American RN wanting to move to Canada

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Hi everyone,

I'm a US citizen. Graduated nursing school September 2016 with an ADN (associate). My family and I would like to move to Canada and possibly become dual citizens. We were thinking of living in vancouver, BC. I have family living there. It would be nice to live near family.

I understand that Canada requires BSN and I would still have to go through the application to be allowed to work in Canada.

My questions are:

For BSN requirement, does it have to be an actual 4 year school or can I do the rn to bsn route that usually takes 6 months to a year (depending on school). And of course the school must be accredited with the nursing board. Does Canada have a list of US approved schools? Or is it as long as the school is approved with the nursing board?

Also, I looked into the process of applying for RN license in Canada. I'm a bit confused with the terminology used. I've read that I need to be assessed first but I don't understand what that entails.

Also, what comes first? Applying for the visa or applying for the license?

And I haven't taken the NCLEX just yet. Still have a few more weeks of studying to do. And if I passed the NCLEX here, is it true that I wouldn't have to retake the exam to get a license in Canada?

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. And please excuse my ignorance with Canadian immigration policies.

Thanks

If you find a school where you can do your RN to BSN in a year or less, it is almost certain that it will not be equivalent to a Canadian BSN, as the RN to BSN programs here are 19 months full time (for example see Western university compressed time frame BScN and/or Ryerson post diploma BScN program).

Are you currently working as a RN? If you do not have work experience as a RN you will not be eligible for further competency assessment.

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We have RN to BSN programs here that can be completed as early as 6 months. These schools are done at the student's pace. I have looked up some of these schools and at a quick glance their nursing courses and other general education courses (like history) seem to cover the requirements by the nursing board in my State. I know several RNs who have gone to these schools and received their BSN, which was accredited in our State, Colorado.

But I will definitely look up the schools you mentioned to get a good idea as to what nursing courses Canada requires for licensure. Maybe through that I can choose a school that offers more of the courses that closely relate to what CRNBC requires.

No. I am not currently working. I still have 2 more weeks before I take the NCLEX. What is the minimum years of experience needed to apply?

Thank you

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For your own knowledge, keep track of all of your curricula (each course outline, student handbook, preceptor handbook etc.) compare them to the Canadian course outlines and entry-to-practice competencies. When the time comes, double check that your schools sent everything to NNAS, (it's very important that NNAS receives detailed course outlines in order to do a proper assessment).

Regarding work experience ,it doesn't matter how much experience you have when you apply to be assessed, just as long as you have proof of work experience as a RN.

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Thank you. I'll be sure to keep all of my documents. Since I am pretty much a new grad I still have all of my papers.

And what would qualify as proof of employment in Canada? Here in the US we usually get a letter for proof from HR. Or sometimes other employers will accept our paystubs.

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But I will definitely look up the schools you mentioned to get a good idea as to what nursing courses Canada requires for licensure. Maybe through that I can choose a school that offers more of the courses that closely relate to what CRNBC requires.

Look at BCIT post RN BSN curriculum and the 4 year BSN curriculum, the course outlines are available on BCITs website.

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Will do. Thank you

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And what would qualify as proof of employment in Canada? Here in the US we usually get a letter for proof from HR.

I think NNAS specifies what is required for proof of employment, they may require a letter on employer letterhead signed by HR, mailed in the employer's envelope with employer's business stamp.

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I guess I will have to be careful with which hospitals or LTAC I apply to. My last employer, while working as medical assistant, wouldn't provide proof of employment for my coworkers. Unfortunately, my last employer was an A S S. They ended up having to show their paystubs. Luckily their new employers accepted that as proof. I'll just do my research before putting in my applications anywhere.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Nevermind I found it Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). I just found the website for NNAS.

Another questions regarding application for citizenship.

How long after (if I am approved) obtaining permanent residency can my family and I apply for citizenship? And I guess I should have asked this before, but when I apply and get approved can I bring my family with me? Or would I need to petition them separately?

If anyone who is a dual US and Canadian citizen, could you please let me know how the process was and how does the taxes work? I know you have to pay taxes for both countries, how much do you pay? Thanks

CIC will have the information you need on becoming a Canadian citizen once you have landed as a PR and met requirements. You must reside in the country certain number of days over a period of years. They have a calculator that can work out eligibility and when you can apply. If family are coming with you, you need to declare on your application. Just have a read on the CIC website. You do not usually have to pay taxes in the US if resident of Canada as long as you declare earning to the US when you file your taxes but probably better to ask someone who is experienced in both US and Canadian taxes.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

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I think you should count on taking at least three years for your plan to move to BC

Year 1

pass NCLEX, obtain RN license, obtain employment, acquire and develop clinical skills that allow you to transition from a novice to an advanced beginner nurse, start a part-time RN-BSN program.

Learn about the Canadian workplace culture, Canadian labour market and employment law, also review the Canadian entry-to-practice competencies and Canadian nursing code of ethics.

Year 2

continue with the same employer in order to become a competent nurse, complete the BSN, apply to CIC for immigration, apply to NNAS for assessment of education, undergo further competency assessment if required by CRNBC. If further education is required in order to become licensed, plan for adequate savings to pay for school and cost of living expenses while undergoing an IEN bridging program.

Year 3

Become licensed in BC and compete for RN positions along with 100s of other qualified applicants.

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CIC will have the information you need on becoming a Canadian citizen once you have landed as a PR and met requirements. You must reside in the country certain number of days over a period of years. They have a calculator that can work out eligibility and when you can apply. If family are coming with you, you need to declare on your application. Just have a read on the CIC website. You do not usually have to pay taxes in the US if resident of Canada as long as you declare earning to the US when you file your taxes but probably better to ask someone who is experienced in both US and Canadian taxes.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Thank you. I will have to take a look at how the taxes work out. Thanks for the info.

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I think you should count on taking at least three years for your plan to move to BC

Year 1

pass NCLEX, obtain RN license, obtain employment, acquire and develop clinical skills that allow you to transition from a novice to an advanced beginner nurse, start a part-time RN-BSN program.

Learn about the Canadian workplace culture, Canadian labour market and employment law, also review the Canadian entry-to-practice competencies and Canadian nursing code of ethics.

Year 2

continue with the same employer in order to become a competent nurse, complete the BSN, apply to CIC for immigration, apply to NNAS for assessment of education, undergo further competency assessment if required by CRNBC. If further education is required in order to become licensed, plan for adequate savings to pay for school and cost of living expenses while undergoing an IEN bridging program.

Year 3

Become licensed in BC and compete for RN positions along with 100s of other qualified applicants.

Yes, after reading through other posts on this site. It seems that I have a lot to do before I can think about applying. But I do like to plan ahead and make sure I have my ducks in a row before I apply. I will also research more on requirements for nurses in Canada. I just hope I won't need to do further testings. But if I do then it is what it is.

I've also seen here that many Canadian nurses are advising IENs on what the job market really looks like in Canada. I've read somewhere here that full time positions are not easy to find? Is that true? If I'll be lucky enough to get a part time or per diem position, I will be happy. I've always wanted to live in another country other than the US and the Philippines. And since I have relatives in BC I figured it is a good start.

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