I am an RN, who just passed the PNLE; and I wanna work as a nurse in Canada

[Kotonoha]

Hi!

I am a registered nurse from the Republic of the Philippines and I just passed the NLE, which I took last December of 2011. I'm 20. :)

And I have a query . . .

I am actually planning to work as a nurse in Toronto, Canada 'cause my relatives are living there. I checked out the CNO website and everything else that I THINK I need to check out.

I know that I should garner experience first before I apply for the CRNE, but I just wanna plan ahead; hoping that the more prepared I am, the higher the possibility that my plan would pan out.

I came to know stuffs about the whole process but I am still at a loss. I don't know where I should begin. I'm thinking that I should start by taking and acing the IELTS, which is--if my memory serves me right--required as proof of my proficiency in English. Am I on the right path? If not, what should I do?

Oh, I am also contemplating on applying for a VISA; but what type of VISA should I apply for? I don't know if I should apply for an independent immigrant, a working, a tourist or student VISA. I'm kind of confused.

Also, I was told before that I need to complete a two-year refresher nursing course in Canada. The reason being, I need to acquire a Canadian degreee, if I am not mistaken, before I can take the CRNE. Is there any truth in that?

If possible, can someone please guide me from the beginning? I mean, what the best courses to take are; what I should do first; etc.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

I suggest you do a search on this site for all your answers.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

All information re different visas available for Canada is on the cic website. For PR via FSW1 you will have to wait until the list reopens in July. CNO is taking approx 12 months to process applications and FSW1 requires 12 months full time employment or equivalent

[Fiona59]

It's also up to the provincial college to decide if your education will meet Cdn. standards.

[Kotonoha]

I am fully aware of everything that you said, Sir. I've also read about the difference between those types of VISAs. My intention wasn't for someone to explain to me what they are; but rather, to help me choose or decide what's most suited for my situation. I am really at a loss.

Plus, I'm not really planning to go there any time soon; 'cause as you said, I need to garner experience and everything. I just wanna plan ahead, see? :)

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

What experience do you have? otherwise going for PR you will need a employer and go the FSW2 route if you do not have work experience

[jvre888]

the assessment process gives me too much stress... but i know a lot of people who applied in CNO without working experience got their eligibility to take the CRNE... i think it depends on the assessor or how your school presents the requirements.... and for sure u will be asked to answer the entry to practice competencies to measure your competence ...

[Kotonoha]

@Silverdragon102: Yea, I don't have work experience as a nurse yet. I've been in the call center industry, tho only for a month. I just wanted to kill some time while waiting for the result of the board exam to come out. I think I am going to apply for an independent immigrant VISA. It's very uneconomical to get a tourist VISA and then a working VISA and THEN apply for independent immigration while I'm there to work. Hmn. I don't know. IMO.

@jvre888: Really? If that is the case, then I am going to try my luck. Problem is, many hospitals require their applicants to have at least 1-3 years of experience in a private hospital. I think I'm going to take the long course. It's better to be safe than to be sorry. Thanks for the reply!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I think you will find you can not go the immigrant route without either 12 months minimum full time employment of find a employer. I strongly suggest you check out the CIC website on what you can and can't apply for