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Canada is in demand of skilled nurses and the government is to bring thousands of nurses to the country in 2022. It’s a brilliant opportunity to immigrate to Canada and get its PR. You just need to know how to immigrate to Canada as a nurse and this article provides whatever you need to know. 

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Immigrate to Canada as a Nurse

Employment requirements to immigrate to Canada as a nurse

The following list of requirements is the ones you need to immigrate to Canada as a nurse. Applicants need them in most of the immigration programs: 

  • University college degree 
  • Academic training or experience 
  • Registration with a regulatory body
  • Language proficiency certificate 

You might have to provide further documents by the immigration method you pick. Also, in your case, you are likely to need further documents. 

Video description 

National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) 

Canada immigration programs for nurses 

Nurses can immigrate to Canada through one of the following immigration methods: 

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

FSWP or Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the subcategories of Express Entry. The processing time for the Express Entry was long due to the Covid-19 pandemic, about six months. However, the IRCC has announced that they will return the processing time back to six months.  

The FSWO program works on a score base and candidates with the highest score get accepted by: 

  • Skills
  • Work experiences in the required NOC
    • Managerial
    • Professional
    • Trade/technical occupation
  • Language proficiency in English or French.
  • Education
  • Age
  • Job offer from a Canadian employer
  • Adaptability

Eligible applicants get to apply for PR or Permanent Residency directly. 

Provincial Nominee Program

PNP or Provincial Nominee Program is one of the subcategories of Express Entry. It allows each Canadian province to be the skilled worker they need in the country and hire them. Applicants need to be eligible to apply for PNP and have: 

  • Educational background
  • job skills,
  • Work experience.

The following Canadian provinces provide the PNP: 

  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon

You may not apply to live and work in Quebec through the PNP as Quebec has its unique immigration program called the Quebec Skilled worker program. 

After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Canadian federal government and the local provincial officials want to bring more nurses to the country. So you have the chance to get an invitation to apply and immigrate to Canada permanently. 

British Columbia nominee program 

British Columbia is one of the Canadian provinces that offer the PNP and so many people want to immigrate there. Employers pay a higher minimum wage and the standard of living are great. 

It is Canada’s third-most populous province.

Vancouver the capital is also the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. British Columbia has been one of the leading Canadian provinces in development in population, economic wealth, and overall growth. 

The mild, wet climate of the coastal region is appealing to people and they pick it a wonderful palace to live in. 

To know more about the PNP in British Columbia, you would better visit the official website named welcomebc.com. It provides further details on the job opportunities. 

Quebec Skilled Worker program

The program of Quebec Skilled Worker enables this province to attract skilled workers to the province. It’s a score-based system and evaluates candidates by: 

  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Age
  • language Proficiency
  • Family in Quebec 
  • Spouse or law partner points
  • Job offer 
  • Age of children 
  • Financial Independence

Each of the above items has been scored and if they qualify for you, you can increase it. If nurses get a high score and receive an invitation, they can move permanently to Quebec. 

What is NOC or National Occupational Classification for nurses?

The NOC job classification is as follows in the IRCC system: 

NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are classified as NOC Skill Level A

NOC 3233 – Licensed practical nurses are classified as NOC Skill Level B.

Do nurses have to get their Credentials recognized to immigrate to Canada?

The application process for nurses who want to immigrate to Canada can seem a bit tricky but it’s not. You should read the stages carefully and find out what to do. 

What do nurses have to do during the application process?

The following stages are required to immigrate to Canada as a nurse: 

Academic credentials evaluation

For the first step, the applicant needs to apply for academic credentials evaluation. Canadian authorities determine whether the certificate is up to the Canadian standards or not. 

Five organizations that the Canadian government verified their assessment for foreign educational credentials: 

  • World Education Services (WES)
  • International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
  • Comparative Education Service (CES)
  • International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
  • International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)

Recognizing nursing credentials in Canada 

When the applicants receive the academic credentials evaluation and the process is complete, they need to get the nursing credentials recognized in Canada. 

The organization responsible for this step is the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). The process costs you about US$650. 

NNAS application form 

The next move is to create an application on the NNAs website. It requires applicants to gather and submit the following documents: 

  • Two pieces of identity 
  • Completed nursing education form
  • Details of the course, transcripts, and curriculum
  • Nursing registration form
  • Nursing practice/employment form
  • IELTS language testing results

Picking the nursing group and provincial association

When you completed the above stages, you need to choose one of the nursing groups and provincial associations. The choice is up to you and the area you want to work in; 

  • Government of Yukon, Yukon Department of Community Services.
  • Yukon Registered Nurses Association 
  • Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut;
  • Government of Nunavut, Department of Health;
  • Government of Northwest Territories, Registrar, Professional Licensing, Health and Social Services;
  • Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut;
  • College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Prince Edward Island;
  • College of Registered Nurses of Prince Edward Island;
  • Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses;
  • Nova Scotia College of Nursing;
  • Nurses Association of New Brunswick;
  • Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers auxiliaires du Québec;
  • Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec;
  • College of Nurses of Ontario;
  • College of Registered Nurses of Alberta;
  • British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals and Midwives;
  • College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta;
  • College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba;
  • College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba;
  • Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan;
  • College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba;
  • College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta;
  • Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses;
  • Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association;

The above list is the nursing group and provincial association list in Canada. 

Minimum required qualification for nurses immigrating to Canada

Nurses who want to move to Canada need to be licensed nurses in their home country. Also, they need to demonstrate that they are qualified as a Canadian nurse. 

Also, you applicants need academic credentials evaluation by the approved organizations. Moreover, you need to choose a Canadian nursing group to get their approval and work in that province. 

Which Canadian provinces are most in-demand for nurses?

After the Covid-19 pandemic, the lack of nurses became higher in Canada. However, the following list of provinces are in demand of nurses more than other ones: 

 Quebec

The province of Quebec needs more than 1.000 nurses to address its demands. The local government is trying very hard to bring the required numbers through various immigration programs. 

The demand is higher in 2022 and the international nurses should shake a leg to arrive in Quebec. 

Quebec skilled worker program and the Federal skilled worker program are the two immigration ways that nurses can immigrate to Quebec. 

Nova Scotia

One of the three Canadian Maritime provinces, lacks nurses and is about to bring them to Canada. Most people speak English and it’s a great opportunity if you are not good at French. 

Manitoba

The central Canadian province been in need of nurses for a few years. The situation became worse after the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, the required number of nurses doubled during the pandemic, so the government is determined to address the need. 

About 1,331 nurses are needed in this province. 

New Brunswick

The other Canadian province in need of nurses is New Brunswick. The good point is that the province speaks English and French. 

The officials have made it an urgent top priority to bring the required numbers of nurses to the province. 

Where to find nurse job positions in Canada?

Nurses are among the occupations that do not have much trouble finding a job in Canada. They are highly in demand, and the Canadian government is doing its best to attract as many as possible to the country. 

However, having a job offer creates your score in the Express Entry and Quebec Skilled Worker program and other immigration ways. 

The following websites can help you find a job, and they are the best, with millions of job opportunities awaiting to change your future; 

  • Monster.ca
  • Ziprecruiter.ca
  • Eluta.ca
  • Jobbank.gc.ca
  • Careerbuilder.ca
  • Ca.indeed.com
  • Hotjobscanada.ca
  • Simplyhired.ca
  • Jobs.ca
  • Indeed.com

Immigrate to Canada as a nurse benefits 

Living in Canada has its benefits for everyone although immigration has its challenges. The followings are some of the benefits for nurses who immigrate to Canada: 

Public free healthcare 

PR and citizens have access to free healthcare. They don’t have to spend too much on this field. This is while nurses and health care do not have an appropriate insurance program and end up spending too much on their healthcare. 

The high-quality free education system 

From the moment you enter Canada as a PR citizen, your children have access to a public free school. They have permission to study until grade 12 in the second-best education system in the world. 

Multiverse community with high tolerance capability 

Canada is among the highest countries that receive immigrants from all over the world. The culture of the country teaches and requires you to put up with every type of person. 

Not only the immigrants but also the local people have a good relationship with everyone else. Different religions and cultures live and work together without any sort of conflict or trouble. 

You can have your own religion and enjoy a free world. It is particularly meaningful for people immigrating from Asia and the Middle East. Having your religion freely is not that easy in these areas. 

The Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms guarantee that people are safe with their religion and way of life. But have no right to hurt or bother others. 

Safety and Security 

Look at the top 20 safe places in the world, and you can always see Canada among them. Safety and security in the country are well known, and you do not hear any news or data regarding it. 

Corruption and crime rates are also at a very low level. The officials have created a system, so it is impossible to ditch the law or run through loopholes. 

Even single women feel safe completely in the country, and no one bothers them. It has made Canada one of the top choices to continue education for girls. 

Always available job opportunities 

You can ensure that job opportunities are available if you have the skill, experience, and language proficiency. It’s rare that you do not find a job related to your job. 

Although it’s hard to find a job outside of the country, it becomes easier if you are inside the country. However, job opportunities are competitive, and you need to work hard on your skills. 

Job security 

Occupational rules and regulations support employees. The law does not allow employers to abuse workers and pay them an unfair salary. 

You can ensure good behavior until you do your job well and complete whatever is required from you.

Infographice How can nurses immigrate to Canada

Salary for Immigrated nurses to Canada 

Your income or salary as a nurse in Canada is up to different factors

  • the place you work, 
  • Your job experience, 
  • the province you work in 
  • Responsibilities and duties 

According to talent.com, the average annual salary for a nurse in Canada is $67,696. In other words, a nurse gets about $34.72 per hour in Canada. 

The nurses who have just immigrated to Canada and have just started work can expect to get about $52,335 per year. 

The income for experienced nurses can rise to $82,233 in one single year. 

A center like Gifted Hands Health Services which is located in Ontario has offered a $50.86

per hour income for a registered nurse. This is while the Gifted Hands Health Services in the same location has offered a $43.04 per hour for a nurse. 

This is the list of highest paying for nurses in Canada: 

Edmonton, AB  

$46.88 

Calgary, AB 

$44.21 

London, PN 

$37.92 

Ottawa. ON 

$37.83 

Windsor, ON 

$37.48 

Toronto, ON

$35.94 

What job responsibilities or titles do nurses have in Canada?

The responsibilities and duties of nurses vary by position and the area they work in. Also, it depends on how much skill, training, and skill they have. 

Also, a nurse job position in Canada is different than your home country. But you can expect to the following job responsibilities: 

  • Direct nursing care to patients 
  • Health education programs 
  • Counseling services 
  • Coordinate patient care
  • Educate patients and the public
  • Emotional support
  • Coordinate with multiple specialists

Is nursing a demanding job opportunity in Canada?

Yes. Canada is one of the countries with the highest rate of lacking skilled nurses. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of about 36,500 nurses in the country. 

The required number of jobs is 19.000 jobs now, and the IRCC is planning to attract as many nurses as possible to the country. 

This is a great time for nurses who want to immigrate to Canada as a nurse. A great life waits for them there with great opportunities. 

Age limit for nurses in Canada

In terms of working in Canada as a nurse, there is no age limit to stop working. In fact, there are some nurses in their 60s and 70s still working. 

But considering the age to immigrate to Canada as a nurse, things might be a bit different. 

Your age has different points in the immigration programs. It’s not the only determining factor but is one of the score points. 

For instance, in the Quebec Skilled Worker program, people aged 16-35 years get 16 points. While a 36-year-old applicant gets 14 points, a 40-year-old has 6 points. In the end, people who are 43 and older have no pints for their age. But it doesn’t mean they can not immigrate to Canada as a nurse. If they have a high score on other factors, they might get the chance to immigrate to Canada as a nurse. 

If you apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), age is a score-based factor. Applicants who are between 18 to 35 years old get 12 scores. While a 36 and 37 years old applicant gets 11 and 10 scores, applicants 47 and older get 0 points. 

But it doesn’t mean that FSWP applicants can not apply. If they have a high score by other items, they may get invited to apply for PR.

Canadian university ranking for nurses to continue education  

Canada enjoys the third-best education system in the world. When it comes to studying as a nurse,  the followings are some of the best Best Nursing Schools in Canada

  1. University of British Columbia  
  2. University of Toronto Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, 
  3. University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing
  4. McMaster University School of Nursing
  5. McGill University Ingram School of Nursing

The above list of universities are not the only ones that proving nursing programs. The below list also provides nursing degrees, and their ranking is good: 

  • University of Ottawa
  • Western University
  • Stenberg College
  • Queen’s University at Kingston
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • University of Windsor
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • University of New Brunswick
  • Ontario Tech University

The requirements and eligibility principles for each one of them is different. It is particularly true with the language proficiency skill and whether the program is in English or French. 

Visit the university’s website and find out the details of the requirements. 

English and French language for immigrated nurses in Canada 

When nurses want to immigrate to Canada as a nurse, a big question that bothers them is which test of language proficiency to take; English or French. 

The point to know is that you should pick the Canadian university you want to study at first. Then, find out whether you qualify for the eligibility principles or not. Also, find out whether the program you want to study in is provided in English or French. 

For instance, Laurentian University provides a nursing program and it is both in English and French. 

The following is the list of Canadian universities in Quebec. They are likely to provide the courses in French if they provide a nursing program; 

  1. Bishop’s University
  2. School of Higher Technology
  3. National School of Public Administration
  4. Polytechnic School of Montreal
  5. HEC Montreal
  6. National Institute of Scientific Research
  7. Concordia University
  8. University of Montreal
  9. University of Sherbrooke
  10. University of Quebec
  11. University of Quebec at Chicoutimi
  12. University of Quebec in Montreal
  13. University of Quebec in Rimouski
  14. University of Quebec, Trois-Rivieres
  15. University of Quebec, Abitibi-Temiscamingue
  16. University of Quebec in Outaouais
  17. Laval University
  18. McGill University
  19. TELUQ University

The best source about the language is the university’s website. They always provide the most up-to-date information and you can rely on them. 

How do I get a job sponsor in Canada as a nurse?

It is unlikely that a Canadian hospital or company sponsors a nurse from abroad to immigrate to Canada. Also, nurses need to take some tests and exams to be qualified to work as a nurse in Canada. 

Employers hire nurses from inside the country and the ones who have immigrated through the Express Entry program. 

You would better pick one of the subcategories of Express Entry and try your chance through them. The point to remember is to improve your score through job experience, language proficiency, and qualifications to get an invitation to apply. 

Immigrate to Canada as a nurse from the Philippines 

Nurses from the Philippines can immigrate to Canada as a nurse and enjoy a great life there. The immigration method is different and is up to the applicant’s conditions. 

The first way to get admission is from a Canadian university or college that provides a nursing program. But, the university or center they studied in must be approved by the Canadian officials. Often, the Philippines might have to get approval from international evaluation agencies for their certificate. This way, they can adapt to the Canadian education system and work style in the hospitals and clinics. Also, they can take training courses which help them a lot after graduation. 

The second way is to apply through the Express Entry program. It has different categories which are appropriate for various applicants. The Philippines need to read the requirements of each program and find out which one is appropriate for them. 

Also, the Quebec province provides an immigration program gets called Quebec Skilled Worker Program. It is to attract skilled workers to the Quebec province and they are determined to attract nurses more after the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Let’s sum up…

Nurses can immigrate to Canada as a nurse in 2022 as the country is in demand more than ever. 

This article brought you all you need to know on how nurses can immigrate to Canada as a nurse. 

Go through the left sidebar to know more about the immigration methods introduced on this page. 

In case you have questions, write them down in the comment section. The Visa Library team will respond to them right away. 

Frequently Asked Questions about moving to Canada as a nurse 

Can nurses immigrate to Canada from every university?

Yes, nurses have to get their education certificate recognized by approved agencies. 

Is nursing an in-demand job in Canada? 

Yes, It is highly in demand, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Can nurses get PR when immigrating to Canada?

Yes. They apply through Express Entry which leads to PR directly.

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2 Comments

  1. Nonzwakazi Ngebulana says:

    Hi I am looking for registered nursing job

    • Max says:

      To get a job as a registered nurse in Canada, you should first make sure you are eligible and that your nursing qualifications are accepted. Then, submit an application for a license to the nursing board in the area where you want to work. You can look for a job on websites and through networking. You can also change your resume and get ready for interviews. Don’t forget to get any work permits or visa papers you might need based on your citizenship. Be ready to do more training or tests if you want to meet Canadian nurse standards.