I want to work in Canada...which do I apply for first?

[SNurse15]

I want to move/work in Canada, but the process seems so confusing so I was hoping one of you guys might be able to shed some light?

Do I apply for the work visa first or Canadian nursing registration?

I'm confused because to get the work visa I need a job offer, which I can't get without registration. But from what I've read to apply for Canadian nursing registration you need a work visa?

I've also been looking at the International Experience Program, I know you can't apply for health care jobs straight away, but I've been told if you get a medical before entering, once in Canada you can apply to have this changed and work in health care (but then the problem of registration will be an issue).

Please help! :)

[loriangel14, RN]

Your first step will be to apply to the NNAS for evaluation. If you get the green light from them then you can apply for licensure in the province in which you want to work.

Where are you coming from and what is your background?

[SNurse15]

Your first step will be to apply to the NNAS for evaluation. If you get the green light from them then you can apply for licensure in the province in which you want to work.

Where are you coming from and what is your background?

So I need to go via the registration route before apply for a work permit?

I'm currently just finishing my last semester of studying nursing. I plan to get 1 year work experience first (As I assume I can't apply as a new grad unfortunately?). I am British but have completed my degree in New Zealand

Not sure if it makes any difference but Ontario is the province i'm looking at.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Canadian health care employers have a surplus of local qualified applicants, they have no reason to offer a nursing job to an IEN who requires a work permit.

[loriangel14, RN]

You will need to be generalist trained, meaning theory and clinical hours in adult, peds, OB and mental health nursing.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Ontario has the largest surplus of nurses and the largest provincial deficit, IENs keep coming to Ontario, particularly to Toronto, you can't swing a cat without hitting an underemployed IEN.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Most of the people coming to Canada through the international experience program are offered farm labour positions or other temporary work positions that do not require licensing, in Ontario the process for IEN licensing usually takes more than a year. There are many threads on the difficulties IENs encounter trying to become licensed with the CNO.

[SNurse15]

Thank you for all the replies! I know there are probably too many nurses for the amount of jobs in Canada (like NZ) but I do need to move to Canada for personal reasons. Anyway thank you for your advice! :)