Licensed Nurses Jobs in Canada With Visa Sponsorship

Imagine building a rewarding career in a country that truly values your skills, offering stability, respect, and a future filled with opportunity. Canada is facing a critical healthcare shortage, and it’s actively seeking compassionate, skilled nurses from around the world to join its communities.

This isn’t just a job offer; it’s an invitation to become a vital part of Canada’s healthcare system, with comprehensive visa sponsorship, competitive salaries ranging from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, and a clear, supported pathway to permanent residency. 

This guide will walk you through why Canada is calling, the detailed requirements you need to meet, the incredible benefits awaiting you, and a step-by-step process on how to apply. If you’re ready to make a difference and transform your life, your journey to becoming a nurse in Canada starts here.

Why Canada is Sponsoring International Nurses

Canada’s healthcare system is proactively recruiting internationally educated nurses (IENs) to address a critical domestic shortfall.

• Severe Nursing Shortage: An aging population and a wave of retirements have created a significant gap in healthcare staffing that cannot be filled domestically.
• High Demand Across Provinces: Urgent needs exist from coast to coast, with particularly high hiring rates in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Nursing is a prioritized occupation. Most visa sponsorship programs are designed to help you transition seamlessly to becoming a permanent resident.
• Attractive Salaries & Benefits: Nurses in Canada are among the best-compensated globally, with strong benefits packages and union protections.
• Global Opportunities: Nurses from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond are highly encouraged to apply to diversify and strengthen Canada’s healthcare workforce.

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Job Details: Nursing in Canada

Key Points

• Job Titles: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Registered Practical Nurse (RPN in Ontario), Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN in the West)
• Location: Nationwide, across all provinces and territories.
• Employment Type: Full-time, permanent positions are the norm.
• Visa Sponsorship: Yes. Employers typically provide LMIA-supported work permits.
• Average Salary:
  • Registered Nurses (RNs): CAD $42–$55/hour (approx. $80,000–$110,000 annually)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): CAD $28 – $35/hour (approx. $55,000 – $70,000 annually)
• Relocation: Assistance is often provided, though accommodation is not usually included.
• Shifts: Rotating schedules including days, evenings, nights, and weekends.

Responsibilities of Nurses in Canada

Your role will be comprehensive and patient-focused, including:

• Conducting patient health assessments and monitoring conditions.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating individualized care plans.
• Administering medication and treatments.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed patient records.
• Supervising care aides and support staff.
• Educating patients and families on health management.
• Ensuring strict compliance with all healthcare standards and protocols.

Eligibility Criteria for Nurses in Canada (2025)

To qualify, you must meet these essential requirements:

1. Educational Credentials: A nursing diploma or degree from a recognized institution.
2. Licensing & Registration (The Most Critical Step):
   • NNAS Assessment: Begin with the National Nursing Assessment Service to have your credentials evaluated.
   • Provincial Registration: Apply to the regulatory body in the province where you wish to work (e.g., CNO for Ontario, BCCNM for BC). This process includes passing a jurisprudence exam and potentially a clinical competency exam.
3. Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English (IELTS or CELBAN) or French (TEF Canada), typically requiring a minimum of CLB 7.
4. Experience: While not always mandatory, 1-2 years of clinical experience is highly preferred and can strengthen your application.
5. Health & Character: Pass a medical examination and provide a clean police clearance certificate.

Benefits of Nursing Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

The compensation package extends far beyond a salary:

• Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Assistance: Full support for your work permit and often financial help with moving costs.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): This is a key benefit. Programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) actively select nurses.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full health and dental insurance, pension plans, and generous paid vacation and sick leave.
• Professional Development: Ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement into specialized roles.
• Job Security: As an essential worker in a high-demand field, your skills will always be needed.

Pathways to Work in Canada for Nurses

There are multiple immigration routes designed for healthcare workers:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): The most common entry point. An employer obtains an LMIA to sponsor you for a work permit.
• Express Entry System: You can create a profile and receive additional points for a valid job offer and your skilled trade, leading to an Invitation to Apply for PR.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Many provinces have specific streams that target nurses, nominating them for permanent residency.
• Atlantic Immigration Program: A dedicated program for those wanting to work in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and PEI).

How to Apply for Nursing Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

Follow this step-by-step guide to navigate the process:

1. Start Your Credential Assessment Early: Initiate your application with NNAS immediately, as this process can take many months.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Gather your CV, nursing degree/diploma, transcripts, professional references, and language test results.
3. Begin Your Job Search: Use Canadian job portals like Indeed.ca, Workopolis, LinkedIn, and the government’s Job Bank. Target health authorities (e.g., Fraser Health, Alberta Health Services) and long-term care networks.
4. Apply and Interview: Submit tailored applications. Be prepared for virtual interviews.
5. Secure Your Visa: Once you have a job offer, your employer will guide you through the work permit application process.

Conclusion

A decision to pursue nursing in Canada is a decision to invest in a future of professional growth, financial stability, and unparalleled quality of life. While the path requires dedication, patience, and thorough preparation, the reward is a permanent home in a country that will cherish your skills and dedication. Canada’s doors are open, and its healthcare system is waiting for you. Take the first decisive step today: research the provincial nursing colleges, begin gathering your documents, and prepare to answer the call. Your new life as a nurse in Canada awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions