Introduction
Canada is facing a nationwide healthcare staffing shortage, with nurses among the most in-demand professionals across every province. As the country’s population ages and healthcare needs grow more complex, the demand for internationally trained nurses has become not just a workforce necessity, but a national priority. In response, Canadian health authorities, employers, and provincial governments are actively offering visa sponsorship and immigration pathways for qualified foreign nurses to work and settle in Canada. For 2025, the outlook for internationally educated nurses (IENs) remains strong, with a wide array of opportunities for full-time, part-time, and contract-based roles in public and private sectors.
Visa-sponsored nursing jobs in Canada can open the door to a permanent and rewarding career. Most employers seek Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Personal Support Workers (PSWs), and many are willing to support Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications, which allow foreign nationals to legally work in Canada. Some provinces, including British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan, also offer streamlined licensing and recruitment programs to help newcomers transition into the Canadian healthcare system quickly.
However, navigating the process of securing a nursing job in Canada with visa sponsorship involves understanding regulatory requirements, the licensing process, and the role of immigration in employment. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—ranging from entry-level roles, application requirements, and essential documents, to top employment websites for healthcare jobs. Whether you’re a nurse from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, or the UK, this comprehensive overview will help you take your first steps toward a career in Canadian healthcare.
Entry Level Jobs for Immigrants
While internationally trained nurses (IENs) may take time to obtain Canadian licensure, many healthcare employers offer entry-level roles or transitional support positions that allow foreign workers to gain experience, earn income, and begin their career pathways while completing regulatory steps.
Here is a table of entry-level healthcare jobs for immigrants in Canada in 2025:
| Job Title | Average Hourly Wage (CAD) | Requirements | Visa Sponsorship Potential | Common Hiring Provinces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Support Worker (PSW) | $19 – $25 | Basic caregiving certification; no RN license needed | High | Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia |
| Health Care Aide (HCA) | $18 – $24 | Completion of HCA program (can be foreign) | High | Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan |
| Nursing Assistant | $20 – $27 | Nursing background; supervised by RNs | Medium | Quebec, Alberta, BC |
| Caregiver (Home Support Worker) | $17 – $22 | Home child care/personal support training | High (under caregiver pilots) | Nationwide (especially Ontario & Quebec) |
| Hospital Attendant | $19 – $26 | On-the-job training; physical fitness | Low to Medium | BC, Alberta, Ontario |
| Rehabilitation Assistant | $20 – $28 | Diploma or experience in physical/occupational therapy | Medium | Ontario, Manitoba |
| Resident Care Aide | $19 – $25 | Aide certification; nursing home experience | High | British Columbia, Saskatchewan |
| Mental Health Support Worker | $21 – $30 | Crisis intervention training, experience in psychology | Medium | Ontario, Alberta |
| Community Health Worker | $22 – $31 | Training in social work or health promotion | Medium | Quebec, Nova Scotia |
| Medical Office Assistant | $20 – $26 | Admin/medical terminology training | Low | Ontario, Alberta |
These jobs serve as stepping stones for foreign-trained nurses to work in Canada while pursuing licensure as an RN or LPN.
Application Requirements and Documents
Securing a nursing job in Canada with visa sponsorship requires meeting both immigration and professional registration criteria. Below is a breakdown of the requirements and documents you’ll need in 2025.
1. Educational Qualification
- Minimum of a diploma or degree in nursing from a recognized institution.
- Transcripts and syllabi are typically required for credential assessment.
2. Credential Recognition
- Apply through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) to verify your foreign nursing credentials.
- Required for roles like Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).
Documents for NNAS:
- Government-issued ID
- Nursing education transcripts
- Nursing license verification from your country
- Nursing practice/employment verification
- IELTS or CELBAN results (language proficiency)
- NNAS application form & fees
3. Language Proficiency
- English or French proficiency is mandatory.
- Accepted tests:
- IELTS (Academic) – Minimum 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.
- CELBAN – Specifically for nurses in Canada.
- Some provinces allow French-only testing for work in Quebec.
4. Immigration Documents
- If applying for visa sponsorship:
- Valid Passport
- Job Offer Letter from Canadian employer
- LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) approval (if required)
- Work Permit Application
- Police clearance and medical exam (standard for immigration)
5. Provincial Licensing
- After NNAS assessment, apply to the provincial regulatory body:
- CNO (Ontario)
- BCCNM (BC)
- CLPNA (Alberta)
- CRPNM (Manitoba), etc.
You may be required to complete bridging programs, competency assessments, or Canadian nursing exams (NCLEX-RN, CPNRE) before full licensure.
Employment Websites to Find Opportunities
To find nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship, it’s crucial to use trusted job platforms and explore employer-sponsored recruitment programs. Many Canadian healthcare providers work with immigration consultants or global hiring platforms to source talent.
Top Job Search Sites for Nursing Jobs (2025):
1. HealthForceOntario (www.healthforceontario.ca)
- Ontario’s official resource for international nurses
- Lists job vacancies, employer fairs, and credentialing info
2. Job Bank Canada (www.jobbank.gc.ca)
- Government-run site
- Use the filter “Jobs for Foreigners” or “LMIA approved jobs”
3. Indeed Canada (www.indeed.ca)
- One of the largest aggregators
- Search “Nursing jobs with visa sponsorship”
4. Workopolis (www.workopolis.com)
- Especially active in Ontario and Quebec
- Searchable by location, title, and employment type
5. CanadianNurse.ca (www.canadiannurse.ca/jobs)
- Run by the Canadian Nurses Association
- Focuses on RN and LPN positions
6. Immigration-Centered Recruitment Agencies
- Conexus Med Staff – Places nurses in Canadian provinces and assists with relocation
- SE Health – Offers support and bridging programs
- Health Match BC – Free recruitment for healthcare professionals in British Columbia
7. LinkedIn
- Use professional networking to directly connect with hospital HR managers
- Look for large employers such as:
- Fraser Health
- Vancouver Coastal Health
- Toronto General Hospital
- Alberta Health Services
Employers that indicate “LMIA provided” or “Visa sponsorship available” are your top leads for international applicants.
Conclusion
Nursing remains one of the most accessible and rewarding professions for international workers in Canada. With a healthcare system under pressure from demographic shifts and growing service demand, Canadian employers in both urban and rural areas are actively offering visa sponsorships to attract qualified foreign nurses. Whether you’re a registered nurse, practical nurse, or healthcare aide, there are job opportunities available—with many providing structured pathways to permanent residency.
To succeed in your transition to nursing in Canada, begin by validating your credentials through NNAS, meeting language requirements, and identifying LMIA-approved employers or provinces with foreign nurse bridging programs. Consider starting in entry-level roles like personal support work or nursing assistance while completing licensure requirements. These positions not only offer practical experience but can also fast-track your immigration through provincial nomination programs.
With Canada’s ongoing support for skilled immigrants in healthcare, 2025 presents a prime opportunity for international nurses to start anew. By using the right job platforms, preparing strong application documents, and understanding provincial licensing systems, your journey toward a successful and impactful nursing career in Canada can begin today.
