Nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship are ample in amount and Canada is a top destination for nurses worldwide, offering excellent career opportunities, competitive salaries, and a high quality of life. With a growing demand for healthcare professionals, many Canadian employers provide visa sponsorship to qualified international nurses. we will explore everything you need to know about securing a nursing job in Canada, including eligibility, licensing, job search strategies, and visa sponsorship options.
Key Takeaways
- Canada has a high demand for nurses, making it an ideal destination for international healthcare professionals.
- Visa sponsorship is available through various immigration programs, including the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Foreign-trained nurses must obtain licensure from a provincial nursing regulatory body before practicing in Canada.
- Job search platforms, recruitment agencies, and networking can help secure nursing positions with visa sponsorship.
- Competitive salaries, benefits, and pathways to permanent residency make nursing in Canada a rewarding career choice.
Why Choose Nursing Jobs in Canada?
Canada’s healthcare system is renowned for its efficiency and inclusivity, creating a constant need for skilled nurses. Here are some compelling reasons to consider nursing jobs in Canada:
- High Demand: Canada faces a shortage of nurses, with thousands of job openings across provinces.
- Attractive Salaries: Registered Nurses (RNs) earn between 70,000to70,000to100,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
- Work-Life Balance: Canadian labor laws ensure reasonable working hours, paid leave, and employee benefits.
- Permanent Residency Pathways: Nurses can transition from work permits to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry.
- Quality of Life: Canada offers universal healthcare, safety, multiculturalism, and excellent education systems for families.
Eligibility & Licensing for International Nurses
Before applying for nursing jobs in Canada, foreign-trained nurses must meet specific eligibility and licensing requirements:
1. Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA)
- Your nursing degree must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or a similar designated organization.
- The assessment ensures your qualifications are equivalent to Canadian standards.
2. Language Proficiency Test
- Nurses must prove English (IELTS/CELPIP) or French (TEF) proficiency.
- Most regulatory bodies require a minimum CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark).
3. National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
- International nurses must apply through NNAS for credential verification before provincial registration.
4. Provincial Nursing License
- Each province has its nursing regulatory body (e.g., College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP)).
- You may need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam or a provincial competency test.
5. Work Permit & Visa Sponsorship
- Employers can sponsor nurses through Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or Express Entry.
- Some provinces offer accelerated licensing and immigration pathways for nurses.
Top 14 Nursing Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship quick apply now
| No. | Position Title & Location | Description | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Registered Nurse (RN) – Northern Ontario | Work with Indigenous Services Canada in First Nations communities, practicing a comprehensive range of services. | Apply Now |
| 2 | Clinical Nurse Specialist – Nationwide | Positions with ISC offering salaries from $92,653 to $111,569, including benefits and pension plans. | Apply Now |
| 3 | Nurse Practitioner – Qualicum Beach, BC | Offers a $2,000 signing bonus, $3,000 relocation benefit, and scheduled rewards totaling $12,000 over 2 years. | Apply Now |
| 4 | Nurse Practitioner – Medical Surgical, Québec City, QC | Up to 4 years of TN Visa sponsorship, with licensing fees covered and paid relocation. | Apply Now |
| 5 | Licensed Practical Nurse – Vancouver, BC | Flexible shifts, competitive wages, and access to educational courses in palliative care settings. | Apply Now |
| 6 | Registered Nurse – Emergency, Creston, BC | Employer-paid health benefits, training opportunities, and premium shifts in emergency care. | Apply Now |
| 7 | Nurse Practitioner – Toronto, ON | Involves recruiting and screening research participants, coordinating patient visits, and providing clinical care. | Apply Now |
| 8 | US Registered Nurse (USRN) – Canada | Full-time positions with salaries ranging from $48.02 to $85.83 per hour, including relocation assistance. | Apply Now |
| 9 | Canadian Nurses – OB Registered Nurse – Calgary, AB | Positions offering $40.81–$53.21 per hour with full visa sponsorship and license transfer assistance. | Apply Now |
| 10 | Canadian Nurses – ER Registered Nurse – Calgary, AB | Emergency room positions with competitive pay and comprehensive visa sponsorship packages. | Apply Now |
| 11 | Registered Nurse for United States Opportunity – British Columbia | Offers from $84,878 annually, seeking new graduates and experienced RNs requiring TN and green card sponsorship. | Apply Now |
| 12 | Canadian Nurses – OR Registered Nurse – Calgary, AB | Operating room positions with full visa sponsorship and assistance in license transfer. | Apply Now |
| 13 | RN Openings in NYC – UAS RN – British Columbia | Positions in New York City with salaries from $120,000 annually, offering free TN Visa and green card sponsorship. | Apply Now |
| 14 | Registered Nurse Medical Surgical – Montréal, QC | Roles offering $29–$65 per hour with paid immigration support, NCLEX support, and relocation assistance. | Apply Now |
How to Find Nursing Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
1. Job Search Platforms
- Indeed Canada
- Workopolis
- USA staffing
- Government Job Banks
2. Recruitment Agencies
- Canadian Health Care Agency (www.chca.com)
- Bayshore Healthcare (www.bayshore.ca)
- Alberta Health Services (AHS) (www.albertahealthservices.ca)
3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
4. Networking & Professional Associations
- Join Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) (www.cna-aiic.ca)
- Attend healthcare job fairs and LinkedIn networking events.
Top Provinces in Canada for Nursing Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
| Province | Average Salary (RN) | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 75,000−75,000−95,000 | College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) |
| British Columbia | 78,000−78,000−100,000 | BCCNP |
| Alberta | 80,000−80,000−105,000 | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Quebec | 70,000−70,000−90,000 | Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) |
| Manitoba | 72,000−72,000−92,000 | College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) |
Nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship & Immigration Pathways
1. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Nurses with 1+ year of experience can apply under NOC 31301.
- CRS score determines eligibility for Invitation to Apply (ITA).
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Provinces like Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia prioritize healthcare workers.
3. Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Smaller communities offer faster PR pathways for nurses.
4. Caregiver Programs
- Some nurses qualify through Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilot.
FAQs
Can I work as a nurse in Canada without Canadian experience?
Yes, but you must pass licensing exams and meet provincial requirements. Some employers offer bridging programs for international nurses.
How long does the nursing licensure process take?
It can take 6-12 months, depending on credential verification, exams, and provincial processing times.
Which Canadian province is easiest for nurses to immigrate to?
Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick have faster licensing and PNP options.
Do Canadian hospitals hire foreign nurses directly?
Yes, many hospitals and healthcare agencies sponsor visas for qualified international nurses.
What is the fastest way to move to Canada as a nurse?
Apply through Express Entry with a valid job offer or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for quicker processing.
Conclusion
Nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer lucrative salaries, career growth, and a pathway to permanent residency. By meeting licensing requirements, leveraging job search strategies, and exploring immigration programs, international nurses can successfully build a rewarding career in Canada. Start your journey today by researching provincial regulations and applying for job opportunities
