A Professional Guide to Canadian Immigration Pathways for Foreign-Trained Dentists

Introduction:

Dentists in India often aspire to migrate to Canada for broader professional opportunities, stability, and quality of life. Yet, the pathway is more complex than it may initially appear, especially for those unfamiliar with Canada’s regulated immigration and credential recognition systems.

Having personal experience with the system. I’ve written this guide to offer clarity and strategic guidance to Indian-trained dentists navigating immigration pathways. This article focuses specifically on the immigration aspect, not licensure or clinical equivalency exams.

Step-by-Step Immigration Pathway for Indian Dentists

1.  Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply as a skilled worker, a foreign-trained dentist must:

• Hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from an accredited Indian university.
• Have at least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent) work experience as a dentist in the last 10 years.
• Be able to demonstrate duties performed that align with Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC).

Pro Tip: Experience should align closely with official NOC duties to be considered valid under the Express Entry program.

2. Get Your Credentials Assessed (ECA)

Indian dental degrees are not considered accredited in Canada; therefore, candidates must first undergo an Educational Credential Assessment through a designated body. This assessment determines the Canadian equivalency of your foreign degree.

Good news: The BDS degree, as a professional qualification, is recognized as equivalent to a Canadian Master’s level credential, significantly improving your Comprehensive Ranking System score.

3.  Prove Your Language Proficiency

All Express Entry candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French. Acceptable exams include:

• IELTS – General Training
• CELPIP – General
• PTE Core (newly accepted by IRCC)

Minimum language requirement:
CLB Level 7, which translates to:

• IELTS: 6.0 in each band
• CELPIP: 7 in each component
• PTE Core: Equivalent score (as defined by IRCC)

4. Create Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have:

• A valid ECA report
• Language test results
• At least 1 year of valid dental experience

You can create your Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Your profile will be given a CRS score based on factors like:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language proficiency
• Adaptability
• Spouse’s credentials (if applicable)

5.  Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The IRCC conducts periodic draws from the Express Entry pool. You may be selected based on:

• Your CRS score
• Targeted occupational categories (e.g., recent draws have focused on health professionals)
• Specific provincial nomination programs

If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

6.  Submit Your PR Application

After receiving an ITA, you must submit a complete PR application within 60 days, including evidence to support your claim in the Express Entry profile. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a PR visa.

7.  Land in Canada

With a COPR and visa in hand, you can land in Canada as a permanent resident and begin the next chapter of your professional journey.

Note: This process does not grant a dental license. You will still need to complete the equivalency process or a Canadian dental degree to practice clinically.

Final Thoughts

This journey can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Immigration is more than a paperwork process; it’s a strategic, legal, and deeply personal decision. As a licensed immigration professional and a former dentist from India, I understand both the clinical and immigration sides of this transition. If you're already in the Express Entry pool and need help boosting your CRS score, or are just beginning and want a clear, personalized strategy, I would be happy to assist.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The views expressed are those of the author and are based on personal/ professional experience and publicly available sources at the time of writing. Readers should consult official IRB documentation or seek qualified legal counsel for case-specific guidance. The author assumes no liability for actions taken based on the content of this article.

Have questions or need guidance?
Feel free to contact me directly for further discussion or support.
Name: Harpreet Singh 
Contact: Book a consultation at https://www.mggimmigration.com/#contact
WhatsApp text: +16478714537