Over the years, Canada has become one of the most interesting places, especially for healthcare professionals like nurses. The country is currently facing significant shortages, which has led to the demand for more nurses.
Things like the Canadian aging population, as well as an expanding healthcare system in the country, has significantly increased the need and demand for qualified nurses.
In order to bridge this gap, Canada are always readily available to welcome foreign trained nurses while also giving them Visa sponsorship opportunities to relocate to the country and work.
For a lot of Nurses all over the world, this is actually a very golden opportunity that they can’t afford to miss.
Nursing is not just a respected profession in Canada, it is actually one of the most stable and we’ll paying jobs in the world.
As a nurse in Canada, you can earn within CAD $55,000 to over CAD $90,000 every year, although it is going to depend on the province or the experience of the nurse.
More than just what you are going to earn, the government are also going to help with relocation and housing support. In fact, it is actually a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
Another important factor that has contributed to making Canada attractive is obviously the fact that Canada is a multicultural society.
Newcomers in the country usually find it way easier to settle in the country, they have an all inclusive policies, and there’s a strong presence of large immigration communities.
Children will also have access to high quality education. In a nutshell, Canada ensures that there’s a good enough environment for both nurses and their families to thrive.
Through this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about visa sponsorship jobs in Canada for foreign nurses.
We’ll discuss the different visa types, the application steps you need to take, and some of the benefits of you starting your career in Canada.
What is a Canadian Work Visa for Nurses?
If you are a foreign nurse who wants to work in Canada, you definitely need a work visa or permanent residency pathway that is supported by an employer, and the most common route to get this is through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
This is where Canadian hospitals, clinics, or care homes go to hire international nurses and provide them with Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) so as to prove there’s no shortage of candidates in the country.
Once this is approved, the LMIA will allow the nurse to go ahead with the application for a work permit.
There is also another option, which is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, they usually run targeted immigration streams for healthcare workers.
If you are nominated under this program, you will be eligible to apply directly to permanent residency.
In Canada, there’s also the Express Entry system. This system takes charge of applications for skilled workers who are under programs like the Federal Skilled Workers Program.
Nurses that have a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) are likely to be invited to apply for permanent residency. They don’t need to secure a job offer yet, however having employer sponsorship is going to improve the chances significantly.
Those who are looking for faster entry, making use of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is also a very great pathway you can take advantage of.
Through this program, some designated employers in Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island) are allowed to hire foreign nurses through a streamlined process.
Always keep in mind that the employer is going to play a very important role by giving visa sponsorship. This helps in making the relocation process very much affordable for foreign nurses.
Benefits of Nursing Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Working as a nurse in Canada, especially with visa sponsorship, has so many advantages. Firstly, you think about financial stability. Nurses in Canada earn very competitive salaries, around CAD $25–$45 per hour.
When you put into consideration overtime and shift differential, you could end up earning in excess of CAD $90,000.
Secondly, many employers are ready to give you relocation support. This support is likely to include covering your visa application fees, flight tickets, and even temporary housing once you arrive in Canada, which of course will go a long way in reducing how much it will cost you to move.
Then there’s a pathway to permanent residency (PR). So many visa sponsorship programs are created in such a way that temporary foreign workers can be easily transitioned into permanent residents just after a few years of employment.
What this simply means is that both nurses and their families can eventually settle in Canada permanently and can even apply for citizenship in the long run.
Also, while in Canada, you are absolutely sure of a high quality life. The cities are safe, world class education, as well as cultural diversity, are some of the factors that makes the move very appealing.
Finally, Nurses who work in Canada can easily upgrade their skills professionally, since they have unlimited access to modern facilities, training, and professional development. So many foreign nurses usually advance their career faster in Canada than in their home countries.
Who Can Apply?
No doubt, Canada welcomes foreign nurses. However, there are some specific requirements nurses need to meet before the become eligible for sponsorship. We’ll look at some of these requirements.
Educational Qualifications:
To be eligible, Nurses are expected to have completed a nursing program that is well recognized.
This program is usually expected to be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or diploma in nursing. Although there are some provinces that may need you to get some additional coursework.
Licensing:
As a foreign nurse, you are expected to pass a regulatory process before you will be allowed to practice in Canada. The first step you should take is to apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).
This body is responsible for evaluating the credentials of international nurses. Once you are verified, these nurses can proceed to apply for registration with a provincial body like the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Language Proficiency:
Those applying are expected to prove they have the ability to communicate in English language or French.
To get this, you are expected to pass tests like IELTS Academic or CELBAN (for English) or TEF Canada (for French).
Work Experience:
Although this is not always mandatory, the majority of employers usually prefer nurses that already have at least one or two years of recent clinical experience. For specialized nurses in (ICU, ER, pediatric, etc.), there’s an extra advantage.
Other Requirements:
There’s a need for a clear criminal background check. Medical exam and proof of funds is also needed. Although the process might look like it is stressful, thousands of nurses meet these requirements every year and end up securing sponsorship to work in Canada. So you too can take advantage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Applying for a nursing job in Canada with visa sponsorship requires preparation. The first step is to get your credentials assessed by the NNAS. This step ensures your education and training meet Canadian standards.
Next, apply for licensure in the province where you intend to work. Each province has its own nursing regulatory body. While waiting for licensing, you can begin searching for employers who are licensed to hire foreign workers and provide sponsorship.
Once you secure a job offer, your employer will apply for an LMIA on your behalf. With the LMIA, you can then proceed to apply for a Canadian work permit.
Here’s a simple roadmap:
- Update Your CV in Canadian FormatHere you are expected to show the experiences you have as a nurse. You will also provide certification and the area you plan on specializing. We strongly advise you to pay more attention to patient care, hospital settings, or specialized units like the ICU, pediatrics, or geriatrics. It should be very clear and professional too. Try to avoid longer description that will deviate from your initial goals.
- Prepare Essential DocumentsA lot of employers usually ask for your degree, proof of nursing license, English proficiency test results (IELTS Academic or CELPIP), and reference letters. If you have them, it seriously boost your chances of getting hired.
- Search for Employers Offering SponsorshipMake sure you use very trusted job boards such as:
- Job Bank Canada (official government site)
- HealthCareCAN
- Indeed Canada
- Provincial Health Authority websites (e.g., Ontario Health, Alberta Health Services)
- Apply Directly to Hospitals and Nursing Homes– A lot of vacancies are being listed by so many healthcare institutions on their official career portal. If you apply directly, it increases your chances of being noticed.
- Respond Quickly to Recruiters– If you are being reached out to by a hospital or recruiter, you should reply fast and professionally too. Remember, being fast is enough indication of your interest.
- Prepare for Virtual InterviewsAlways expect possible questions about your nursing experience, your ability to adapt in a new environment, as well as your patient care skills. A whole lot of employers always check to know if you are genuinely ready to relocate to Canada and commit yourself to the role.
- Secure a Job Offer and SponsorshipImmediately you get selected, your employer will give you a job offer letter, and the visa sponsorship process begins immediately.
Try to always verify how legitimate the job offer you got is. Real employers are never going to ask you for upfront payments for your visa or job.
Salary Expectations for Nurses in Canada
One of the biggest reasons a lot of foreign nurses usually choose Canada is obviously because of their attractive salary combined with the benefits that come with employment.
Your salary in Canada as a nurse will largely depend on your job experience, location, and your specialization.
- Entry-Level Nurses (0–2 years experience):CAD $24 – $30 per hour (~$50,000 – $60,000 per annum).
- Mid-Level Nurses (3–7 years experience):CAD $32 – $40 per hour (~$65,000 – $80,000 yearly).
- Senior Nurses (8+ years experience or specializations):CAD $42 – $55 per hour (~$85,000 – $100,000+ annually).
Some other additional benefits often include:
- Overtime pay (a lot of nurses earn extra income from doing extended shifts).
- Paid vacation (you get at least 2–4 weeks annually).
- Healthcare insurance (this insurance is going to covers you and sometimes your family).
- Pension contributions and retirement plans.
In Provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, Nurses salary tends to be higher because of demand and cost of living in these areas.
Top Canadian Cities for Foreign Nurses
In Canada, their need for nurses is different. There are places with just enough nurses to handle the population, while there are also places that are in demand of nurses. These places hire nurses more aggressively. So here are some of the top cities and provinces in Canada that is currently in demand of nurses:
Toronto, Ontario: These are Canada’s largest cities. There are thousands of hospitals and long-term care facilities, as well as health centers, in these places. This is the perfect place to come and grow as a nurse. However, the standard of living here is very high.
Vancouver, British Columbia: Vancouver pays really high salaries. This place is filled with very beautiful surroundings. If you are a foreign nurse, there is a good opportunity for you in hospitals and private clinics.
Calgary & Edmonton, Alberta: Alberta is one of the highest paying cities for nurses in Canada. They usually recruit foreign nurses for their hospitals and elderly care homes.
Winnipeg, Manitoba: This province usually has an affordable cost of living. It is the best place to go if you are looking at settling in Canada permanently.
Halifax, Nova Scotia: This province is very welcoming. They have very strong immigration support program for their healthcare workers.
Each of these provinces usually comes with their own nursing regulatory bodies, like the College of Nurses of Ontario or the British Columbia College of Nurses. Before you begin working, you have to first of all apply for recognition of your foreign qualifications
Success Tips for Getting a Nursing Job in Canada
For you to significantly improve your chances of getting hired with Visa sponsorship, there are so many tips that you will need to consider:
1. Pass the NCLEX Exam: This is a requirement, that is, if you want to become a licensed registered nurse (RN) in Canada. If you prepare early, it will increase your chances of getting hired.
2. Take English Proficiency Tests Seriously: Don’t joke with your English profeincy test. If you have a very strong IELTS or CELPIP scores, it will definitely help to make visa processing very much easier.
3. Gain Specialized Experience: Nurses with ICU, emergency, elderly care, or pediatric expertise are usually hot cakes.
4. Network with Healthcare Recruiters: A lot of recruiters are specialists in assigning foreign-trained nurses in Canadian hospitals.
5. Be Open to Rural Areas: We know that a lot of people will want to work only in the big cities like Toronto. However, you should have at the back of your mind that hospitals in the rural areas are always looking to sponsor more workers due to the urgent shortages they are experiencing.
6. Keep Learning: You should keep learning. Getting an online certification within the Canadian healthcare system will definitely go a long way to strengthen your application.
Conclusion
Over the years, Canada has continued to face very serious nursing shortages. The outbreak of diseases also helped in increasing the demand for healthcare workers all over the country.
These shortages have created a massive opportunity for so many nurses who are looking for visa sponsorship jobs. They have a very attractive salary that starts from a whopping CAD $50,000 to over $100,000 every year.
Then you think of so many benefits within the system, which includes some benefits like healthcare coverage and pension. Seeking job opportunities in Canada as a nurse is probably very rewarding.
Try to be sure that all your documents are intact and in order.
If you are applying, make sure that you are applying from a very trusted employer. There are so many scams out there, and you need to be careful so you don’t fall for it.
You also have to pass the licensing requirements. If all these are in order, you are definitely going to secure a permanent residency in the country.
So, if you are a foreign nurse and you think that you are ready to take that big step up in your career, we think this is the perfect time for you to start your application process for visa sponsorship roles.
Like we said, Canada is very open to healthcare workers, and you could be among the next batch of nurses being welcomed to Canada.
