Immigration routes for veterinarians

Vets sit on shortage occupation lists in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Recognition is via the RCVS in the UK (which runs the Statutory Examination for non-recognised schools), the National Examining Board (NEB) in Canada, the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council assessment, and ECFVG/NAVLE for the US. Destination-language requirements apply in continental Europe.

Also searched as: vet, veterinary surgeon, animal doctor, veterinary specialist.

What decides which route fits

Healthcare roles are regulated almost everywhere, so a visa is only half the story: in most countries you also need to clear a separate registration or licensing step — a nursing or medical board exam, or formal recognition of your qualification — before you can practise. Each destination guide below names the body involved.

By destination

Frequently asked questions

Do veterinarians need a job offer to work abroad?+

It depends on the route. Many countries offer skilled-migration or self-employment routes that do not require a job offer up front, while employer-sponsored work visas do. The country guides below flag which of each destination's routes need a sponsor.

Which countries have visa routes for veterinarians?+

We map veterinarian routes across all 178 full-coverage destinations we cover, and 58 currently have at least one route that fits veterinarians directly. Open any country below for its specific routes and official sources.

Do veterinarians need to requalify to work in another country?+

Usually, yes. Veterinarians must typically pass a destination-specific registration or licensing step — a board exam or formal qualification recognition — in addition to the visa. The exact body and process vary by country, and each destination guide below names them.