Are you a nurse looking for a new challenge and a better quality of life? Do you want to work in a country that values your skills and experience? If so, you might be interested in immigrating to Canada as a nurse.
Canada is an excellent destination for nurses who want to work and live in a country that values their skills and experience. Nurses are in high demand in Canada, and there are many immigration pathways available for them to become permanent residents. This article will explore some of the best options for nurses who want to immigrate to Canada to work.
Let’s take a look at each one of them in more detail.
Table of Contents
Canada Express Entry
Express Entry is the primary system that Canada uses to manage skilled immigration applications. It consists of three programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Nurses can qualify for the FSWP or the CEC, depending on their work experience and language skills.
The FSWP is for foreign workers with at least one year of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) in the last ten years. Nurses fall under NOC 3012 (registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses) or NOC 3233 (Licensed practical nurses), both skill-level A occupations. To be eligible for the FSWP, nurses also need to meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French, have a valid educational credential assessment (ECA) report that shows their foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian one, and score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP selection factors.
The CEC is for foreign workers with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC 0, A, or B) in the last three years. Nurses who have worked in Canada as registered or licensed practical nurses can apply under this program as long as they meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French for NOC B occupations or CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French for NOC A occupations.
To apply under Express Entry, nurses must create an online profile and enter their personal information, such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. They will then receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on these factors and be placed in a pool of candidates. The Canadian government conducts a draw every few weeks and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. The CRS cut-off score varies from draw to draw, depending on the number of candidates and invitations available.
Quebec Immigration
Quebec is a province that has its immigration system and selection criteria. Nurses who want to live and work in Quebec can apply under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) or the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
The QSWP is for foreign workers who have at least one year of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B) in the last ten years and meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 5 in French or CLB 5 in English. Nurses also need to score at least 50 points out of 100 on the QSWP selection grid, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, area of training, stay and family in Quebec, and spouse’s characteristics.
The PEQ is for foreign workers who have at least one year of full-time work experience in Quebec (NOC 0, A, or B) in the last two years and meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 7 in French or CLB 7 in English. Nurses who have worked in Quebec as registered or licensed practical nurses can apply under this program.
To apply under Quebec immigration, nurses must first submit an expression of interest (EOI) through the online platform Arrima. They will then receive a score based on their EOI profile and be placed in a pool of candidates. The Quebec government will periodically invite candidates who meet its labor market needs to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), a document confirming their eligibility to immigrate to Quebec. After obtaining a CSQ, candidates can apply for permanent residence through the federal government.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are immigration programs that allow provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific labor market needs. Nurses can apply under various PNPs that target healthcare professionals or skilled workers.
Some examples of PNPs that are suitable for nurses are:
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Health Care Worker Stream
This stream is for foreign workers who have at least nine months of full-time work experience in an eligible health care occupation (such as a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, or licensed practical nurse) in Ontario in the last three years and who meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Health Care Professional Category
This category is for foreign workers who have at least two years of full-time work experience in an eligible health care occupation (such as a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, or licensed practical nurse) in BC in the last five years and who have a valid job offer from a BC employer.
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The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Alberta Opportunity Stream
This stream is for foreign workers who have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation (such as a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, or licensed practical nurse) in Alberta in the last 18 months and who meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French.
To apply under a PNP, nurses must first submit an expression of interest (EOI) or a profile through the online system of the province or territory they are interested in. They will then receive a score based on their EOI or profile and be placed in a pool of candidates. The province or territory will periodically invite candidates who meet its criteria to apply for a provincial nomination, a document confirming their eligibility to immigrate to that province or territory. After obtaining a provincial nomination, candidates can apply for permanent residence through the federal government.
Study in Canada
Another way for nurses to immigrate to Canada is to study in Canada and then apply for permanent residence after graduation. Canada offers many educational opportunities for nurses who want to upgrade their skills, obtain a Canadian credential, or specialize in a particular field.
Some examples of programs that are relevant for nurses are:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This four-year undergraduate degree prepares students to become registered nurses in Canada. Students will learn the theoretical and practical aspects of nursing, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, health assessment, ethics, research, and leadership. Students will also gain clinical experience in various settings, such as hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and schools.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
This two-year graduate degree allows students to advance their knowledge and skills in nursing. Students can choose from different areas of concentration, such as advanced practice nursing, nursing education, nursing administration, nursing research, or nursing informatics. Students will also complete a thesis or a capstone project demonstrating their ability to conduct original research or implement evidence-based practice.
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing
This one-year certificate program provides students with specialized training in a specific area of nursing, such as critical care nursing, emergency nursing, gerontological nursing, mental health nursing, oncology nursing, or pediatric nursing. Students will learn the advanced concepts and skills required to work with complex patients and situations. Students will also complete practicum hours in their chosen area of specialization.
To study in Canada as an international student, nurses must apply and get accepted into a designated learning institution (DLI) that offers the program they are interested in. They will then need to apply for a study permit, which is a document that allows them to stay and study in Canada for the duration of their program. They will also need to prove that they have enough funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses and that they have no criminal or medical issues that would make them ineligible to enter Canada.
After completing their studies in Canada, nurses can apply for permanent residence through various programs, such as:
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
This program allows graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. The work experience gained through the PGWP can help graduates qualify for other immigration programs, such as the CEC or a PNP.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) Program
This program allows employers in the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) to hire foreign workers who have graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution in the Atlantic region. The employer must have a designated status from the province and offer a full-time job offer to the graduate. The graduate must also meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) Program
This program allows employers in selected rural and northern communities across Canada to hire foreign workers who have graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution within or outside Canada. The employer must be located in one of the participating communities and offer a full-time job offer to the graduate. The graduate must also meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 6 in English or NCLC 6 in French.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are many ways to immigrate to Canada as a nurse in 2023. Whether you choose Express Entry, Quebec Immigration, Provincial Nominee Programs, or Study in Canada, you must meet specific requirements, follow certain steps, and submit certain documents.
To make your immigration journey easier and faster, it is advisable to seek professional guidance and assistance from a reputable immigration consultant or lawyer. They can help you choose the best option, prepare your application, and avoid common mistakes and delays.
