Canadian Nursing Jobs: How to Immigrate to Canada as a Nurse
If you are thinking about immigrating to Canada, you might be considering becoming a nurse in Canada. After all, jobs in the healthcare industry are readily available, and the demand for qualified nurses in Canada has been rising steadily in recent years. Plus, it seems like a cushy job to have when you are not working – thinks of how much TV nurses get to watch! Nevertheless, if you are thinking of immigrating to Canada as a nurse, there are specific steps you will need to take before you can start your new life up north.
Does Canada accept foreign nurses?
Many nurses immigrating to Canada come from abroad, particularly in Ireland and England. Many people immigrating to Canada are also moving over from Hong Kong. Why? Because all of these countries have nurses who are in great demand in Canadian hospitals and healthcare facilities. So if you are looking for nursing jobs in Canada, here is how you do it.
Step 1. Check if you qualify
There are a few ways to qualify for immigration in Canada, one of which is through your job. For example, you could be eligible for work in Canada as an international nurse with years of experience and relevant education. To learn more about these types of immigration visas, check out Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They have also got information geared explicitly towards nurses on their site! You can start with their resource page by clicking there.
Step 2. Gather all your supporting documents
Proof of language proficiency and work experience is usually required for immigration. So take these extra steps to ensure you are prepared for immigration officers, who may test your command of English or French. They could also ask about your employment record, so keep copies of all contracts and pay stubs from your nursing jobs in Canada; that way, you can present proof of your work history.
Step 3. Write your cover letter
If you want to work in Canada, you will need a job offer from a Canadian employer. If your nursing degree is from outside North America, your certification will be determined by which province or territory you hope to practice. All states and territories in Canada except for Quebec accept foreign-educated nurses into their licensing registries; however, only about half of them require an English test for certification if your nursing education was received outside of an English-speaking country.
Step 4. Prepare an amazing resume
Many nurses who have made a move to immigrate to Canada tell us they had no trouble finding jobs because they already had Canadian experience. Even if you worked at your previous position for only a short time, being able to say that you have lived and worked in a healthcare setting in another country can be pretty impressive; many hiring managers will give more weight to an applicant with work experience outside of their own country.
Step 5. Find out which jobs are available to you
Nursing jobs in Canada are incredibly varied and abundant, especially in more rural communities where doctors are only sometimes so plentiful. For example, many nurses choose to work within hospitals, but there are opportunities outside traditional hospital settings like private practices and specialized clinics. Many nurses who immigrate to Canada seek out those positions first before moving further away from urban centers into rural regions.
Can a US RN work in Canada?
You bet! Canadian hospitals and healthcare facilities always look for experienced nurses, especially registered nurses (RNs). If you want to immigrate to Canada, being an RN is one of your best routes. As with any immigration, it is essential to consider all your options and ensure that you apply for employment matching your experience and skill set. Some RN positions in Canada will require additional training or certification; keep reading for more information about how RNs can immigrate from America.
Which province in Canada pays nurses the most?
Some provinces in Canada offer higher wages than others. If you are moving from another country, it is essential to consider how much you can earn and how much you should save each month, given your new cost of living. A simple rule of thumb is that if your wage is less than 75% of your current one in your home country, then relocation may make sense for you. It is also worth researching which province pays nurses more (keep in mind that some provinces pay a more significant percentage but have lower minimum wages). The following chart shows that British Columbia ranks number one, followed by Ontario and Alberta. Newfoundland and Labrador round out fifth place.