Canadian Immigration News

Most Popular Provinces for Internationally Trained Nurses

3 minute read
Working as a nurse or another healthcare professional in Canada is a great opportunity, and plenty of jobs are available. Learn more about the plenty of opportunities available to immigrate to Canada as a nurse through provincial nominee programs.
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Jun 14, 2023
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Are you a nurse looking to relocate to Canada? Can your international work experience as a nurse be applied to the Canadian healthcare workforce?

Working as a nurse or another healthcare professional in Canada is a great opportunity, and plenty of jobs are available.

Learn more about the plenty of opportunities available to immigrate to Canada as a nurse through provincial nominee programs.

Does Canada Have a Demand for Nurses?

Canada has a growing need for more healthcare workers due to an aging and growing Canadian population and other factors that arose before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada already had a need for healthcare professionals before the pandemic; following it, the need is as prevalent as ever.

Working as a nurse in Canada means you are addressing a constant labour need. This would give you job security in a well-paying role. 

Provincial Nominee Programs for Nurses

To determine which immigration programs you are eligible for, you’ll need to know the NOC codes and skill levels that correspond with the job you want to work in.

The code for registered nurses and psychiatric nurses is NOC 3021, with NOC skill level A.

Licensed practical nurses fall under code NOC 3233 and NOC skill level B.

In addition to provincial nominee programs, internationally trained nurses can also qualify for immigration through the Express Entry immigration system.

Below are some of the provinces with the highest demand for nurses in Canada. Explore provincial nominee programs to find the best stream for you and your journey toward working as a nurse in Canada.

Ontario

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a great option for internationally trained nurses. Ontario has a high population and is always in need of more nurses.

Ontario added NOC 3413 to accommodate more nurses, such as nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates.

You can explore the Human Capital Priorities Stream, targeted at skilled workers.

British Columbia

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) will help nurses find jobs in BC.

Nurses looking to work in British Columbia can apply through the Skilled Immigration stream under the Healthcare Professional category.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s Nominee Program (NSNP) is essential to addressing the shortage of nurses in the province of Nova Scotia.

This immigration stream is one of the most efficient pathways in Canada for an internationally trained nurse to get to Canada and begin working.

Pathways for nurses include the Labour Market Priorities stream. The province sometimes holds draws specifically for nurses to apply for a provincial nomination.

New Brunswick

Through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), New Brunswick plans to address their shortage of nurses.

After the pandemic, New Brunswick’s need for nurses doubled. Because the province does not generally have a high immigration rate, applying to be a nurse here could increase your odds of being selected.

You can apply through the Internationally Educated Nurses program.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has a stream for healthcare workers in any area, including nurses, to apply for a nomination.

The International Healthcare Worker EOI pool is an option for any foreign-trained healthcare workers looking to settle and work in the province of Saskatchewan.

Manitoba

Interested in becoming a nurse in Manitoba? Explore the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

Manitoba has a strong need for nurses that was prevalent before the COVID-19 pandemic. Several jobs need to be filled throughout the province, especially in hospitals.

You can apply to be a nurse in Manitoba through the Skilled Workers stream, as nurses are classified as a Rural In-Demand Occupation.

Other Options for Nurses

In addition to the provincial programs listed above, you can explore immigration options for Quebec, as the province operates outside the traditional PNP structure.

Learn more about other provincial nominee programs below:

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