youthpublishnowCanada’s nursing shortage is not going to be solved by domestic training programs in the near future, and everyone in Canadian healthcare knows it. The country’s aging population is creating sustained demand for nurses across hospital, community, and long-term care settings. Retirements from an aging nursing workforce are outpacing new graduate entries. And provincial healthcare systems are expanding services, not contracting them.
For internationally trained nurses from Nigeria, the Philippines, India, and other countries, this creates a genuine, well-funded opportunity. The path is structured, the requirements are clear, and thousands of foreign nurses have successfully navigated it. This guide tells you what the process looks like in 2026.
Nursing Salaries in Canada in 2026
| Role | Province | Annual Salary (CAD) |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Ontario | CAD 68,000 to 105,000 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | British Columbia | CAD 72,000 to 108,000 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Alberta | CAD 70,000 to 106,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Ontario | CAD 52,000 to 74,000 |
| Personal Support Worker (PSW) | Ontario | CAD 40,000 to 58,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Ontario | CAD 108,000 to 148,000 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | British Columbia | CAD 95,000 to 128,000 |
The NCLEX-RN and Canadian Nursing Licensure
Canada moved to the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) as the standard registration examination for most provinces and territories. This is the same examination used in the United States, which means preparation materials are widely available.
To be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN in Canada, internationally trained nurses must first have their credentials assessed. The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) provides centralized credential assessment for nurses applying in most Canadian provinces. The NNAS process takes several months, so starting it as early as possible in your immigration planning is critical.
Province-by-Province Licensing Authorities
- Ontario: College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Largest nursing regulator in Canada.
- British Columbia: BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Active international recruitment programs through BC health authorities.
- Alberta: College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). Alberta Health Services is one of Canada’s most active international nursing recruiters.
- Manitoba: College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM). Manitoba has expedited licensing procedures and active PNP streams for nurses.
- Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN). Atlantic Canada has significant demand for nurses and accessible immigration pathways.
Immigration Pathways for Nurses to Canada
Express Entry: Registered nurses with qualifying credentials and experience can enter the Express Entry pool. A provincial nomination effectively guarantees an invitation. BC, Alberta, and Ontario all actively nominate nurses.
Provincial Nominee Programs: Most provinces have healthcare worker streams. Manitoba’s PNP is particularly accessible for internationally trained nurses due to its expedited licensing procedures.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Health authorities and hospitals with an LMIA can hire international nurses on work permits while the full licensure process is completed. This is common for nurses who arrive with provisional registration.
Atlantic Immigration Program: Atlantic Canada health authorities actively use this program to recruit internationally trained nurses.
How to Apply for Canadian Nursing Jobs
- Start the NNAS credential assessment process immediately. This is the longest single step.
- Contact the nursing regulatory body of your target province early to understand specific requirements.
- Apply for nursing roles through HealthForceOntario, Health Match BC, Alberta Health Services careers, and Nova Scotia Health careers.
- International nursing staffing agencies including HealthStaff Recruitment and Medacs Healthcare Canada have experience placing internationally trained nurses in Canadian hospitals.
- Prepare your English language proficiency documentation. IELTS Academic 7.0 overall (no band below 7.0) or CLB 7 equivalent is a common provincial requirement.
How long does the full process take from starting NNAS to working as a nurse in Canada?
The full process from NNAS application to holding a Canadian nursing licence and working in a hospital typically takes 18 to 30 months. Starting early and having all documents organized at the beginning reduces delays significantly.
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