Step-by-step guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse in 2025
Unlock Your Dream Career: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Successfully Immigrating to Canada as a Nurse”
Embarking on your journey to move to Canada as a nurse requires a strategic, step-by-step plan that combines immigration success with a seamless professional transition into Canada’s world-class healthcare system. This power-packed, comprehensive guide unveils everything you need to know—from securing a visa to obtaining licensure—so you’re fully equipped, confident, and ready to thrive as a nurse in Canada. Whether you’re an experienced nurse or just starting your career, this must-read blueprint will help you navigate the process with ease and accelerate your path toward a rewarding life and career in Canada.
In this detailed guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse, we will walk you through each essential step.
Explore the opportunities outlined in this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse.
Using this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse will ensure you have all the necessary information.
Guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse
Step 1: Research the NOC Code and Assess Your Eligibility
This guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse is structured to facilitate your journey.
The first step in immigrating to Canada as a nurse is to identify your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, which is essential for determining your immigration pathway. Most registered nurses fall under NOC code 31301 (updated from the former 3012). This classification is required when applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Finding your NOC code is part of the guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse.
Before applying, assess your eligibility by reviewing requirements like:
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Relevant nursing experience
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Educational qualifications
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Language proficiency
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Age and adaptability factors
Use the official Government of Canada NOC tool for up-to-date info.
Step 2: Meet Language Proficiency Requirements (IELTS, CELBAN, or PTE)
To successfully immigrate to Canada as a nurse, you must prove your language proficiency in English or French. Most nursing applicants take: guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse
Remember, this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse outlines all language requirements.
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IELTS General Training
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CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses)
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PTE Core (accepted from 2024)
Minimum score requirements typically include:
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CLB 7 or above in reading, writing, speaking, and listening (for FSWP)
Achieving the required language benchmarks boosts your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry.
Following this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse will increase your chances of success.
Step 3: Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Canada requires all foreign-trained nurses to have their education evaluated by a designated body to ensure it meets Canadian standards. This process is known as an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
You can apply through agencies like:
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World Education Services (WES)
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Comparative Education Service (CES)
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International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS)
A successful ECA confirms that your nursing degree is valid and recognized, which significantly strengthens your immigration application.
This guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse details the importance of credential assessment.
Step 4: Create and Submit Your Express Entry Profile
Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, met language requirements, and completed your ECA, the next step is to create an Express Entry profile.
This online system ranks applicants based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), considering:
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Age
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Education
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Language test scores
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Work experience
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Adaptability
Make sure your profile is complete and accurate. A higher CRS score improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency
Once your Express Entry profile ranks high enough in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is a major milestone in your journey to immigrate to Canada as a nurse.
If you follow this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse, you will be well-prepared.
An ITA means you’re now eligible to submit a full application for permanent residency, bringing you one step closer to launching your nursing career in Canada.
Step 6: Gather and Submit Required Immigration Documents
After receiving your ITA, you’ll need to submit all required documents within 60 days. Ensure that every document is complete, accurate, and up to date. The typical document checklist includes:
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Valid passport
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Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
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Language test results (IELTS, CELBAN, or PTE)
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Proof of work experience (letters from past employers)
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Police clearance certificate
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Medical exam results from an approved physician
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Proof of funds
Missing or incorrect documentation can lead to delays or even rejection of your application, so attention to detail is essential.
Step 7: Wait for Application Review and PR Visa Issuance
Once your application is submitted, Canadian immigration officers will carefully review your file. They assess your eligibility, accuracy of information, and compliance with immigration laws.
This guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse will help you understand the review process.
If everything checks out, you will be granted a permanent resident visa, which officially allows you to move to Canada and begin your life as a nurse. You’ll also receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
Step 8: Apply for Nursing Licensure in Canada
After landing in Canada, your final step is to obtain nursing licensure in your chosen province or territory. Each province has a regulatory body—such as the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)—that governs licensing requirements.
To become a licensed nurse in Canada, you may need to:
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Submit your credentials to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
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Pass the NCLEX-RN (for Registered Nurses)
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Provide language proficiency proof (IELTS or CELBAN)
For best practices, refer to this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse.
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Complete a bridging program or clinical assessment, depending on your case
Once licensed, you are fully eligible to work in Canada as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Now that you have your license, this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse will help you find employment.
Work as a Nurse in Canada
Guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse
Why Canada Is the Best Place to Study and Work as a Nurse in 2025
Nursing Education in Canada: A Foundation for Success
Nursing students in Canada have access to top-tier education, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training. Canadian nursing programs are globally recognized for their comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and access to real-world clinical placements.
Students can choose from specialized nursing tracks, including:
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Pediatric nursing
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Geriatric nursing
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Critical care and emergency nursing
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Mental health and community health nursing
This level of diversity ensures that students are well-prepared for both hospital-based and community healthcare roles, making Canada one of the best destinations for aspiring nurses.
Nursing Job Opportunities in Canada: Strong Demand and Growth
Canada’s healthcare system is experiencing a nationwide nursing shortage, creating urgent demand for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The demand is primarily driven by:
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An aging population (1 in 4 Canadians will be 65+ by 2030)
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Advancements in medical technology
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Increasing chronic illness rates
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Expansion of remote healthcare and telehealth services
Nurses are needed in diverse settings such as:
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Hospitals
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Long-term care facilities
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Rehabilitation centers
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Home and community care programs
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Remote and rural healthcare services
According to Health Canada, the employment rate for nurses is projected to grow by over 7% annually, with particularly high demand in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.
International Nurses: Why Canada Is an Ideal Destination
Canada welcomes foreign-trained nurses through clear immigration pathways and bridging programs. With the right credentials and a strong understanding of the process, international nurses can secure well-paying, stable nursing jobs in Canada.https://www.jointcommission.org/
For international nurses, this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse is invaluable.
Key benefits for international nurses include:
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High salaries and excellent benefits
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Permanent residency and family sponsorship opportunities
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Cultural diversity and inclusive work environments
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Opportunities for career advancement and further education
If you’re an international nurse, begin by:
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Verifying your credentials through NNAS
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Meeting language requirements (IELTS, CELBAN, or PTE)
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Applying for Express Entry, PNP, or other skilled worker programs
Is There Still a Demand for Nurses in Canada in 2025?
Yes – the demand for nurses in Canada is at an all-time high.
With the rising number of seniors and increasing focus on chronic disease prevention, nurses play a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare. Recent studies show:
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Over 60% of chronic illnesses are preventable, emphasizing the need for health promotion and disease prevention
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The healthcare industry is expanding to meet rising patient care needs, especially in remote areas
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Nurses are now essential in implementing telehealth, electronic health records, and community health initiatives
Best Province to Work as a Nurse in Canada
On May 24, 2023, Nova Scotia invited 100 nurses to apply for a provincial nomination, showcasing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals across Canada. This move reflects a larger trend: Canadian provinces are consistently recruiting registered nurses (RNs) and internationally educated nurses (IENs) through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to strengthen their healthcare systems.
If you’re a nurse looking to immigrate to Canada in 2025, here’s how four provinces are offering clear, rewarding immigration pathways.
British Columbia (BC PNP – Healthcare Professional Category)
British Columbia is one of the top destinations for nurses in Canada. Through its Healthcare Professional category under the BC Provincial Nominee Program, the province targets nurses who either:
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Have a valid Canadian work permit, or
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Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Benefits of BC nomination:
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You receive 600 additional CRS points, practically guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency via Express Entry.
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Direct support from regional employers and health authorities
Saskatchewan (International Health Worker EOI)
Saskatchewan welcomes nurses through its International Health Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) pool, specifically designed for those who:
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Speak English or French fluently
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Have at least one year of post-graduate nursing experience
Benefits of Saskatchewan nomination:
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Selected nurses receive 500 additional CRS points
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Priority processing for skilled health workers under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Nova Scotia (Labour Market Priorities Stream)
In recent years, Nova Scotia has stepped up its nurse recruitment efforts through the Labour Market Priorities Stream. This stream targets:
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Nurses with a valid Canadian work permit or citizenship
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At least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia’s healthcare system
Benefits of Nova Scotia nomination:
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A massive 600 CRS points added to your Express Entry profile
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Targeted invitations during Express Entry draws focused on healthcare
New Brunswick (Internationally Educated Nurses – IEN Program)
New Brunswick is running a specialized program for internationally educated nurses (IENs) looking to build a life and career in Canada. To qualify, nurses must:
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Be fluent in English or French
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Have a minimum of one year of post-graduate experience
Benefits of New Brunswick nomination:
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Adds 400 CRS points to your Express Entry score
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Tailored support for integration and licensing
Canada’s Growing Demand for Nurses in 2025
Following this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse will open doors to your future.
Guide for immigration to Canada as a nurse
Ultimately, this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse is your best resource.
Canada’s healthcare-focused immigration strategy continues to prioritize nurses and healthcare workers in its Express Entry draws. Recent policy updates show a clear shift toward inviting skilled professionals in high-demand sectors — with nursing at the top of the list.
These targeted PNP nominations are not only helping Canada fill urgent healthcare gaps but also providing international nurses with faster, more secure pathways to permanent residency.
This guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse emphasizes the importance of targeted nominations.
IELTS Score Requirements for Nurses in Canada
As highlighted in this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse, language proficiency is critical.
To apply for Canada’s Express Entry program as a nurse, achieving a sufficient IELTS score is essential. English proficiency plays a significant role, and candidates must meet specific language requirements to qualify.
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 4 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6 |
| 10 or above | 7.5 – 9.0 | 8.5 – 9.0 | 8.0 – 9.0 | 7.5 – 9.0 | 6 |
F.A.Q.
Which province is best for studying nursing in Canada?
Several Canadian provinces offer top-quality nursing education with a mix of strong academic programs and hands-on clinical experience. Some of the most reputable provinces for nursing studies include:
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Ontario – Home to renowned institutions like the University of Toronto and McMaster University
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British Columbia – Offers innovative programs and diverse clinical placements
This guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse has many benefits for future applicants.
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Alberta – Known for its modern healthcare infrastructure and simulation labs
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Quebec – Offers bilingual nursing education and unique public health exposure
The best province for studying nursing depends on:
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The program’s reputation and accreditation
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Available specializations (e.g., pediatric, mental health, critical care)
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Clinical placement opportunities
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Your language preferences (English/French)
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Living costs and lifestyle in the province
2.How do you work in Canada as a nurse as a foreigner?
Begin by researching the various pathways available for foreign-trained nurses to work in Canada. The two main pathways are through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Assess your eligibility based on education, work experience, language proficiency, and age. Have your nursing education and credentials assessed by an authorized Canadian organization. This process ensures that your qualifications are comparable to Canadian standards. Begin by researching the various pathways available for foreign-trained nurses to work in Canada. The two main pathways are through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Assess your eligibility based on education, work experience, language proficiency,
For foreign nurses, this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse outlines essential steps.
3.How much will I be paid as a nurse in Canada?
Nurse salaries in Canada vary by province, experience, and specialization. Registered nurses can earn between CAD 60,000 and CAD 100,000 annually. Salaries are often higher in urban areas and provinces with higher living costs. Specialized nurses, such as nurse practitioners, Clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anaesthetists, may earn higher salaries due to their advanced skills and responsibilities.
In summary, this guide for immigrating to Canada as a nurse will provide all necessary insights.