Most developed countries desperately need nurses. Did you know you can be guaranteed excellent career prospects if you immigrate to Canada to work as an internationally educated nurse?
The process can be complicated, with numerous requirements and steps involved. Nevertheless, this detailed blog will guide you through everything you should know before you can immigrate to Canada as an internationally educated nurse.
From understanding Canadian nursing credentials and licensing to exploring various immigration pathways, we’ll cover all the essential steps. This blog will also give you a clear plan that you can follow to make it in your nursing career here in Canada. We’ll also delve into the Canadian healthcare system, its structure, and how it operates, to give you a comprehensive understanding of the work environment you’ll be stepping into.
Are Internationally Educated Nurses in Canada Well-paid?
Internationally educated nurses in Canada usually face the prospect of earning a competitive income to enable them to live comfortably. The pay rate differs from one province or territory to another, as well as the specific nursing role, years of experience, and healthcare facility/organization.
According to the Canadian Nurses Association, Registered Nurses (RNs) in Canada earn an annual mean salary of approximately $75K-$85K. But then again, these salaries may vary from $60,000 for starting-level jobs to beyond $100,000 for experienced RNs in specialized roles or leadership positions.
On average, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are paid less than their RN counterparts, with a yearly average salary that ranges between $ 50K and $65K. Nonetheless, some LPNs earn above this figure, especially those with many years of working experience or when they hold supervisory titles.
Notably, provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories often offer higher nursing salaries to attract or retain medical professionals. Similarly, nursing salaries in large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal could be higher due to the high cost of living.
As an internationally educated nurse in Canada, you can look forward to not just an attractive pay rate, but also a comfortable life and financial security. The persistent shortage of nurses means your competence and skills are highly valued by employers, promising a stable and rewarding career path.
What Are The Steps To Immigrate To Canada As An Internationally Educated Nurse?
Step 1: Understand the Canadian Nursing Requirements
The first thing is to get introduced to separate nursing credentials and the licenses needed in Canada. The two main categories of professions include:
Registered Nurses (RNs): These professionals take care of patients directly by giving them medication and developing patient care plans (nursing). To become a registered nurse in Canada, one usually needs a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or a nursing diploma, together with additional bridging courses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses or medical doctors. Generally, becoming an LPN requires completing a two-year diploma or certificate program for practical nursing.
Note that some provinces or territories may have slightly different education and training requirements. Additionally, English or French language proficiency scores are mandatory, and sometimes, one may have to sit exams such as IELTS or TEF to prove his/her language competence.
Step 2: Obtain Educational Credential Assessment
Before seeking registration and licensure as a nurse in Canada, you must have your international nursing education credentials assessed by designated organizations so that they confirm they meet Canadian standards.
These are some popular credential assessment services:
● World Education Services (WES)
● International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
● International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
The credential assessment process starts when you submit documents, including official transcripts, degree certificates, course descriptions, and syllabi. The assessors will examine your credentials to determine how they compare to Canadian standards.
Step 3: Apply for Nursing Registration and Licensing
After completing your educational credential assessment, you will then apply for nursing registration and licensing in the province or territory where you plan to work. There are regulatory bodies responsible for nursing in every province/territory such as:
● College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC)
● College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
● Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
It usually includes submitting a credential assessment report, language test scores, evidence of experience if required, and successful completion of any necessary competency exams/assessments.
You must read through the specific requirements for becoming a registered nurse in the province you want to reside in since they might vary from one location to another.
Step 4: Explore Immigration Pathways
To immigrate to Canada as an internationally educated nurse, there are several immigration programs under which you may be eligible to come into Canada permanently. Some popular methods include:
Express Entry is Canada’s principal portal for handling applications from skilled employees. Your Express Entry profile will be ranked against others based on various factors, including age, education, language skills, and work experience. Those who score highest are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): In many provinces and territories, PNPs have separate immigration routes for skilled workers in high-demand jobs such as nursing. The idea behind PNPs is to allow people to move to a province of their choice and work there permanently.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, or employer-specific work permit aids could also be other options.
You should analyze these eligibility requirements and necessary papers for each program since they differ widely. Consider filing an Express Entry profile if you want to immigrate through PNP options in provinces with nursing vacancies for better chances of getting an invitation.
Step 5: Prepare for the Move
After securing a job or being accepted into an immigration program, prepare to move to Canada. Here are some factors that require consideration:
i. Employment: Before you receive a job offer, begin searching for your Canadian nursing career using job boards, personal connections, recruiters, etc.
ii. Work Permits: Depending on your pathway to migration, you might need to apply for a work permit or temporary residency permit before going to Canada. This process involves submitting specific documents, such as your job offer letter, educational credentials, and proof of language proficiency, to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There are guidelines available on the IRCC website relevant to each particular category, which we’ll guide you through in detail.
iii. Finances: Relocating to another country can be very costly therefore you must have enough money set aside that enable you to meet initial living costs like accommodation fees, transportation fees, etc., until when you begin earning income from employment. We’ll provide you with a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Canada, including housing, transportation, healthcare, and other essential expenses, to help you plan your finances more effectively.
How To Prepare To Live in Canada as an Internationally Educated Nurse
Once you have successfully made it through the immigration process and acquired your license as an internationally educated nurse, then begin another journey that will take place in Canada. However, preparing for potential challenges and cultural shocks is essential.
i. Healthcare System: You may find that Canada’s healthcare system operates differently from what you are used to. Familiarize yourself with the system, protocols, and standards of practice in your workplace.
ii. Cultural Diversity: Canada is a melting pot; you might meet patients or colleagues from different backgrounds. Cultural competency and effective communication will be vital skills that one needs to develop.
iii. Professional Development: Constant learning and growth are fundamental aspects of nursing. Consider opportunities for continuing education, certifications in specialties, or even advanced degrees in nursing, which can help enhance career growth.
iv. Networking and Associations: It will be helpful if you become a member of professional nursing associations and network with fellow nurses. This provides resources, support networks, avenues for career progression, etc.,
Despite the drawbacks of being a nurse in Canada, some of its benefits include high wages, a good life balance between work and leisure activities, and an excellent standard of living. Embrace the experience, and you will have an amazing nursing career in this friendly nation.
What are the Benefits Of Working In Canada As An Internationally Educated Nurse?
As an internationally educated nurse, I know there are many advantages to working in Canada. Here are six significant reasons why nursing in Canada can often be a fulfilling career:
- Competitive Remunerations and Extensive Packages
As pointed out above, internationally educated nurses receive well-paying jobs that guarantee comfortable living standards. Moreover, the majority of healthcare facilities provide comprehensive remuneration plans, such as health insurance coverage, retirement schemes, paid leave, and other benefits that ensure financial security and quality of life balance.
- Good Standard of Living
For many years, Canada has been known for its high quality of life, which is consistently ranked among the top nations due to safety, healthcare provision, education system, and overall well-being. The living standard for nurses in Canada is high because of rich living conditions, access to superior medical care services, and stable politics and economics.
- Multiculturalism and Tolerance
Canada is one of the most diverse countries on the globe, celebrating plurality by embracing different cultures or backgrounds. As foreign-educated nurses, staff are encouraged to work with people from various nationalities, thereby creating an inclusive working environment enriched with diversity.
- Prospects for Professional Development
Continuing education and professional development are highly valued within the Canadian healthcare sector. Consequently, internationally educated nurses have various options for specialization through training, certifications, or advanced degrees to improve their skills and advance their careers.
- International Recognized Nursing Credentials
Internationally educated nurses practicing in this country gain credentials or experience that are globally recognized once they acquire licensure here while working in some hospitals or clinics located within it. This may enable them to explore other parts of the world outside Canada or even go back home.
- Inviting Communities with Strong Support Systems
Such communities help expedite transition periods for internationally educated nurses (IENs). Many municipalities have robust support systems offering resources, such as housing assistance and social development programs, to assist newcomers in integrating into these new places.
Therefore serving as a nurse with an international educational background in Canada provides a rare combination of professional opportunities, financial security, a good quality of life, and diversity. Consequently, internationally educated professionals can have rewarding jobs while benefiting from Canada’s many advantages because there is still a high demand for skilled nurses.
FAQs
Is it easy for a nurse to move to Canada?
When moving to Canada as a nurse, several things must be done before one can start working as a professional nurse in the area. This takes work, but if well planned and the prerequisites are met, many nurses have moved successfully to Canada.
Is it better to be a nurse in Canada or the USA?
Deciding whether to work in nursing in Canada or the USA depends on personal preferences concerning the work environment, healthcare system, pay, and lifestyle. Both countries offer opportunities for career advancement, so personal priorities should be reflected upon before making any decisions.
Which province in Canada is best for nurses?
The best province for nurses in Canada may depend on job availability, salary scales, and cost of living. Over the years, provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have emerged as top destinations for nurses due to their thriving health sector and range of job opportunities.
What is the age limit for nurses in Canada?
There is no age limit for Canadian registered nurses. Nurses can enter this profession regardless of their age as long as they meet provincial regulatory body educational requirements for licensure, etc. In addition to formal qualifications, experience and skills are also very important.
Can I move to Canada with a nursing degree?
It’s much easier to move to Canada with a nursing degree as it proves that you are qualified with skills related to the healthcare industry. Otherwise, people will need to go through an entire process of applying for licensure from the province where they want to practice, after which cross-border migration issues could arise.
Conclusion
Immigrating to Canada as an internationally educated nurse involves several stages, calling for keenness on specific issues. A smooth transition can be guaranteed through thorough research and engaging the services of immigration consultants or legal professionals. A career in nursing in Canada is a dream you can achieve if you are patient and focused.
