Migrating to Canada as a Nurse: An Immigration Guide

The COVID-19 pandemic has critically tested the healthcare infrastructure around the world. The lack of skilled healthcare personnel has also resulted in the loss of many lives globally.

As the limited healthcare workers are getting over-exploited, they are quitting their jobs at an alarming rate. The shortage created needs to be bridged by recruiting more internationally-skilled health workers.

One such category is those of trained nurses. Rising Omicron cases around the world have put massive pressure on the healthcare system. On the brighter side, this paucity of nurses has created an opportunity for the hiring of a labour force across the globe.

Talking about Canada, indeed.ca lists about 20,000 jobs for nurses in February 2022. The median annual wage for nurses is around $78,000 based on the standard workweek (37.5 hours).

It is a golden opportunity for foreign nationals to work in Canada as nurses. After making sure that their eligibility criteria match the qualifications, they can seek out jobs in the healthcare field. The candidates can apply through various immigration programs such as Express Entry System, Provincial Nominee System or Quebec-specific Skilled Worker Program.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) profile scores should be good enough to be qualified under the Federal Skilled Worker program. Another way is to score 50 points or more on Quebec’s Selection Grid and then apply under the Skilled Worker Program of the province. Besides Quebec, each province has its PNP system that can lead to permanent residency.

Eligible courses:

• University degree in nursing
• Postgraduate degree in psychiatric nursing
• Post-secondary diplomas in nursing
• Licensed practical nurses
• Registered practical nurses in Ontario

Steps to migrate to Canada as a nurse:

1. The first step for a nurse to immigrate to Canada is to have his or her academic credentials evaluated and see if they match Canadian standards. The five organizations recognised by the Canadian government are:

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

2. After the completion of educational background checks, the next step is to have the nursing credential verified by National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). The entire process costs about USD650.
3. This is accomplished by creating a profile on the NNAS application page. The copies of the original documents need to be signed and dated. The IELTS results should also be attached and sent to NNAS. The nursing employment form needs to be signed and sent to all employers the nurse has had over the past five years.
4. The final step is to apply to provincial regulatory authorities. Once the documents have been received by NNAS, the candidate can pick up the nursing group and the provincial association of her choice and apply for it. Some of them are enlisted below:

• British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals and Midwives
• College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
• College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
• College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta
• Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association
• Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
• Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan
• College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba
• College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba
• College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba
• College of Nurses of Ontario
• Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec

As Canada welcomes foreign nationals, don’t miss this chance to create a great career in nursing in Canada.

Let servica ease your immigration journey to Canada. Get in touch now!