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Tag: Registered Nurse in Canada

Discover Why a Nursing Career in Canada is the Ultimate Choice for You

Thinking about a nursing career in Canada but not sure where to begin?

Look no further! You are in the right place!

With its world-class healthcare system, diverse patient population, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, Canada has become a top destination for nurses from around the globe. The nursing shortage in Canada has been a pressing issue, with hospitals struggling to find and retain qualified nurses. As a result of this shortage, the demand for nursing professionals has increased, creating a favorable job market for aspiring professionals.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top reasons why a nursing career in Canada should be your ultimate career choice.

Let’s dive in for more details.

Why do we recommend starting your nursing career in Canada?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, projections have highlighted a substantial shortage of nurses in Canada. Factors such as an ageing population, rising healthcare needs, and a growing number of retirements among current nurses fuel this shortage. The shortage is estimated to reach 60,000 nationwide by 2022 and over 117,000 by 2030. The Canadian government has increased investments in healthcare in recent years. This has led to more healthcare facilities and services being provided across the country.  This high demand for nurses in Canada creates plenty of job opportunities now! 

Now, let’s explore the key advantages a nursing career in Canada offers.

The Benefits Of Nursing Career In Canada

Benefits of Nursing Career in Canada

1️⃣ High-Demand Profession with Job Security: As we discussed earlier, Canada is experiencing a shortage of nurses, creating a high demand for skilled professionals. This shortage translates into job security and abundant career opportunities for aspiring nurses.

2️⃣Lucrative Salaries and Comprehensive Benefits: Nurses in Canada are well-compensated, with competitive nursing salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage and retirement plans. This makes nursing not just a fulfilling vocation but also a financially rewarding one.

3️⃣World-Class Healthcare System: Canada boasts a universal healthcare system that ensures all residents have access to quality healthcare. As a nurse in Canada, you’ll be part of a system that prioritizes patient well-being and offers comprehensive care to everyone, regardless of their background or financial status.

4️⃣Professional Growth: Canada offers greater opportunities for nursing career advancement, allowing nurses to pursue further education and specialize in various fields. With access to continuing education programs and support for career advancement, you can take your nursing career to new heights in Canada.

5️⃣Diverse and Inclusive Work Environment: Canada’s multiculturalism is reflected in its healthcare system, providing nurses with the opportunity to work with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. This diversity enriches the nursing profession and allows nurses to gain valuable experience in cultural competence.

6️⃣Work-Life Balance: In Canada, there is a strong emphasis on work-life balance, ensuring that nurses have time to rest and recharge outside of work. This balance is crucial for maintaining job satisfaction and overall well-being, making a nursing career in Canada truly fulfilling.

7️⃣Safe and Beautiful Environment: Canada is known for its picturesque landscapes and safe communities, offering nurses a peaceful and secure place to live and work.

Next, let’s talk about the requirements you will need to become a nurse in Canada.

Nursing Requirements in Canada

To become a nurse in Canada, you need to know the Canadian nursing regulations:

  • Complete a nursing program at a recognized educational institution, such as a diploma, associate, or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
  • Apply for registration with the regulatory body in the province or territory where you plan to work, such as the College of Nurses.
  • Register with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) to get an Advisory Report 
  • Pass the licensing exam, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in most provinces, after your application is approved.
  • Obtain a license to practice as a registered nurse upon passing the exam.
  • Apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. Gain work experience in Canada to improve your chances of employment.
  • Follow the requirements set by the regulatory body in the province or territory where you wish to work.

With dedication, perseverance, and the right qualifications, your nursing career in Canada can flourish, enabling you to positively impact patients’ lives and contribute to society’s betterment.

Wrapping Up

Still reading, right?! So we hope that you find this blog helpful.
So you are very enthusiastic to know more about the nursing profession’s advantages in Canada. Now what are you waiting for?!  We are also very enthusiastic to help you. CanApprove is your gateway to a fulfilling nursing career in Canada. Contact us today to start your journey towards a brighter future! 

Book your free appointment with an expert consultant at CanApprove to kick-start your immigration journey to Canada!

We have been providing immigration services for more than 25 years since 1998, and we provide personalized consultation, document preparation, application assistance, and ongoing support throughout the process.

Canadian Immigration Of Nurses in 2022

Occupations in Healthcare including Nursing were experiencing a personnel shortage in Canada even before the pandemic. Canada’s ageing demography was one of the major factors for the rising demand for medical professionals, especially Nursing staff in geriatric care. The COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020 is encouraging more Canadian immigration of nurses to fill job vacancies in the industry.

Seeing the rising demand for nurses as an occupation in Canada, the federal and provincial governments have added new permanent residency for foreign nurses.

Because nursing as a professional in Canada is considered a “skilled work”, Canadian immigration pathways for nurses are many yet not an exhaustive list. Let’s discuss some exclusive federal and provincial pathways for the immigration of foreign-trained nurses.

Canadian Immigration of Nurses through Provincial Pathways

Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are dedicated specifically to nurses, others just require skilled work experience. Few PNPs also hold exclusive immigration nomination draws for nurses.

Sometimes PNPs may also draw eligible nurse profiles from the federal Express Entry pool and invite them to apply for a provincial nomination. Such nominated candidates get 600 CRS points added to their Express Entry score, effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Ontario, BC & Quebec Welcomes Foreign Nurses

Specific Canadian provinces like Ontario, British Columbia (BC), and Quebec are planning for long-term investments in welcoming more skilled healthcare workers.

For example, Ontario will invest $342 million over the next five years in improving the Canadian immigration of nurses. On the other hand, British Columbia provides up to $16,000 to about 1,500 internationally educated nurses to cover application fees, English language tests, and educational upgrading. Also, Quebec is investing $65 million to recruit and train nearly 1,000 nurses from francophone countries.

Here is a list of some of the PNP pathways for nurses.

  • Ontario invites nurses to apply through its Human Capital Priorities Stream.
  • British Columbia offers a Healthcare Professional category under its Skills Immigration and Express Entry pathways.
  • Saskatchewan has recently launched an International Health Worker EOI pool specifically for nurses.
  • Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream occasionally holds draws inviting nurses to apply for a provincial nomination.
  • New Brunswick’s Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) program is a pathway for foreign nurses who can speak English or French.

In order for nurses to qualify under Quebec immigration programs, they can choose between the Regular Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Experience Program. Both of these programs require the workers to have a working knowledge of the French language.

Express Entry Eligibility for Registered Nurses in Canada

Express Entry is an online database system that manages immigration applications for permanent residency. Applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canada Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skills Trade Program (FSTP) are managed here. Aspirants submit their profiles to the system and get a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The registered profiles are assessed based on their skilled work experience, age, education, and official language ability, among other factors. The highest-scoring candidates get invited to apply for permanent residence in bi-weekly Express Entry draws.

Canadian immigration of nurses may take place under FSWP or CEC. In order to qualify, foreign nurses must have at least one year of work experience. The qualifying band score for language proficiency under Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is 7 in Engish or French The only difference is that FSWP candidates may have work experience outside Canada and CEC candidates must have worked in Canada.

National Occupation Classification 3012: Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses

Nursing as a job profession in Canada is valuable for its ease of work, high salary, and living standards.

In provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, the authorities regulate professionals trained exclusively as Registered Psychiatric Nurses. However, Registered Nurses in Canada may work as psychiatric nurses without a separate registration in all other provinces and territories.

Registered nurses in Canada and registered psychiatric nurses could progress to supervisory and managerial positions as they gain more experience.

What are some Job Duties of Registered Nurses in Canada?

Registered nurses in Canada are usually expected to perform the following duties:

  • Supervising licensed practical nurses and other nursing staff;
  • Assisting in surgery and other medical procedures
  • Assessing patients for identifying appropriate nursing interventions
  • Collaborating with members of an interdisciplinary health team for planning, implementing, coordinating and evaluating patient care in consultation with patients and their families
  • Administering medications and treatments as specified by a physician or according to established policies and protocols
  • Operating or monitoring medical apparatus or equipment
  • Developing and implementing discharge planning processes on the admission of patients
  • Teaching and counselling patients and their families on health-related issues in collaboration with other health care providers

Registered Psychiatric Nurses typically provide nursing care, supportive counseling and life skills programming to patients in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, long-term care facilities, and community-based settings.

Other Nursing Occupations in Canada

  • Nurse practitioners i.e. National Occupational Classification (NOC) 3124 – Allied primary health practitioners [refer to Appendix J]
  • Nursing coordinators and supervisors i.e. National Occupational Classification (NOC) 3011 – [refer to Appendix K]
  • Nursing service managers i.e. National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0311 – Managers in health care [refer to Appendix L] and,
  • Registered practical nurses i.e. National Occupational Classification (NOC) 3233 – Licenced practical nurses

Work & Study for Registered Nurses in Canada

Aspirants can choose to specialize in areas by taking up suitable study courses at any Canadian university. Specialization in the mentioned fields may yield better results for registered nurses in Canada.

Surgery Obstetrics care
Psychiatric care Community health
Critical care Occupational health
Pediatrics Geriatrics
Rehabilitation Oncology

For employment in Canada, Registered Nurses in Canada are required to fulfil the following conditions:

  • Successful completion of a university, college or other recognized & approved registered nursing program
  • Additional academic training or experience for specializing in a specific area of nursing will give the applicant an edge over others
  • A master’s or doctoral degree in nursing if the applicant applies for Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nursing Consultants, and Nursing Researchers and,

For Registered Psychiatric Nurse in Canada, in addition to the above requirements, Registration with a regulatory body, especially in provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon is mandatory.

Any international graduate from Canadian universities can qualify for a temporary residence visa like Post-Graduation Work Permit to work in Canada for up to 3 years.

Take this free assessment online to know your best chances of immigrating as a Registered Nurse.

Check Your CRS Scores
Book your free appointment with CanApprove to discuss your case and know more options on work and settling permanently in Canada.

Canadian Immigration Programs For Professional Nurses

Canada has set itself an ambitious target to welcome over 1.2 million new immigrants in the next three years. The country will target at least 401,000 each year. About 60% of the total invitations to apply for permanent residence will be issued under economic-class programs. They include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, and other business immigration programs.

Pnp-finder-1

Nurses fall into two categories that make them prime candidates for economic-class immigration. Firstly, they are in high demand, and secondly, they are working in a skilled occupation. 

You may also find our previous blog on Registered Nurses in Canada much more informative. 

 

New Limited-Time PR for Health workers

Canada introduced 6 new pathways for permanent residence which would favor international student graduates and essential workers in Canada. 

Two of these streams are dedicated to healthcare professionals, such as nurses. It also includes a separate stream for French speakers. Additionally, Nursing student graduates are expected to take full advantage of the other streams dedicated to international students. 

About 20,000 spots are open for temporary residents working in healthcare positions in Canada to apply for permanent residents. The application window will close when the intake cap is full. However, the stream for French speakers is open to accept an unlimited number of permanent residents. 

Healthcare professionals need at least one year of work experience inside Canada and it should be in one of 40 eligible healthcare professions. Mandatory language requirements follow as they need a CLB or NCLC of at least 4 in order to be eligible.

 

Express Entry for Professional Nurses

Healthcare professionals can qualify to receive permanent residency through Express Entry under two immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canada Experience Class (CEC). 

For Nurses having work experience outside Canada in the last then nurses may apply under the FSWP. Applicants are required to have at least one year of continuous work experience in occupations like Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012), and licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233). The applicants must also score a CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French on all four language competencies: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additionally, they are required to obtain at least 67/100 on the six-factor test that assesses candidates’ education level, language skills, and whether they have a job in Canada.

Foreign Nursing professionals who have work experience in Canada within the last three years may apply under the CEC. For nursing occupations such as Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012), language proficiency may be above CLB or NCLC 7. Whereas for occupations like licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233), the applicant can have language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 5.

None of the programs requires a person to have a job offer. However, having one can significantly increase one’s likelihood to receive an ITA for Canada PR. 

 

How Express Entry Operates

Consider Express Entry as an application database to operate FSWP and CEC. All the applications submitted to Express Entry are evaluated and ranked based on a unique Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It is dependent on the candidate’s age, work experience, education, and language proficiency among other factors. 

CRS helps Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to nominate the highest-scoring candidates in its regular Express Entry draws. Upon which the IRCC sends them ITAs for Canada PR.

The entire process is designed to process 80% of completed applications in six months or less. 

 

Canada PNP for Professional Nurses

Although PNPs cannot directly issue permanent residency to eligible candidates, they can issue provincial nominations to desirable candidates and push them one step closer to applying for permanent residency

All PNP streams are classified with respect to Express Entry into ‘enhanced’ or ‘base’ nomination streams. 

‘Base’ streams are those that are not linked to the Express Entry system. They include New Brunswick Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN), British Columbia’s Healthcare Professional (Skills Immigration pathway), Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program, and the Quebec Experience Program are all avenues nurses can pursue. professional nurses

‘Enhanced’ streams are linked to the Express Entry system and this allows provinces to directly nominate an eligible candidate who is registered in the federal pool. The advantage for Express Entry candidates to get the provincial nomination through such ‘enhanced’ streams is that they gain 600 points on their CRS score. It will effectively ensure their ITA for Canada PR.

Take this free assessment online to find out if you’re eligible for Canadian Immigration.

If you want to qualify for any of the programs to immigrate to Canada, CanApprove recommends you kick-process the process now. The pandemic and slow population growth have warranted increased immigration for sustenance.  

Schedule a free appointment with us to simplify the process and amplify your chances of immigration to Canada. 

Migrate To Canada As a Registered Nurse

Why become a Registered Nurse in Canada?

Are you a Nursing graduate who wants to move to a foreign country for better and safe work exposure? 

Are you a Nursing student who is gauging the perks of practicing in a developed country? 

Have you just finished your high-school and are looking for a career path? 

Well, you have come to the right page! 

“Canada is that foreign, developed and progressive country which has open doors for all eligible nursing practitioners, fresh graduates to migrate, serve and obtain permanent residency…

canada Pnp finder

#1 Advantage over Middle East and Europe: There is huge prospects for career development and quality education in Europe, especially the UK, for foreigners willing to practice Nursing as an Occupation. However, considering economic affordability, stringent eligibility tests and the whole situation involving Brexit, migrating to Europe as a Nurse seems to be a distant reality. 

The Middle East is considered to be the best place for any foreigner who is considering nursing as an occupation – the region offers a tax-free salary and good number of annual leave. However, the working hours, leave sanctions, employer contract agreements are not guaranteed. 

On the other hand, an international registered nurse in Canada is assured of work stability. Those willing to migrate to Canada will become a part of the free job market and may avail any economic opportunity on par with permanent residents and citizens of Canada.   

#2 Self-regulating profession: A registered nurse in Canada as a profession is self-regulated where the provincial and territorial governments delegate to nursing regulatory bodies. This offers better flexibility for such regulatory bodies in welcoming international nurses into the workforce. 

#3 Good Economic Compensation: Any eligible foreigner on a Nursing job in Canada gets a competitive salary for a 36-40 hour working week. For instance, in the province of Ontario, a new graduate acute care gets around $59,000CAD with an annual increment pay increase. 

Ofcourse, the average pay varies across the province and city, typically between $40,000 CAD to $80,000 CAD; but the bigger picture here is that Canada offers good economic compensation to eligible international nurses. Refer the table below for average pay across all the Canadian provinces and territories. 

After three months of living in the country, a foreigner can access health care benefits and bonuses with their employer in the public or private sector.

Nunavut CA $86.69
Northwest Territories CA $72.57
Yukon Territories CA $61.41
Alberta CA $50
Saskatchewan CA $48
Manitoba CA $46
Ontario CA $45.47
Newfoundland & Labrador CA $43.96
Prince Edward Island CA $41.25
Nova Scotia CA $41
Quebec CA $41.5
New Brunswick  CA $40.49

#4 Better Social Life: Canada is a multicultural society. The country has been welcoming economic immigrants for over decades now. In fact, all the successive governments, both at the federal and provincial levels, have encouraged higher levels of immigration year-on-year in order to sustain the country’s economy and aging demography. Now, with an increased focus on family immigration programs, Canada offers a good social life for migrants in the country. 

Registered Nurse in Canada: a look at the occupation

According to this framework for the practice of Registered Nurses in Canada, Nursing in Canada is regulated into three groups: 

  • Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
  • Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs)

It is also reported that RNs constitute about three-quarters of the regulated category of nurses in Canada. There are also other unregulated care providers who often work alongside and support the incredible work of these regulated medical forces. 

Registered Nurse in Canada can be a specialised caretaker in any of the following fields: 

Surgery Obstetrics care
Psychiatric care Community health
Critical care Occupational health
Pediatrics Geriatrics
Rehabilitation Oncology

Specialisation can be possible through easy work and study options available for registered nurses in Canada. 

Take this free online assessment to determine your eligibility and know about various immigration options to Canada. 

Entry Requirements for International Registered Nurse in Canada

All entry requirements are assessed by the regulatory body in its jurisdiction. Competencies are evaluated through clinical and written evaluation by the nursing education program and through the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE).

Note: In case of any international student, the place of graduating Canadian institution will be its jurisdiction. For others, it will be the place of work they choose or the province/ territory they are nominated to.

CRNE can be taken after applying for a temporary work permit. It is important to obtain a licence to practice in any Canadian provinces or territories; exception being Quebec which has its own examination and not a part of this arrangement.  

National Occupational Code (NOC) To Migrate as a Registered Nurse in Canada

National Occupation Code is a unique number given to every occupation in Canada. The NOC are further categorised based on the skill level of occupations into O, A, B, C and D.

Occupations with skill level O, A are for highly skilled management or professionals and typically require a graduation degree to qualify for such an occupation. Skill level B are usually for technical occupations that require college diploma or apprentice training. Occupations with skill level C and D are semi-skilled or intermediate occupations and require high school education qualifications.

NOC  Occupation Skill Level
0311 Nursing Service Manager O
3011 Nursing Co-ordinators and Supervisors A
3012 Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses A
3124 Allied Primary Health Practitioners A
3222 Dental Hygienists and Therapists (dental nurse) B
3233 Licensed Practical Nurses B
3413 Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates C

Find out more options for immigration by filling this free online assessment.

Canada CRS point

How will CanApprove Assist you in Immigration to Canada?

CanApprove is a reputed and duly ICCRC-registered consultant for providing services concerning Canadian immigration. We have provided our services to thousands of clients over the past two decades and look to gain new ones with equal compassion. 

#1 Temporary Residency Option: Upon securing a valid job offer and a work permit can any foreign-trained nurse be eligible to apply for a Temporary residency in Canada. 

CanApprove will offer its services right from consultation stage to the application stage and beyond. In order to get started, 

  • An applicant with a nursing degree from outside Canada must have their educational credentials assessed.
  • The applicants must then register as a nurse in Canada. To do this, they may have to join a regulatory body in their jurisdiction of the workplace. 

#2 Language Training: English and French are the official languages in Canada. And so, any immigrant willing to work and live in Canada is expected to be proficient in any one of the languages or sometimes both. 

Most aspirants choose to prove their proficiency in English and we CanApprove provide basic training to excel at the language tests.   

#3 Permanent Residency Option: There are tremendous perks of being a permanent resident in Canada. Foreign Nurses or any other applicant with suitable occupation can explore their permanent residency options through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program under the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee programs.

Express Entry system is not a visa option but a federal database of aspiring economic immigrants. It maintains registered profiles for three immigration programs – Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Occasionally, unique immigration streams under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) nominated eligible candidates from the database. Refer to the complete list of such programs as tabulated below. 

These profiles are evaluated and ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The total score is given out of 1200 points. CanApprove helps interested candidates to register their free Express Entry profile. We help you identify areas which can increase your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the fortnightly nomination draws. 

Top provincial programs with a specific need for Nurses
Alberta Alberta Express Entry Stream

Alberta Opportunity Stream

British Columbia British Columbia Skills Immigration Stream

British Columbia Express Entry Stream

Manitoba Manitoba Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
Ontario Employer Job Offer Category
New Brunswick / Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Immigration Pilot – High- Skilled Workers Stream
Nova Scotia Occupations In-Demand Stream Stream

For further information, use our PNP-finder tool.