Nurses are in high demand in Canada, where they are classified as NOC 3012.

Qualified nurses can apply for a variety of immigration programs, including the Express Entry System, the Provincial Nominee Program, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Let’s look at what it takes to become a nurse in Canada and how to immigrate to canada as a Nurse.

What does a Nurse in Canada typically do?

Assess patients to determine the best nursing interventions.
Administer drugs and treatments as directed by a doctor or by established regulations and guidelines.
Patients’ symptoms and changes should be monitored, assessed, addressed, documented, and reported.
In partnership with other health care practitioners, they may teach and counsel patients and their families on health-related concerns.
In collaboration with patients and their families, work with members of a multidisciplinary health team to plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate patient treatment.

What Jobs are available for Nurses in Canada?

With a wide number of professional nursing specialties accessible, prospective individuals can be confident that Nursing Jobs in Canada are available.

Bedside nurse
Cardiac surgery nurse
Cardiology nurse
Casual duty nurse
Clinic nurse
Consultant nurse
Contagious disease transmission prevention nurse
Coronary intensive care nurse
Dialysis nurse
Emergency nurse
First aid nurse
General duty nurse
General duty nurse – psychiatry
Geriatric care nurse
Geriatric nurse
Gerontology nurse
Graduate nurse
Hemodialysis nurse
Home care nurse
Hospital nurse
Industrial nurse
Infection control nurse
Intensive care unit (ICU) nurse
Medical intensive care nurse
Mental health nurse
Nurse
Nurse consultant
Nurse counsellor
Nurse technician
Nursing researcher
Obstetrics nurse
Occupational health nurse consultant
Registered nurse – call centre
Registered nurse – contact centre

How Much Do Nurses Make in Canada?

In Canada, nurses are fairly rewarded. Their remuneration varies depending on the province and city in which they operate.

However, most registered nurses in Canada can expect to earn roughly $38.53 per hour.

This high wage rate is one of the primary reasons many international medical professionals seek to immigrate to Canada as nurses.

You now have a general understanding of the nursing careers available in Canada. Let’s go over the five options for becoming a nurse in Canada.

How to immigrate to Canada as a Nurse

1. Express Entry

Foreign nurses may be eligible for two Federal immigration programs through Canada’s Express Entry system.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are two of them.

A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will be used to allocate points to candidates applying to either program.

Work experience, education, age, and language proficiency are all elements that contribute to the awarding of these points.

If you meet the Express Entry System’s basic qualifying requirements, you will be placed in a pool of candidates.

You will be granted permanent resident status if your CRS points exceed the minimum point criteria for a candidate draw.

This immigration method is popular among registered nurses looking to immigrate to Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker Program Requirements

To be eligible for the FSWP, you must have at least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation in the previous ten years.
You must also obtain a CLB 7 or above on your English or French language proficiency exam.

Canadian Experience Class Requirements

To be eligible for the CEC, you must have at least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation in the previous three years.
If you have work experience in occupations classified as NOC TEER 0, 1, or 2, you must have a CLB 7 on your language proficiency exam.
If you have work experience in NOC TEER 3 or TEER 4 occupations, you must score at least CLB 5.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs for Nurses

Many provinces in Canada have their immigration programs for foreign nurses. Some of these programs run on their own as provincial programs, while others may be linked to the Federal Express Entry Programs.

Among the provincial nominee programs are:

Each PNP for nurses in Canada has its own set of qualifications, so you should research each one to determine whether you qualify.

3. Caregiver Immigration Pilots

The caregiver pilots allow foreign workers to work as nannies and personal attendants in Canada.

This Nanny Visa option is popular among those who have worked as nannies or caregivers.

Candidates with the Caregiver Visa Canada can enter the nation and apply for a temporary work permit.

They can then hunt for work as caregivers in any capacity. They can seek permanent residency status after gaining one year of work experience as caregivers (as of April 30, 2023).

If the caregiver already has a legitimate job offer when they arrive in Canada, they can apply for permanent residency without completing the one-year work experience requirement.

There are presently two Caregiver Immigration Pilot Programs available:

Every year, each of these programs accepts 2,750 applications. Candidates can apply under the 2025 limitations for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot beginning January 1, 2025.

4. Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration

Quebec has different immigration opportunities for nurses in Canada than the other provincial nominee schemes.

Foreign nurses may be able to apply through the province’s Regular Skilled Worker Program or the Quebec Experience Program, both of which have specific qualifications.

It should be highlighted that to move to Quebec under these programs, nurses must be fluent in French.

Regular Skilled Worker Program

This immigration program operates similarly to the Express Entry program in that candidates are awarded points based on their education, work experience, age, and other considerations.

Candidates are then chosen for Quebec immigration if their points in the candidate selection draw to reach the criteria.

Quebec Experience Program

The Quebec Experience Program is designed for nurses who have worked or finished their studies in Quebec.

They must be working in the province when they seek permanent residence.

5. Study Permit

It is also feasible to immigrate to Canada after finishing your studies there. Although there is no specific Canada visa for nurses, you can apply for a study permit and study at one of the country’s famous institutions or universities.

You can then apply for a Canadian post-graduate work permit and gain nursing experience in Canada.

This employment experience will then provide you with a fantastic opportunity to immigrate via the Federal Express Entry program.

What are the benefits of working as a Nurse in Canada?

1. Excellent Salary

A key benefit of working as a nurse in Canada is that you will be paid well. The average Canadian nurse earns $65,000 a year, which is quite good when compared to a lot of other wealthy countries.

2. Working Conditions

The majority of countries do not have a good working environment. On the other hand, Canada does. No matter where you work, nursing will be stressful and chaotic. Nurses in Canada, on the other hand, are compensated and recognized for their efforts.

3. Medical insurance

Working in healthcare in Canada also provides you with access to health insurance policies that protect you and your family.

4. Child care Assistance

Did you know that certified nurses in Canada have access to a facility for working parents who require child care assistance?

Many hospitals and institutions provide childcare facilities where children can be cared for on an as-needed basis to ensure that the children of nurses who work odd hours are cared for.

5. Job Security

A career as a nurse is a calling. To equal the national ratio of RNs to persons, Ontario requires at least 17,000 extra RNs.

This includes not just hospitals but also private home care, minor clinics, and health promotion.

Canada boasts some of the strongest healthcare systems in the world, and nurses play an important role in that.

Settling in Canada: Embracing a New Life

Moving to a new nation is a major adjustment. Here’s everything you should know about relocating to Canada:

The Cost of Living

The cost of living in Canada varies by region, with larger cities generally being more expensive. As a nurse, you’ll most likely find work in cities, so spend accordingly.

Education and healthcare

Canada is well-known for its universal healthcare and high-quality education systems. You will be eligible for these benefits as a permanent resident.

Cultural Variation

Canada’s diversified society welcomes immigrants and provides a welcoming environment for newcomers.

Weather

The climate in Canada varies greatly, with harsh winters and hot summers. Be prepared for the weather at your chosen location.

FAQs

Can I work as an Intensive Care Nurse in Canada?

Yes, nurses with a specialization in intensive care are in high demand, fetching incomes substantially above the national average.

As an intensive care nurse, you will have expertise in caring for patients with life-threatening medical illnesses in an intensive care unit (ICU).

These nurses work in a hospital or healthcare facility’s critical care unit, where they care for patients who have had invasive surgery, accidents, trauma, or organ failure.

Those who immigrate to Canada as Intensive Care Nurses can expect to earn between $75,000 and $106,000 annually.

Is a work offer required to immigrate to Canada as a nurse?

Although a work offer is not usually required to immigrate to Canada as a nurse, it can be advantageous in some situations.

Having a job offer can boost your chances of being chosen for permanent residency and make obtaining a work permit easier after you arrive in Canada.

As part of the eligibility requirements for some immigration schemes, such as the Provincial Nominee Program, a job offer is required.

How long does it take to apply to immigrate to Canada as a nurse?

The application process for immigrating to Canada as a nurse varies depending on the immigration program and the complexity of your application. In general, the process can take several months to more than a year.

To avoid delays, it is critical to be patient and ensure that all of your documentation is complete and exact.

What are the housing choices in Canada for nurses?

Nursing housing alternatives in Canada vary depending on the region where you plan to work, as well as your personal preferences and budget.

Some nurses prefer to rent an apartment or house, but others prefer to buy a home. You may be eligible for housing benefits or subsidies, depending on your company and the region of Canada where you work.

What assistance is available to nurses who wish to immigrate to Canada?

Nurses who are coming to Canada have access to a variety of resources and support services, including government programs, professional associations, and settlement agencies.

These tools can assist you in navigating the immigration process, finding a job, and adjusting to life in Canada.

Furthermore, many Canadian healthcare firms provide orientation and training programs for new employees, which may be an invaluable source of support and information.

Conclusion

Moving to Canada to work as a nurse (RN) in 2024 is a fantastic opportunity. Canada is well-known for being welcoming to people from other nations who wish to relocate there.

It’s also a place where healthcare workers, such as nurses, are in high demand. Furthermore, living in Canada is a fantastic experience. It’s an excellent place for nurses who wish to improve their skills while also living a pleasant life.

It’s critical to grasp a few things before embarking on this monumental journey. To begin, you must understand the process of relocating to Canada.

This includes filling out the appropriate forms and completing certain prerequisites.

Secondly, you should research the nursing job market in Canada. This entails learning where nurses are required and what type of work you can accomplish.

Finally, it’s useful to understand how life is in Canada. This includes where you may reside, the weather, and the types of interesting things you can do in your spare time.

Starting a new life in Canada may appear difficult at first. There are numerous actions to take and things to learn.

The good news is that it is worthwhile. Working as a nurse in Canada allows you to assist many people in maintaining their health.

You will also be a part of a vibrant community with many cultures. So, if you’re a nurse considering relocating to Canada, go for it!

Canada is waiting for you with open arms. Future nurse, welcome to your new adventure!