Do you wish to migrate into Canada as a nurse? This is very possible and there are steps to follow if you want to successfully practice nursing in Canada as a foreign-born person.
In this article, we will be taking you through the steps that you should follow to become a fully registered and practicing nurse in Canada.
Let’s go through them below;
How To Become A Registered And Practicing Nurse In Canada
In Canada, registration to work as a practicing nurse means you need to first apply to the regulatory nursing body of the particular province in Canada you plan on staying in.
Each province has specific guidelines to follow and we will look briefly at procedures for a few provinces as well in this article.
Firstly, you need to do your research on each province’s association. Assess yourself and then see if you are eligible. Once done, apply to the province of your choice.
You need to get a temporary permit first. Once the permit is granted, you can go ahead to apply for the Canadian registered nurse examination (CRNE).
For the provinces, their procedures for application to be a nurse and for more information, read below.
1. Alberta
To apply to be a nurse in Alberta, you need to provide evidence of RN certification, evidence of education and past work experience. After applying, it normally takes between 3 to 6 months as processing time and the fee for application in Alberta is $525. You will be required to have minimum scores in language proficiency tests like CELBAN or IELTS. Also if you are from India, the Philippines and Nigeria, you must complete the SEC assessment.
2. British Columbia
You need to provide an evidence of RN certification, proof of education and past work experience. Processing time usually takes between 3 to 6 months. Application fee costs $560. And you need to have minimum scores in IELTS/CELBAN. The PNP option is also available.
3. New Brunswick
To apply to be a nurse in New Brunswick, you should submit evidence of RN certification, evidence of education and past work experience. Processing time for your application takes between four to six months and the application fee is $452. You also need to have minimum scores in a language proficiency test like IELTS or CELBAN.
4. Ontario
For every person that applies to be a nurse in Ontario, they will receive a personalized application and the application process in Ontario is way more organized than other provinces. It usually takes 3-5 months to process application on e received and the application fee varies greatly.
5. Saskatchewan
To apply to be a nurse in Saskatchewan, you must provide evidence of RN certification, proof of education (documents) and proof of previous work experience. Processing time takes between 4-6 months and application fee is $525. Also, minimum scores in IELTS or CELBAN is required.
– To know more about other provinces and their requirements for application, you can visit the official Canadian immigration website.
Also, it is worth mentioning that the Quebec province offers permanent residency for foreign nurses due to its high demand for nurses. They have high salary packages and enough available jobs for you as a nurse.
The program is called QSW program and is a good opportunity for all foreign nurses. In order to work in Canada, you must be qualified as either a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed/ Registered Practical Nurse (LPN/RPN).
You need to apply to the CAN (Canadian Nurses Association) or CCDNR (Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators) of the province you wish to work in. You can do your educational assessment while still in your country.
