At Ayodele Law, we help professionals from around the world navigate the Canadian immigration system—and lately, I’ve been seeing a growing number of U.S.-based scientists and medical researchers who are looking north for new opportunities.
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Canada is actively recruiting research talent, and Toronto is right at the heart of it.
UHN Is Leading a Major Recruitment Drive
Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN)—Canada’s largest research hospital network—just launched a plan to recruit 100 early-career medical scientists from the U.S. and abroad. They’re putting significant funding behind this, starting with $15 million for the first 50 hires.
The goal? To bring in top talent in fields like:
· Cancer research
· Transplant science
· Neuroscience
· Internal medicine and surgery
· Rehabilitation
It’s an exciting initiative—and it’s already underway.
Why Are So Many U.S. Researchers Considering Canada? Between cuts to federal research grants, instability at major public health institutions, and growing concerns about academic freedom, many scientists are looking for more stable ground.
In fact, a recent Nature survey found that three-quarters of American scientists surveyed are considering relocating to Canada or Europe. And I’ve seen that interest firsthand in our inbox.
Canada is stepping up—and it’s not just UHN. Provinces like B.C. are also fast-tracking credential recognition and launching campaigns to attract U.S. doctors and researchers.
What Are Your Options to Work or Stay in Canada?
The good news is, there are several pathways for medical researchers and scientists looking to work—and live—in Canada:
· Work Permits through employer sponsorship (including LMIA-exempt options for research roles)
· Global Talent Stream, a fast-track option for high-demand roles
· Permanent Residency (for those planning a long-term move)
· Intra-company transfers, if you work for an institution with a Canadian counterpart
It all depends on your situation—your field, where you’re being recruited, and your long-term goals.
How We Can Help at Ayodele Law
If you're a researcher considering a move to Canada—or if you've already been approached by a Canadian institution like UHN—we’d be happy to walk you through the immigration process.
At Ayodele Law, we offer:
· - Strategic immigration advice tailored to medical professionals
· - Support with work permits and permanent residency applications
· - Experience helping U.S. citizens navigate Canadian immigration with clarity and care
This is a big decision. You deserve guidance that’s both practical and personal.
Tracy Ayodele
Founder, Ayodele Law