Canada’s healthcare system continues to face chronic staffing shortages, particularly in nursing. To meet this demand, the federal and provincial governments are prioritizing immigration pathways for internationally trained Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs).
If you’re a nurse looking to build a life and career in Canada, this guide outlines key immigration options and what you need to know to get started.
Why Canada Needs Nurses
With an aging population and increased healthcare demands, Canada is experiencing a national shortage of nurses. Several provinces—including Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia—have explicitly targeted nursing professionals in their immigration draws. As a result, there are multiple fast-track pathways for nurses to immigrate and become permanent residents.
Immigration Pathways for Nurses
1. Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Nurses can qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, part of Canada’s Express Entrysystem. To be eligible, you must meet the program’s minimum requirements related to work experience, language ability, and education.
Candidates with competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. In 2023 and 2024, IRCC also held category-based draws specifically for healthcare occupations, making nurses a high-priority group.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Many provinces actively recruit nurses through their Provincial Nominee Programs, sometimes offering immigration pathways even if the candidate doesn’t have an Express Entry profile.
Some PNP highlights:
- Ontario: The OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is ideal for nurses with a job offer in Ontario. Ontario also regularly invites nurses through its Express Entry-aligned Human Capital Priorities Stream.
- British Columbia: The BC PNP Skills Immigration stream regularly includes healthcare professionals, especially RNs and RPNs. The process is points-based, and job offers from designated employers are typically required.
- Nova Scotia: The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream has issued targeted invitations to nurses in the past, even without a job offer.
3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you have a job offer in one of the four Atlantic provinces—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, or Prince Edward Island—you may be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program. This is an employer-driven pathway that streamlines permanent residence for skilled workers, including nurses.
Nursing License and Credential Recognition
Before you can work as a nurse in Canada, you must be licensed in the province or territory where you intend to work. This involves:
- Credential assessment through National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
- Registration with a provincial regulatory body, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
You’ll also need to demonstrate language proficiency (usually IELTS or CELPIP) and pass applicable licensing exams (e.g. NCLEX-RN in most provinces).
Ready to Start Your Journey?
With demand for nurses at an all-time high, now is the time to explore your options and plan your pathway to permanent residence in Canada. At Jain Immigration Law, we support nurses at every step of the process
📩 Contact us at [email protected]
📅 Book a consultation today
🌐 Visit www.jainimmigrationlaw.com
