Canada continues to face a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs). This shortage creates an excellent opportunity for qualified foreign professionals to start their immigration journey to Canada. In this post from Shimen Fallah Immigration Blog, we will review the requirements for nurse immigration to Canada in 2025.
Canada Nurse Immigration in 2025
Since 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has prioritised in-demand occupations through occupation-specific draws in the Express Entry system.
Considering that around 26% of the current nursing workforce is over the age of 50 and the average retirement age is 63, a large portion of nurses is expected to retire within the next decade. As a result, Canada will face a significant national nursing shortage between 2024 and 2033, creating stable and long-term employment opportunities for newcomers.
Express Entry Draws for Nurses
According to the National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 – Code 31301), Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses are eligible for targeted draws. This means that candidates with at least 6 months of continuous work experience in the past three years (inside or outside Canada) can apply without a job offer.
Eligible job titles include:
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Clinical Nurse
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Community Health Nurse
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Critical Care and Emergency Nurse
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ICU Nurse
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Nursing Researcher
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Nursing Consultant
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Occupational Health Nurse
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Home Care Nurse
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Public Health Nurse
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Registered Nurse (R.N.)
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Registered Psychiatric Nurse (R.P.N.)
These occupations overlap with various areas of healthcare and social services, offering diverse career paths for immigrants. For more details, you can also use the Canada Immigration Assessment Form on Shimen Fallah’s website.
Job Market and Salary for Nurses in Canada
According to Job Bank Canada, the job outlook for RNs and RPNs is very strong in most provinces, including Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. Quebec reported a moderate outlook, while British Columbia and the northern territories reported a “good” outlook.
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Average hourly wage: $42
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National wage range: $29 – $51.08 per hour
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Average annual income (37.5 hours/week): about $99,723
The highest wages are reported in:
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Nunavut: $64.69/hour
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Northwest Territories: $56/hour
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Yukon: $48.30/hour
In comparison, Ontario and Quebec report average wages of around $40/hour.
These figures show that nurses in Canada not only enjoy job security but also competitive salaries and strong career growth potential.
Steps to Immigrate as a Nurse in 2025
Step 1: Check Eligibility
To enter the Express Entry system, you need:
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At least 6 months of continuous nursing work experience in the last 3 years
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English or French language test results (minimum CLB 7)
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Valid educational credentials (foreign degrees require ECA – Educational Credential Assessment)
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Proof of funds (if applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program)
Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile
Register your profile under NOC 31301.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected in an occupation-specific draw, you will receive an ITA for permanent residency.
Step 4: Submit Documents
After receiving the ITA, you have 60 days to upload all required documents:
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Proof of work experience
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Language test results
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Educational credential assessment
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Medical exam and police certificate
Express Entry Occupation-Specific Draws – Key Notes
The Express Entry system has three main streams:
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Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Occupation-based draws focus on job demand, not just CRS scores, which significantly increases candidates’ chances.
Advantages:
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No job offer required
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Higher selection chances compared to general draws
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Alternative options through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Why Choose Canada for a Nursing Career?
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Growing demand due to aging population and expanding healthcare services
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Clear immigration pathways through targeted draws
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Competitive salaries with universal healthcare and social benefits
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Strong support from professional associations for immigrant nurses
FAQs
Is a job offer required?
No. For occupation-specific Express Entry draws, a job offer is not necessary. Six months of work experience is enough.
How much do nurses earn in Canada?
On average, $42 per hour or about $100,000 annually. It varies by province.
What are the language requirements?
At least CLB 7 in English or French.
Is foreign work experience accepted?
Yes, as long as it meets the NOC 31301 requirements.
Can I apply through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)?
Yes, many provinces have dedicated streams for nurses.
Conclusion
If you are a Registered Nurse (R.N.) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (R.P.N.), now is the best time to apply. Canada urgently needs healthcare professionals in this field, and Express Entry as well as PNPs provide numerous immigration opportunities.