Canada is one of the top destinations for internationally trained nurses seeking high-paying jobs, long-term career growth, and a path to permanent residency (PR). With a growing healthcare workforce shortage and a rapidly aging population, Canada is aggressively hiring foreign nurses—offering salaries of up to $100,000 CAD per year.
Why Consider Nursing in Canada in 2025?
Canada’s healthcare system is expanding fast, and there aren’t enough nurses to meet rising demand. According to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the country will be short over 117,000 nurses by 2030, making now the perfect time to relocate.
Foreign-trained nurses enjoy:
- Job security
- Work-life balance
- High salaries
- Permanent residency opportunities
- Family inclusion and free healthcare
Whether you’re a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Nurse Practitioner (NP), there are multiple ways to live, work, and eventually settle in Canada.
Top Nursing Jobs in Canada & Salary Overview
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 CAD/year
Role Overview: RNs provide frontline care, coordinate treatment plans, administer medications, and support patients in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. Demand is high across provinces.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Salary Range: $50,000 – $75,000 CAD/year
Role Overview: LPNs assist RNs and doctors in delivering basic care such as wound dressing, taking vitals, and managing routine medical procedures. Often a faster path to employment for foreign-trained nurses.
3. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000 CAD/year
Role Overview: NPs are advanced-level nurses with the authority to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and lead healthcare teams. Their expertise is especially valuable in rural and remote regions.
4. Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Salary Range: $40,000 – $60,000 CAD/year
Role Overview: While not a registered nurse, many internationally trained nurses begin as PSWs while they complete Canadian licensing. PSWs help with daily care in nursing homes and community settings.
PR Pathways for Nurses in Canada (2025)
There are several immigration programs that support direct or indirect permanent residency for qualified nurses.
1. Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Nurses with foreign work experience and language proficiency may qualify.
- You must get your credentials assessed by a recognized body (e.g., WES) and create an Express Entry profile.
- A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470+ improves your chances, but targeted draws for healthcare workers may accept lower scores.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each province has its own PNP stream for healthcare professionals. Some top provinces include:
- Ontario: Offers frequent draws for nurses under the Human Capital Priorities Stream.
- Nova Scotia: Actively recruits RNs through the Labour Market Priorities Stream.
- British Columbia: Prioritizes healthcare under the BC PNP Tech & Healthcare Pilot.
- Saskatchewan & Manitoba: Offer regular invitations through PNP healthcare categories.
Nomination from a province gives you 600 extra CRS points, guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR.
3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you land a job in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland & Labrador, you can apply for PR through the AIP. This program is employer-driven, meaning you need a job offer from an approved employer.
4. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
Smaller communities in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta recruit nurses under RNIP. You’ll need a full-time job offer and community recommendation.
5. Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Quebec has its own separate system. Nurses fluent in French can apply through the Arrima system, which leads to PR if selected.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Nurses in Canada
To work and immigrate as a nurse, you must meet certain criteria:
- Have a nursing degree or diploma from an accredited institution
- Get your credentials evaluated by Nursing regulatory bodies such as:
- NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service)
- CNO (Ontario), BCCNM (British Columbia), or other provincial colleges
- Demonstrate English or French proficiency (IELTS, CELBAN, or TEF)
- Have clean criminal and medical records
- Meet Express Entry or PNP eligibility criteria (points, job offer, etc.)
How to Get Started – Step-by-Step Process (2025)
Step 1: Credential Assessment via NNAS
Apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) to verify your foreign education and licensing.
Step 2: Apply to a Provincial Nursing College
Once NNAS gives you an Advisory Report, apply to the nursing regulatory body in your chosen province (e.g., CNO, BCCNM, CRPNM).
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exams
You may need to take:
- NCLEX-RN (for Registered Nurses)
- CPNRE (for Practical Nurses)
- Bridging programs (if required by province)
Step 4: Get a Job Offer
Search for nursing jobs through provincial health networks or platforms like:
- HealthCareCAN
- Workopolis
- Indeed Canada
- Provincial Health Authority websites
Step 5: Apply for PR Through Express Entry or PNP
Once employed or nominated, submit your PR application and await your approval. Processing usually takes 6–12 months.
Best Provinces for Foreign Nurses in 2025
1. Ontario
Canada’s most populous province is heavily recruiting internationally trained nurses. Toronto has dozens of long-term care centers and hospitals.
2. British Columbia
With a fast-tracked immigration stream for healthcare workers, BC offers excellent salaries and a high quality of life.
3. Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Health recruits foreign nurses monthly. The province is affordable and known for welcoming newcomers.
4. Alberta
Nurses in Alberta earn some of the highest wages in Canada. The demand is especially strong in rural towns and cities outside of Calgary and Edmonton.
5. Manitoba
Manitoba’s PNP program favors nurses, and the cost of living is lower than most provinces.
Living in Canada as a Nurse
Canada offers a supportive, multicultural, and safe environment for immigrants. Nurses benefit from:
- Free public healthcare
- Paid parental leave and vacation time
- High-quality education for children
- Public pension and employment insurance
- Access to loans, housing programs, and financial support for newcomers
Even in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, a $100,000 salary allows for a comfortable lifestyle, especially when combined with dual-income households or provincial tax credits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I work as a nurse in Canada without a license?
No. You must be licensed by a provincial nursing authority and complete NNAS evaluation before working as a nurse.
Is there an age limit for foreign nurses?
There is no official age limit, but points for age under Express Entry start dropping after age 30. However, older applicants can still qualify via PNP or job offers.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse can get an open work permit, and your children can attend public schools for free.
Do I need Canadian work experience?
Not necessarily. Many provinces accept foreign-trained nurses through direct PNP nomination, especially if you have a valid job offer.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Yes. Many nurses apply while still in their home country and arrive after receiving PR or a work permit.
Conclusion
If you’re a nurse looking for a better future, Canada wants you. With salaries reaching $100,000 CAD/year, multiple immigration streams, and a clear path to permanent residency, nursing in Canada is one of the most rewarding international career moves in 2025.
Whether you begin as a PSW, RN, or NP, the opportunities for foreign-trained nurses have never been brighter. Start your application process today and take the first step toward building your new life in Canada.
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