Nursing is a high-demand profession in Canada, therefore it's an excellent career choice. The procedure for becoming a nurse in Canada differs. It really depends on the province or territory where you intend to work. But generally follows a similar pattern across the country. If you are planning to immigrate to Canada as a nurse, here are important things you need to know.

Is Canada In Need Of Registered Nurses?

In Canada, the epidemic has increased the demand for nurses and other health professionals. Even before the coronavirus swept the globe, Canada had a nursing deficit. As a result, there are several immigration channels aimed at bringing these healthcare workers to the country.

In Canada, how much do nurses make?

There are many career opportunities for registered nurses in Canada. Here's some to name a few:

• registered nurse
• supervisor
• allied primary health practitioner 
• licensed practical nurse
• dental nurse
• mental health nurse

An experienced nurse assistant can earn around $41,438 per year, and an experienced registered nurse can earn up to $128,700 per year.

Eligibility

As a nurse, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker. You can do so through one of the numerous economic immigration programs available at both the federal and provincial levels.

Prospective immigrants who want to work as a nurse in Canada can choose from three major immigration options: Express Entry System, Program for Provincial Nominees, and Quebec Skilled Worker. 

You must first identify your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code before proceeding. Depending on your job title, you'll have a different code.

Nursing Evaluation

The first step is to assess your academic qualifications to see if they fulfill the minimum requirements for practicing as a nurse. This is a required step in which World Educational Services, a company approved by the Canadian government to do education checks and verifications, evaluates your qualifications.

The next step is to have your nursing qualifications recognized in Canada. The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is in charge of this process, and you'll need to create an account here. Essentially, NNAS converts your credentials to a North American level before comparing and evaluating them to see if they fit the Canadian norm.

The NNAS assessment costs CAD 650 and is the first and most important step in obtaining your Canadian visa and nursing registration in Canada.

NNAS Online Application Page

After you've completed your NNAS evaluation, you'll need to apply for NNAS by creating a profile on the NNAS application website. Here, you’ll submit the following requirements:

• Proof of identity
• Nursing Education Form
• Nursing Regulation Form
• Employment Form
• IELTS results

Once NNAS has received all of your documentation, submit your application and select the provincial association and nursing group to which you are applying. You'd have to find a Canadian province where your talents, qualifications, and experience as an internationally qualified nurse match the province's standards.

Apply to your chosen province or territory's nursing medical board
Each province and territory in Canada has its nursing regulatory agency. As a result, each province is free to set its conditions for nurse registration. All Registered Nurses, or RNs, must demonstrate competency in five areas of practice, regardless of the standards: administration, clinical aid, education, policy, and research.

Select the Immigration Program that best suits your needs
If you wish to work as a nurse in Canada you can choose between three major immigration options:

If a nurse meets the requirements, they may be eligible for express entry through the Federal Skilled Workers program. Based on characteristics such as their education, age, work experience, and language proficiency, they are frequently expected to earn 67 out of 100 available points. The minimum IELTS score required for nurses in Express Entry is determined by the individual's entire profile. To be qualified for Express Entry, you must score at least 6.0 in each of the four language abilities.

Nurses who achieve at least 50 points on the Quebec Selection Grid may be eligible for the Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) program. A minimum IELTS score is not necessary for the Quebec Skilled Workers Program. However, depending on your profile, you may be required to have a minimum score to be considered. Your degree does not require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This immigration option also does not need you to submit proof of funds.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are immigration programs that are conducted in collaboration between provincial and federal governments. Each Canadian province has its PNP with several streams, however, all PNPs lead to permanent residence in Canada. Only candidates who are already in the federal Express Entry pool are eligible for some PNPs.

Without a doubt, Canada is one of the most advanced societies in the world, making it one of the best places in the world to pursue your job. Nursing is currently one of Canada's most sought-after jobs. By 2020, Canada is predicted to require up to 60,000 nurses, with that number expected to quadruple in the next ten years.