Licensed Nurses in Canada With Visa Sponsorship

Imagine building a stable, rewarding career in a country that truly values your skills and dedication. Canada is facing a critical nursing shortage, creating an urgent and golden opportunity for internationally trained nurses to secure their future. With hospitals and health authorities actively recruiting from abroad, they are not just offering jobs but full visa sponsorship, competitive salaries, and a clear pathway to permanent residency.

For registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses, this is a chance to earn a high income with average hourly wages ranging from CAD $38 to $55 while making a profound difference in communities across Canada.

The Canadian Nursing Landscape: Why the Demand?

Canada’s demand for nurses is driven by an aging population, a wave of retirements within the existing nursing workforce, and expanding healthcare needs. This shortage is nationwide, with particularly high needs in provinces like

• Ontario
• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Nova Scotia
• Manitoba

For internationally educated nurses, this translates into genuine opportunities for visa sponsorship, competitive salaries, and a clear pathway to permanent residency.

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The Non-Negotiable First Step: Licensure and Credential Assessment

Before you can search for a job or apply for a visa, you must begin the process of becoming licensed to practice in Canada. This is the most critical and time-consuming part of the journey.

Step 1: National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)

• Most provinces require you to start with NNAS, which verifies your educational credentials and nursing experience against Canadian standards.
• You will submit your transcripts, registration details, and employment records for evaluation.

Step 2: Provincial Registration

• After NNAS, you apply to the nursing regulatory body in the province where you wish to work. Each province has its own:
  • College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
  • British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
  • College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)
• The provincial college will outline specific requirements, which almost always include:
  • Language Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in English (IELTS or CELBAN) or French.
  • Jurisprudence Exam: A test on the laws and ethics of nursing in that province.
  • NCLEX-RN Exam (for RNs) or Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE for LPNs/RPNs): The national licensing exam.
  • Bridging Programs or Supervised Practice: Depending on your NNAS outcome, you may be required to complete additional coursework or clinical hours.

Details of Licensed Nurses in Canada With Visa Sponsorship

Key Points

• Job Titles: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Registered Practical Nurse (RPN in Ontario), Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN in Western Canada).
• Employment Type: Primarily full-time, permanent positions in hospitals, long-term care homes, clinics, and community health centers.
• Shift Work: Be prepared for rotating schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Salary Expectations

Salaries vary by province, experience, and specialization. The following are realistic average hourly ranges:

• Registered Nurse (RN): CAD $40 – $55 per hour (Approx. $80,000 – $115,000 annually)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): CAD $30 – $38 per hour (Approx. $60,000 – $80,000 annually)
• Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN): CAD $36 – $48 per hour (Approx. $75,000 – $100,000 annually)

Typical Benefits Package

When hired with visa sponsorship, you can typically expect:

• Visa and LMIA fee support from the employer.
• Relocation assistance (often a one-time payment or reimbursement).
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
• Pension plan contributions (e.g., to the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan – HOOPP).
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave).
• Funding or paid time for ongoing education and professional development.

Visa Sponsorship

There are two primary routes for nurses to obtain work authorization:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
   • An employer must obtain a Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available for the role.
   • Once the LMIA is approved, you can apply for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer.
   • This is a common starting point for many internationally recruited nurses.
2. Economic Immigration Pathways (Direct to Permanent Residency):
   • Express Entry: The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a points-based system. Having a valid job offer provides significant points, but nurses with strong profiles (based on age, education, experience, and language) may qualify without one.
   • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Many provinces have specific streams targeting nurses. A provincial nomination gives you a massive boost in the Express Entry system. The Atlantic Immigration Program is another popular route for the Eastern provinces.

How to Find a Job with Visa Sponsorship

1. Start the Licensure Process Early: Employers are more likely to consider candidates who have already made significant progress with NNAS and their provincial college.
2. Use Specialized Job Boards:
   • Health Authorities: Apply directly on the career websites of major regional health authorities (e.g., Fraser Health, BC; Alberta Health Services; Ontario Health).
   • Government Job Bank: Canada’s official job bank.
   • General Portals: Indeed, LinkedIn, and Workopolis.
3. Leverage Recruitment Agencies: Many Canadian healthcare employers use specialized recruitment firms to source international nursing talent. Research reputable agencies that focus on healthcare recruitment.

Conclusion

Nursing positions in Canada with visa sponsorship represent a premier career move for internationally trained healthcare professionals in 2025. Driven by a severe domestic shortage, Canada offers a structured and supportive pathway for foreign nurses, combining high earning potential, comprehensive benefits, and long-term immigration prospects.

By following the necessary steps for credential verification and licensure, qualified nurses can successfully navigate the application process and embark on a fulfilling career in one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems.

Frequently Asked Questions