How to work as a nurse in Canada

Each Canadian province has its own nursing regulator, so first decide where you want to work. Most internationally educated nurses start with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Québec has its own process through the OIIQ.

The steps

1. Apply to NNAS. NNAS checks your education, registration and work experience and writes an advisory report. Ask your nursing school to send transcripts early, because this often takes months.
2. Apply to the regulator in your province, for example the College of Nurses of Ontario or the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. They may ask for a competency assessment or a bridging course.
3. Pass the national exam. Registered nurses take the NCLEX-RN, which you can take outside Canada. Practical nurses take the exam their province uses.
4. Prove your language level. Regulators accept tests such as IELTS Academic or CELBAN (French for Québec). Their scores can be higher than immigration scores.
5. Choose your immigration route. Options include Express Entry (with draws just for healthcare workers), provincial nominee programmes, or an employer-supported work permit.

Good to know

• Getting permanent residence and getting your nursing licence are two separate processes. You can work on both at the same time.
• Some provinces run programmes that help pay for assessments if you commit to work there.

Watch out: The official Canada immigration forms are free. Only licensed immigration consultants (RCIC) or lawyers can charge you for immigration advice.

Official sites

• NNAS
• Canada: Express Entry
• College-Conseil: find a licensed consultant

Rules change. Always confirm the details on the official sites linked in this guide before you pay for any exam or application.