Canadian Nurse Shortage
There are some requirement to move to Canada as a Nurse and this article will help identify those requirements.
Nurses are crucial in the Canadian healthcare system. The aftermath of the pandemic has led to a significant shortage of skilled nurses in Canada, impacting hospital efficiency and patient care. So much so there is a high demand for international nurses.
If you are an internationally trained nurse or have substantial nursing experience, moving to Canada gives you an opportunity to apply your expertise. This article will explore available immigration programs and guide you on how to immigrate to Canada as a nurse.
Reasons You Should Move to Canada as a Nurse
Shortage of skilled nurses:
- The Government’s Job Bank claims that labour shortages in nursing will continue in the foreseeable future.
- Current estimates show that from 2019 to 2028, there will be 191,100 job opportunities for registered nurses, which only 154,600 candidates will be qualified to do. Leaving an estimated international shortage of over 36,000 nurses.
- Statistics from 2019 to 2021 show that nursing job vacancies have doubled.
Nurses earn a high salary
- While nursing salaries vary from province to province and also depend on your national occupation code (NOC). Nurses in Canada, on average, get paid very well.
- Currently, the median income for registered nurses in Canada is $76,000 annually. But many registered nurses can see increases up to $92,000 a year. Making a comfortable salary, especially in Canada.
Immigration Programs for Internationally Recognized Nurses
Canada welcomes newcomers with open arms if they have the necessary skill set and qualifications for industries with labour shortages. The skill can enable you to apply for a Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). We will discuss some of the PR programs you can choose from when deciding on moving to Canada as a nurse.
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
The Express Entry FSW program is one of the most popular options for skilled immigrants coming to Canada. As an internationally qualified nurse, this program would enable you to come to Canada as a permanent resident. Applicants who apply for the FSW are selected based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. It isn’t based on you being a nurse; you must be proficient in multiple categories.
The CRS score is based on factors such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and more. You might be eligible for additional points if you have a Canadian job offer, provincial nomination, or Canadian work experience and educational credentials from a recognized Canadian institution.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
All the Canadian Provinces and territories, excluding Nunavut and Quebec, have their own Provincial Nominee Program. The PNP was created to allow a province to nominate an applicant with the necessary qualifications and skillset to try and close the labour shortage gap within the province or territory.
Like the FSW program, the PNP selection process uses the CRS score to rank candidates. However, specific PNP streams enable provinces to nominate skilled workers in particular professions based on their National Occupation Classification (NOC) code to address urgent market demands.
Due to the demand, the PNP route might be a better option, as some provinces are more eager to nominate nurses. So it is likely that they would sponsor you, and you could come to Canada with a job waiting for you.
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The Different Types of Canadian Nursing Licenses
In Canada, nursing is a regulated profession. You have to be licensed by your territorial or provincial regulator to operate as a nurse in your area as well as in Canada. If you get a position as a nurse before coming to Canada, most provinces will allow you to start the licensing process before landing in Canada.
In Canada, you can get three main types of nursing licenses, which depend on the education level, skill, and job responsibilities. You can find the three different types of licenses below.
Requirements For Nurses Coming To Canada
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
To be eligible for an NP license, you must have a master’s degree in nursing or an advanced nursing credential specializing in adult, pediatric, or primary healthcare. In addition to the educational requirements, you must have work experience as a registered nurse (RN) or equivalent.
An NP license would be considered an RN license extension in some provinces or areas. If you are in one of those areas, you must first register or be eligible for an RN license before getting your NP license.
Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Psychiatric Nurse
To qualify for an RN license, you have to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You must provide evidence of recent nursing practice if you got your degree over 3 years ago.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
An LPN, also known as a Registered Practical Nurse, requires the following to qualify for a license. You need to have a diploma in nursing, and if you got your diploma more than 3 years ago, you would need to provide proof of recent nursing practice.
There are numerous advantages to choosing Canada as a nurse. Navigating the requirements might be challenging, but our team at Jane Katkova & Associates is here to assist you. We are ready to guide you through the process, addressing any concerns or questions you may have and providing clarity every step of the way. We also have more information on how to get licensed in Canada as a foreign Nurse that can help you.
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