare Graduates Top STEM and Business Peers for Career Success Among Study-to-Immigrate Cohort
Published: October 15, 2025
Outstanding Performance of Healthcare Graduates in Immigration Pathways
According to the latest “2025 Study-to-Immigration Cohort Career Development Research Report” released by Statistics Canada, international students who choose healthcare majors and plan to immigrate significantly outperform their peers in business and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in terms of career success rates and income levels.
The study found that healthcare graduates achieve an 87% success rate in obtaining permanent residency within five years of completing their studies, with an average annual salary exceeding $85,000, far surpassing other professional categories.
Key Research Findings
This survey conducted by Statistics Canada tracked over 5,000 graduates who arrived in Canada between 2010 and 2019 through study-to-immigration pathways, evaluating their career development trajectories across multiple dimensions:
Comparison with Other Majors
| Major Category | PR Success Rate | Average Annual Salary | Field-Related Employment Rate | Immigration Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | 87% | $85,000+ | 92% | 2.3 years |
| STEM | 72% | $75,000 | 78% | 3.1 years |
| Business | 58% | $65,000 | 62% | 3.8 years |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | 45% | $55,000 | 51% | 4.2 years |
Analysis of Healthcare Majors’ Immigration Advantages
Healthcare graduates excel in immigration pathways for the following main reasons:
1. High Demand and Policy Preferences
Globally, especially in developed countries, there is a sustained strong demand for healthcare professionals. Many countries’ immigration policies explicitly favor healthcare professionals, offering fast-track options and additional points.
2. Career Stability
The healthcare industry is less affected by economic fluctuations, with a stable job market. Even during the pandemic, healthcare professionals remained one of the most stable groups in the job market.
3. Global Recognition of Qualifications
Compared to some other professions, healthcare qualifications have higher international recognition, reducing barriers to requalification during the immigration process.
4. Clear Career Development Pathways
The healthcare field typically has clear career progression ladders and professional development paths, providing clear direction for long-term career planning.
Expert advice: For students planning to immigrate through study programs, choosing healthcare-related majors can significantly increase success rates and shorten immigration time.
Recommended Popular Healthcare Immigration Majors
The following healthcare majors are in-demand occupations in multiple immigration countries, with high immigration success rates:
- Nursing – Highest global demand, most immigration-friendly policies
- Medical Laboratory Science – Technical field, stable employment, considerable income
- Physical Therapy – Growing demand with population aging
- Occupational Therapy – Important position in rehabilitation field
- Pharmacy – High professional barriers, relatively less competition
- Medical Imaging – Rapid technological development, broad career prospects
- Dental Assistant/Hygienist – Relatively lower entry barriers, stable demand
Most Healthcare-Immigration-Friendly Countries
Healthcare Study-to-Immigration Success Pathway
Healthcare Study Immigration Frequently Asked Questions
Healthcare study immigration offers multiple advantages: 1) High-demand industry with abundant job opportunities; 2) Immigration policy preferences with additional points; 3) Higher salary levels; 4) Strong career stability; 5) High international recognition of professional qualifications.
Nursing, medical laboratory science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, dental assisting, medical imaging and other majors are in-demand occupations in multiple immigration countries with high immigration success rates.
Typically takes 3-5 years: 1-2 years to complete relevant degree programs, 1-2 years of work experience accumulation, plus immigration application processing time. Some fast-track programs may shorten this to 2-3 years.
Yes, healthcare professions typically have higher language requirements because the work involves communicating with patients. Generally, IELTS 7 or equivalent is required, with some specialties possibly requiring higher levels.
The recognition process can be complex, requiring detailed education and work experience documentation, and passing relevant examinations. It’s recommended to research specific recognition requirements of target countries in advance.
Healthcare program tuition is typically higher than general majors, but the return on investment is also higher. Many countries offer scholarships, grants, or internship opportunities that can alleviate financial pressure.
Yes, but prerequisite courses need to be completed. Many schools offer bridging programs to help students without medical backgrounds transition into healthcare studies.
Employment prospects are excellent. With increasing population aging, global demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, offering stable employment and competitive salaries.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States all have relatively friendly policies toward healthcare immigrants, particularly Canada and Australia’s provincial/state nomination programs.
Most immigration programs don’t have strict age limits, but age is a factor in scoring systems, with ages 25-35 typically scoring highest.
Most immigration programs require at least 1-2 years of relevant work experience, though some in-demand occupations may have lower experience requirements.
Yes, most countries allow international students to work 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays. Healthcare students may also have internship opportunities.
Yes, most countries provide work visas for graduates, allowing them to stay and work locally for 1-3 years after graduation to gain experience and apply for immigration.
Yes, most immigration programs allow principal applicants to bring spouses and minor children, with spouses eligible for work rights and children eligible for local education.
According to research data, healthcare immigration success rates are significantly higher than other majors, averaging 87%, with some in-demand occupations having even higher success rates.
Typically requires a qualification recognition process, which may include examinations, assessments, or supplementary training, depending on the target country and professional field.
Main challenges include: 1) High tuition and living expenses; 2) Strict language requirements; 3) Complex qualification recognition processes; 4) Cultural adaptation and professional environment differences.
Consider personal interests, career prospects, target country demand, admission requirements, study duration, and costs. Consulting with professional immigration advisors is recommended.
Development prospects are broad, with opportunities not only in clinical fields but also in management, education, research, or policy development, with clear career advancement paths.
Many countries have fast-track immigration channels for healthcare professionals, such as Canada’s Provincial Nominee Healthcare Priority Programs and Australia’s Healthcare Occupation State Sponsorship. Additionally, some countries offer special immigration channels for healthcare workers in rural and remote areas.
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