Canada is facing one of the most critical nursing shortages in decades. Demand for Registered Nurse in Canada (RNs) is rising steadily, and projections show that this trend will continue well into 2033. For internationally educated nurses, this creates a golden opportunity: excellent salaries, long-term job security, and multiple immigration pathways to permanent residence (PR).

Whether you are already a nurse abroad or considering nursing studies in Canada, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada, from licensing requirements to study options and immigration pathways.

Why Choose Nursing in Canada?

High Demand Nationwide

Canada’s healthcare system is under significant pressure due to a combination of factors, an aging population, increased demand for chronic disease management, and retirements among experienced nurses. Registered nurse in Canada are in short supply across every province, with thousands of job vacancies listed on hospital websites, provincial health authority portals, and national job boards. This shortage means faster hiring timelines, more recruitment missions abroad, and in some provinces, expedited licensing processes to bring international nurses into the workforce more quickly.

Competitive Salaries

The average salary for a registered nurse in Canada ranges from CAD $70,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on location, seniority, and specialization. For example, nurses in urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver often start in the $80,000 range, while rural or northern postings may offer additional incentives and bonuses to attract candidates. In addition to salary, Canadian nurses usually enjoy strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and opportunities for overtime, making this a financially rewarding career.

Immigration Advantage

From an immigration perspective, registered nurses hold a major advantage. Under Canada’s updated National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, RNs fall under TEER 1 (NOC 31301). Occupations in TEER 1 are highly valued because they require advanced education and experience, which aligns with Canada’s long-term economic and healthcare goals. As a result, registered nurses are eligible for Express Entry category-based draws, as well as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that specifically target healthcare professionals. This gives internationally educated RNs multiple pathways to PR without necessarily needing a job offer upfront.

Step 1: Licensing Process for Internationally Educated Registered Nurse in Canada

To work as a Registered Nurse in Canada, you must be licensed by the nursing regulator in your chosen province or territory. While each province has its own requirements, the general process includes several key stagesNurses-1 RN:

1. Credential Assessment

Internationally educated nurses must first prove that their academic qualifications meet Canadian standards. This is typically done through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Nurses submit transcripts, proof of nursing licenses from their home country, employment history, and identification documents. Importantly, these documents must be sent directly from the source institution, ensuring authenticity.

• Since 2025, some provinces, notably Ontario, also accept assessments from World Education Services (WES) and International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS). This provides alternative, sometimes faster, evaluation routes.

2. Language Proficiency

Because nursing involves direct patient communication, language proficiency is critical. Most applicants must take an English or French test. Accepted exams include:

• IELTS Academic (minimum CLB 7 in most cases)
• CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses), which tests nursing-specific English skills like patient interaction and medical terminology.
  Exemptions are possible if your education or professional experience was completed in an English- or French-speaking country.

3. National Licensing Exam

All registered nurses must pass the Next Generation NCLEX-RN, which replaced the traditional NCLEX exam in 2024. The NGN exam is computer-adaptive and focuses on clinical judgment and decision-making, skills critical for safe nursing practice in Canada. In addition, some provinces require a jurisprudence exam, an online test on nursing laws, ethics, and regulations specific to that province.

4. Provincial Registration

Once you have your credential assessment and exam results, you apply directly to the nursing regulator in your chosen province (e.g., the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)). Regulators may require additional steps, such as a competency assessment or a bridging program if gaps are found between your training and Canadian standards.

5. Legal Status & Provisional Licensing

To receive a full RN license, you must prove your legal right to work in Canada, either as a citizen, permanent resident, or work permit holder. However, many provinces issue a provisional or conditional license while you are in the process of securing work authorization. This allows you to demonstrate your qualifications to employers and speeds up your transition into the workforce.

Tip: Free pre-arrival programs like PASS and SOPA can help you prepare before moving to Canada.

Step 2: Provincial Licensing Differences

While the national requirements are consistent, each province has tailored policies to attract registered nurse in Canada. Here are some highlights:

• Ontario: Accepts NNAS, WES, or ICAS assessments. Offers bridging programs through the IEN Competency Assessment Program. Nurses can also take CELBAN instead of IELTS. Provisional licenses are available for those waiting on PR or work permits.
• British Columbia: Uses Inspire Global Assessments for credentials. Nurses from the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand often qualify for exemptions. BC even covers assessment fees for eligible IENs and has an expedited pathway for U.S.-trained nurses.
• Alberta: Requires proof of at least 250 hours of nursing practice in the last 5 years or completion of a refresher program. Offers unique pre-arrival courses such as “Legal Aspects of Nursing in Canada.”
• Manitoba: Accelerated licensing for nurses already living in the province. Since 2024, it recognizes eight different methods of proving English proficiency, offering more flexibility.
• Nova Scotia: Has an expedited licensure pathway for nurses from seven designated countries (US, UK, India, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland), though temporarily paused in 2025 due to high demand.
• Newfoundland & Labrador: Introduced the Designated Countries Pathway to simplify licensing for the same seven countries. Temporary licensure options and supervised practice programs are also available.
• Territories (NWT & Nunavut): Require applicants to first register in another province before applying locally. A job offer from the territorial government is usually necessary for a work permit.

Step 3: Study Options for International Students

If you want to start fresh by studying nursing in Canada, there are excellent Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) programs across the country. These are Designated Learning Institution (DLI)-approved and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)-eligible, meaning you can stay and work in Canada after graduationNurses Study Options – Freebie ….

Examples of Registered Nurse in Canada Study Programs:

• University of Toronto (Ontario) – BScN (4 years), approx. CAD $52,000/year. A globally ranked nursing program with access to Toronto’s top hospitals.
• York University (Ontario) – BScN (4 years), CAD $29,000/year. Strong emphasis on community health and multicultural care.
• BCIT (British Columbia) – BSN (4 years), CAD $9,000/year. One of the most affordable RN programs in Canada, with excellent lab training facilities.
• University of Alberta (Alberta) – Collaborative BScN (2–4 years), CAD $32,000/year. Offers after-degree options for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia) – BScN Advanced Entry (2.5 years), CAD $17,000–$46,000/year. Accelerated pathway for students with prior post-secondary education.
• Memorial University (Newfoundland & Labrador) – BScN (4 years), CAD $16,000/year. Among the lowest tuition fees in Canada for nursing.

Graduating from one of these programs not only gives you Canadian credentials but also strengthens your PR prospects. With a PGWP, you can gain Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility and access provincial streams for international graduates.

Graduating from one of these programs makes you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a key step toward PR.

Step 4: PR Pathways for Registered Nurse in Canada

Registered nurse in Canada have more immigration options than most professions because of the high demand for healthcare workersNurses – 4 PR Guide.

1. Express Entry (Federal Pathways)

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): For nurses abroad with at least one year of work experience.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those who studied or worked in Canada.
• Category-Based Healthcare Draws: Since 2023, IRCC has run draws specifically targeting healthcare workers, with CRS cut-offs as low as 379.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each province has at least one stream for nurses:

• Ontario – Human Capital Priorities Stream, no job offer needed in some cases.
• British Columbia – Health Authority Stream, direct PR with a job offer from a public health employer.
• Nova Scotia – Labour Market Priorities Stream, frequently inviting nurses with Canadian work experience.
• Saskatchewan – Health Talent Pathway, requiring a job offer and licensing.
• New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador – Actively conduct overseas recruitment missions to hire international nurses.

3. Study-to-PR Route

International students who complete a BScN program in Canada often follow this pathway:

• Graduate → Obtain PGWP → Work as a Registered Nurse in Canada → Apply for PR via CEC or a PNP International Graduate Stream.
• Some provinces, like Ontario, even have a Master’s Graduate Stream allowing PR applications without a job offer.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada is a structured but achievable process. From credential assessments to national exams, bridging programs, and immigration streams, the pathway is designed to welcome skilled nurses into Canada’s healthcare system.

Whether you start licensing from abroad, study nursing in Canada, or leverage Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, you have multiple opportunities to succeed.

Next Step: Book a consultation to map out your personal pathway: pcici.ca/consultation