Canada remains one of the most attractive destinations for internationally educated nurses (IENs), offering excellent remuneration, safe working environments, and structured immigration pathways. As the country’s ageing population grows and the demand for qualified nurses intensifies, employers increasingly turn to global recruitment to fill critical gaps. For 2025/2026, opportunities for nursing jobs with visa sponsorship are expanding across provinces, particularly in acute care, long-term care, home care, and community health sectors.
Why Canada Needs International Nurses
Canada faces a consistent nursing shortage due to retirements, the aging demographic, and post-pandemic healthcare strain. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) projects a shortage of over 60,000 nurses by 2030, with provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia experiencing acute staffing challenges. Rural and remote areas remain hardest hit, prompting employers to sponsor foreign nurses to maintain safe staffing levels.
Pathways to Nursing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Many provinces nominate internationally educated nurses through targeted healthcare streams under their Provincial Nominee Programs. For example:
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Ontario’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream allows healthcare employers to sponsor nurses directly, facilitating faster permanent residency.
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British Columbia’s Healthcare Professional Category under the BC PNP actively invites nurses with job offers, particularly in public health authorities.
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Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream regularly issues draws targeting nurses to support its healthcare expansion plans.
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
For nurses targeting Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island), the AIP is an attractive option. It allows designated employers to hire foreign nurses and support their permanent residency applications. The streamlined process prioritizes quick integration into the workforce, addressing regional shortages.
3. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program & Canadian Experience Class)
Nursing is classified under NOC 31301 (Registered Nurses) and NOC 32101 (Licensed Practical Nurses), eligible under the Express Entry system. Employers can provide job offers to strengthen an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, enhancing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
4. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Some employers hire nurses under the TFWP to fill urgent gaps while permanent residency applications are processed. This requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) confirming no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role. Many nurses transition from TFWP status to PR after gaining Canadian work experience.
Eligibility Requirements for International Nurses
To secure a nursing job with visa sponsorship in Canada, candidates typically need:
A. Proof of nursing education equivalent to Canadian standards
B. Registration with a provincial nursing regulatory body (e.g., CNO, BCCNM, CARNA, CRNBC)
C. English or French language proficiency (usually IELTS Academic or CELBAN with minimum scores per province)
D. Nursing experience (minimum 1-2 years preferred for sponsorship roles)
E. Clean criminal record and medical examination clearance
Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada
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Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved agency (e.g., WES, IQAS).
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Register with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) for credential evaluation.
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Apply to the relevant provincial nursing regulatory body for licensure eligibility and bridging requirements.
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Complete required bridging programs if needed, such as the Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) bridging programs offered by Canadian colleges.
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Pass the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) or CPNRE (Practical Nurse) exam to gain licensure.
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Secure employment with an employer offering visa sponsorship and proceed with immigration pathways.
Types of Nursing Jobs with Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship is common across diverse nursing specialities, including:
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Registered Nurses (RN) – acute care, ICU, medical-surgical units
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Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)/Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) – long-term care, rehabilitation, home care
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Personal Support Workers (PSWs) – though not nurses, many internationally educated nurses start as PSWs while completing Canadian licensure requirements
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Specialist Nurses – critical care, emergency, oncology, mental health, geriatrics
Top Employers Sponsoring International Nurses in Canada
1.1 Public Health Authorities (e.g. Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Alberta Health Services, Nova Scotia Health Authority)
1.2 Private Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes
1.3 Home Care Providers (e.g., Bayshore, ParaMed)
1.4 Rural and Remote Hospitals offering relocation incentives and sponsorship packages
Salary Expectations
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Registered Nurses (RN): CAD $65,000 – $110,000 annually depending on province, experience, and speciality
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Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): CAD $45,000 – $70,000 annually
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Specialist Nurses: often earn upwards of CAD $100,000 with overtime and differential shifts
Benefits of Nursing Jobs in Canada
1. Permanent residency pathways for you and your family
2.Competitive salaries and benefits packages
3.Safe work environments with union protection
4.High standard of living and diverse multicultural society
5.Professional development and specialization opportunities
Challenges and Considerations
While nursing jobs with visa sponsorship are abundant, international nurses often face:
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Credential recognition delays – the NNAS and provincial licensing processes can take 6-12 months
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Adaptation to Canadian healthcare systems and cultural differences
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Initial settlement costs before the first salary is received
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English or French proficiency challenges for those from non-English-speaking countries
However, structured bridging programs and settlement agencies assist IENs in overcoming these hurdles efficiently.
Future Outlook for 2025/2026
The Canadian government continues to priorities healthcare worker immigration under its Immigration Levels Plan, with annual targets rising to historic highs. Provinces are revising licensing processes to expedite foreign nurse integration, and employers are expanding recruitment partnerships internationally. Specialized recruitment missions to the Philippines, India, Nigeria, and the Middle East are planned throughout 2025/2026 to attract qualified nurses with sponsorship offers.
Conclusion
Nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship remain a promising pathway for internationally educated nurses seeking career growth, stability, and permanent residency. With robust demand across provinces and supportive immigration policies, 2025 and 2026 will continue to present abundant opportunities in diverse nursing fields. By ensuring their credentials, language proficiency, and licensing pathways are strategically planned, nurses can confidently embark on a fulfilling career in Canada’s dynamic and compassionate healthcare system.