Nurses Work Permit In Canada

A nurses work permit in Canada allows qualified foreign nurses to legally work in Canada. It is issued to those who have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and meet federal requirements such as credential recognition, language proficiency, and licensing through a regulatory body.

Eligibility Criteria for Nurses Work Permit in Canada

To qualify for a nurses work permit in Canada, you must meet the following criteria to get Canada work visa for nurses:

Get a Job Offer from a Designated Canadian Employer.

A valid, full-time job offer from an approved healthcare employer is required.

Get a Positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).

Your Canadian employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), demonstrating that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.

Note:  If you are applying through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), you do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Instead, you must obtain a job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces and receive a provincial endorsement.

Meet Educational Qualifications.

You must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing.

Have Relevant Work Experience.

1–2 years of recent nursing experience in healthcare is expected.

Be a Licensed Nurse in the UAE.

You must be a licensed practising nurse under DHA(Dubai Health Authority).

Having an NNAS Report.

You can complete the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) process to obtain your advisory report for registration in Canada, though it is not mandatory.

Pass the NCLEX – RN Exam.

You must successfully pass the NCLEX – RN exam to qualify for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Canada.

Documents Required for Canada Nurse Work Permit

General Document Checklist for Nurses from Dubai:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing with official transcripts and course completion certificates.
• Job Offer Letter.
• Signed Employment Contract.
• Proof of passing the NCLEX – RN.
• Current and valid nursing license from DHA(Dubai Health Authority).
• Letters of employment verifying nursing work experience.
• Valid passport.
• English Language Proficiency Test Results.
• Police Clearance Certificate.
• Medical Exam Results.

For LMIA-Based Work Permit:

• Copy of positive LMIA.

For Atlantic Immigration Program:

• Work Experience: At least 1,560 hours of paid work in the last 5 years (about 1 year full-time).
• Language Proficiency: You must meet minimum language requirements based on your job’s TEER level.
  For TEER 0 to 3 jobs, you need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) score of 5, which shows moderate proficiency in English or French.
  For TEER 4 jobs, a CLB/NCLC score of 4 is sufficient, reflecting basic language ability to handle simple work-related tasks. Test results must be under 2 years old.
• Proof of Funds: Enough money to support yourself and your family upon arrival.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report.

How to Apply for a Nurses Work Permit in Canada from Dubai?

Depending on your long-term goals, you can choose between different immigration pathways to apply for a nurses work permit in Canada and start your nursing career.

• Opt for an LMIA-Based Work Permit if you are aiming for quicker entry into Canada to gain work experience, and intend to apply for permanent residency later.
• Choose AIP if you are seeking a direct route to permanent residency in one of the Atlantic provinces.

Both the LMIA-based work permit and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) allow you to bring your spouse and children to Canada, and in both cases, your spouse has the right to work in the country.

Steps to Apply for LMIA-based work permit:

1. Secure a Job Offer & LMIA Approval:
To apply for a nurses work permit in Canada, find a full-time Canada nurse job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must apply for and obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

2. Prepare your Documents:
To apply for your LMIA-based work permit, submit:
– Job offer letter.
– Signed employment contract.
– Copy of the positive LMIA.
– Educational credentials.
– Relevant work experience.
– Language proficiency Test Results.
– Recent passport-sized photographs.
– Application fees.
– Documents showing ties to your home country to support your intent to return after your work period.

3. Submit Your Application Online:
Apply through the IRCC online portal and ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.

4. Give Biometrics:
Pay the biometrics fee at the time of application. Wait for your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) and schedule an appointment at an official biometric collection centre. Submit fingerprints and a digital photograph as required.

5. Receive Your Work Permit:
Once approved, you will be issued a work permit stating your employer, job role, and duration of stay. You can now legally work in Canada under the terms of your permit.

Steps to Apply for Atlantic Immigration Program:

1. Check your eligibility.
Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying for a nurses work permit in Canada.

2. Find a Job with a Designated Employer.
Secure a job offer letter from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.

3. Get the Offer of Employment (IMM 0157) Form.
Ask your designated employer to complete, sign, and provide you with a copy of the IMM 0157 form for your settlement plan and permanent residence application.

4. Get a Provincial Endorsement.
Your employer submits your job offer and settlement plan to the province. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Endorsement.

5. Get your documents ready.
Gather all necessary supporting documents such as identification, education, work experience proofs, and language test results.

6. Apply for a Work Permit.
Complete the application forms, pay fees, and submit your permanent residence application to IRCC along with your job offer, IMM 0157 form, provincial endorsement, settlement plan, and supporting documents. Incomplete applications will be rejected and must be corrected and resubmitted. You may also apply for a temporary work permit to start working while your Work Permit application is processed.

7. Submit your biometrics and the fees.
After submitting your application, you’ll receive instructions to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application or as instructed. Biometrics are mandatory for identity verification and security checks.

8. Get your Medical Exam.
You must undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. This exam ensures you meet Canada’s health requirements for immigration.

9. Wait for Approval.
IRCC will process your application. If approved, you will receive a confirmation of your work permit. Check all information carefully to ensure it matches your passport details.

10. Prepare for Arrival in Canada.
Once you receive your work permit approval and visa through a nurses work permit in Canada, make travel arrangements and prepare for your settlement in Canada. Bring all relevant documents with you for presentation at the port of entry.

Benefits of Being a Nurse in Canada

Nursing opportunities in Canada offer you:

Higher Salary and Better Compensation.

Earn competitive salaries, often higher than those in the UAE. Full-time roles include overtime pay, shift differentials, and annual bonuses in some provinces.

Free or Subsidised Healthcare.

You benefit from the public healthcare system, including free medical care for you and your family once you become a resident.

Safe Working Environment.

Canada ensures nurse safety and rights with regulated workplaces, proper breaks, work-hour limits, and growth opportunities.

Work-Life Balance.

Shifts are structured to support work-life balance, including part-time or flexible shift options in many facilities. Paid vacation and sick leave are standard.

Family Sponsorship and Benefits.

Bring your spouse and children to Canada. Your spouse may receive an open work permit, and your children can study for free in public schools.

Career Growth and Specializations.

Advance in your nursing career through specialisations, postgraduate education, or moving into management or educator roles.

Pathway to Permanent Residency.

After gaining at least one year of skilled work experience through a nurses work permit in Canada, you can apply for Canada PR (permanent residency) through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Average Salary for Nurses in Canada

According to Job Bank Canada, the following are the projected hourly wage ranges for nurses across various provinces and territories in Canada for 2025.

Province/Territory	Hourly Wage Range (CAD)
Alberta	$33.00 – $53.55
British Columbia	$35.63 – $63.99
Manitoba	$33.00 -$58.87
New Brunswick	$29.92 – $53.55
Newfoundland and Labrador	$38.62 – $59.79
Northwest Territories	$33.00 – $71.22
Nova Scotia	$33.01 – $51.00
Nunavut	$50.26 – $63.33

This information is sourced from the official Government of Canada website and may vary depending on location, experience, labour market conditions, or private job offers.

What are the Best Provinces for International Nurses in Canada?

Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba are leading the way in welcoming internationally educated nurses (IENs). These provinces offer tailored immigration pathways, streamlined credential recognition processes, and dedicated support programs to help IENs transition into their healthcare systems with ease.

Across both urban centres and rural communities, the demand for nurses remains consistently high throughout Canada. As a result, several provinces have launched targeted initiatives to attract and retain skilled nursing professionals from abroad.

For nurses seeking a stable and fulfilling career overseas, Canada offers more than just job opportunities, it provides a path to professional growth and a high quality of life. With increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, Canada remains a top destination for nurses worldwide.

Conclusion:

If you are considering the Canada nurse immigration process getting the right guidance is the key. CanApprove is your trusted Canada immigration agency in Dubai, committed to helping nurses seamlessly transition to living and working in Canada. From eligibility assessment to guidance on licensing and visa procedures, we’re with you every step of the way.