How easy is it to get a job as a Registered Nurse in Canada ?

wolfy860 · Jul 24, 2006

I spent 2 yrs planning a move to Vancouver researching psych nursing positions. When I made the trip out there 1/05 was discouraged by the outcome. BC (and all provinces) has a very strong Nurses union which dictates hiring criteria of RN's from outside Canada. They will only hire a foreign RN if there are no Canadian RN's who apply. The immigration laws require a solid job offer from a Canadian employer before the visa process can begin. Quebec will only consider granting a landed immigrant visa to applicants who are fluent in French. There was so much buracracy for non- Canadians to obtain a work Visa that it made it prohibitive. Good luck

gchelak · Jul 24, 2006

I spent 2 yrs planning a move to Vancouver researching psych nursing positions. When I made the trip out there 1/05 was discouraged by the outcome. BC (and all provinces) has a very strong Nurses union which dictates hiring criteria of RN's from outside Canada. They will only hire a foreign RN if there are no Canadian RN's who apply. The immigration laws require a solid job offer from a Canadian employer before the visa process can begin. Quebec will only consider granting a landed immigrant visa to applicants who are fluent in French. There was so much buracracy for non- Canadians to obtain a work Visa that it made it prohibitive. Good luck

Fortunetely this is not the only way to obtain work in Canada as an RN. I am not sure of the specifics of immigration to Canada, but you can apply to the province of your choice to have them approve you to take the CRNA (Canadian's version of the NCLEX). After you are approved, you can apply for the temporary license and you are paid as a graduate nurse until you take the exam and wait the 8-12 weeks for the results. You are eligible to apply for all of the jobs in the area adn they consider you as well as others locally the same (at least they are SUPPOSE to).

There are a lot of blanks to fill in with this procedure though- like the immigration part.

Hope this helps. Be patient- the process is long (6mos +)

suzanne4, RN · Jul 24, 2006

Be aware that Ontario province requires the BSN for initial licensure, they will not accept two year program from the US> Each province has their own requirements.

LAROSILIERE7 · Jul 24, 2006

Hi Suzzane,

You seem to know alot when it comes to certain subjects pertaining to Canada.Im a College student in the US, and Im a Canadian Citizen.I was wondering If I would be able to get full financial aid even though I did all my schooling in the US? Furthermore, How competitive are the Nursing programs in Ontario and Montreal? I checked out their websites, but found no info regarding gpa cutoff points..etc..Do you know what GPA Nursing schools In Canada are currently looking for..Ill be applying as a transfer student.Thank so much in advance, Suzzane...

ghostcat · Jul 24, 2006

Fortunetely this is not the only way to obtain work in Canada as an RN. I am not sure of the specifics of immigration to Canada, but you can apply to the province of your choice to have them approve you to take the CRNA (Canadian's version of the NCLEX). After you are approved, you can apply for the temporary license and you are paid as a graduate nurse until you take the exam and wait the 8-12 weeks for the results. You are eligible to apply for all of the jobs in the area adn they consider you as well as others locally the same (at least they are SUPPOSE to).
There are a lot of blanks to fill in with this procedure though- like the immigration part.
Hope this helps. Be patient- the process is long (6mos +)

Unfortunately this is only part of the process. You MUST have a work visa to work in Canada (as someone from another country). I too thought I only had to be approved for my temporary license, and was ecstatic the day that came through. The I found out about the rest. I had to get a job offer - not really a problem because there are LOTS of nursing jobs in BC, but I wanted a job somewhere I would actually want to work! Then I had to apply for my work visa. I was told it would take 6-8 weeks to process - it actually took 9 weeks. I just received mine, and we're planning on moving September 1. And yes, the employers know about and understand this timeframe. You will also have to get a medical exam and this has to be done by an approved doctor.

Also, plan on spending some $$'s - It is $150 (can) for the work visa, my medical exam was $486, and I just realized I need to send in the $460 (can) for the exam with my temporary license paperwork, plus $31/month for my temporary license! I don't remember how much I had to pay CRNBC... You have to REALLY want to do this. It has taken me about 1.5 years.

You can get alot of information from these sites:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html

http://www.healthmatchbc.org/

http://www.crnbc.ca/

Good luck! You can contact me if you have more ??'s

acadia · Aug 31, 2006

Hi, I would like to ask again about immigrating as RN`s to Canada. My husband and I are interested in living and working in Newfoundland. Does anyone have any new information that may help? Is there much of a shortage there? I am going to check the sites listed in the other post, but if anyone has anything to add, we would appreciate it. Thank you, Acadia

Jonny7 · Aug 31, 2006

if you need full time work in canada and are from another country you will likely have to go north. they are desperate for commitment for coverage and could be a source of backing to get the paper work on the go.

i have been director of nursing in northern ontario and was considering using away nurses, however i was planning to seek a commitment.

most of theses jobs are contract jobs for aboriginal bands or councils. you will need to negotiate contract details. do not just take the offered contract unless you have read it and like what you are seeing.

jonny7

libie · Jan 24, 2008

PLease help me. my mother is sponsoring me as dependent to be immigrant in toronto ontario. the thing is i am still waiting for the results of my local board. my mom told me that i have to maintain my dependent status therefore i can not work here yet. what should i do to be ready to be an RN in canada?

lenjoy03, RN · Jan 24, 2008

Yes you can't work yet not until you pass the board exam. Just wait for it... You can't rush things especially the PRC. You know how it is there.

what should i do to be ready to be an RN in canada?

Do you already have a CRNE reviewer? If none, ask your mom to send you a copy. Its hard to look for it here in the Philippines unless someone you know got it from Canada. While waiting for the result of NLE, review for CRNE. That's a good start to be a future RN there other than the bridging program and the other stuff....