Switching countries right after graduation

sym92 · Nov 29, 2017

So, I've visited Toronto a couple of times and I really like the city's atmosphere and weather. Currently I live in SE United States. I'm hoping to move to Toronto as soon as possible after graduation. Based on the experience of nurses who have worked in Ontario/have moved from the U.S. to work in Ontario, how likely do you think it is that I can accomplish this? Are there any 'resume builders' I should be working on in order to do this? Thank you so much!

*I posted this in a different thread, but quickly realized it probably belonged in this one. Sorry for double-posting! This is my first time on the forum

Fiona59 · Nov 29, 2017

Have you ever been to Toronto in the Winter? Do you own multiple scarves, gloves, boots?

OK, read this part of the forum. Employment in the GTA is like hen's teeth for locally educated new grads who precptored there.

Get experience, visit over the winter months and then think about moving.

dayandnight · Nov 29, 2017

Ok. being a US grad who moved to Canada with no hospital experience, I suggest

1. Get hospital experience in any unit. They don't look at having a US education as an asset and it will make you less competitive compared to a local grad in Toronto for job postions. 1-2yrs of experience in a specialty unit can really help your chances of employment

2. Look into licensing requirements. The process takes longer and longer every year.. not to mention the license fees in Canada are about 4 times the license renewal fees in the states.

Canada is a great place to live but the healthcare system and what nurses do are a bit different here. In the interviews if you are a US grad they may ask you questions about Canadian nursing, lpn scope of practice etc (since lpns have greater scope in Canada than the US) so study those before you come over

Also, might want to think about immigration issues. US citizens can't get a TN visa in Canada. How will you get a visa to work in Canada?

Just note that working as a foreign nurse in USA is extremely easy compared to Canada. It will be a lot of paperwork and assessment to get a license here.

sym92 · Nov 29, 2017

Most of the time that I've been there have been mid-winter. I love snow! Thanks for your input!

dishes, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2017

Sorry, but I think it's unlikely you will succeed in moving to Toronto shortly after you graduate for a number of reasons;

Toronto has a surplus of local qualified grads and experienced nurses who are struggling to get hired.

It would violate labour laws and union contracts to hire an out of country nurse who would require a visa, you will need to immigrate as a permanent resident.

Before you consider immigrating to Canada, suggest you look at the requirements to immigrate on Canadian immigration and citizenship (cic.gc.ca)

Also suggest you look at the steps to become registered in Ontario, after you graduate and become licensed in your home state, you can apply to national nursing assessment services (nnas.ca) to have your education assessed for equivalency to a Canadian BScN. It takes approximately 8 months to receive an advisory report from nnas.

If you use the search tool in the top right hand corner you can find a thread entitled 'nnas experience' other posters who were educated in the US received advisory reports that were somewhat comparable or not comparable to Canadian entry to practice competencies.

After you receive your nnas advisory report you can apply to the College of Nurses of Ontario. The CNO may require you to undergo the internationally educated nurses competency assessment program (IENCAP).

The assessment process may take a year, eighteen months or even longer, it may cost thousands of dollars.

If you immigrate after you complete all of the steps to become registered in Ontario, you will need to have proof of funds to support yourself for at least six months to eight months because it may take you that long (or longer) to get a job and Toronto is an expensive city to live in.

Suggest you look at the costs of each of step, make a budget and start saving, as you may need approximately $20,000-25,000 Canadian dollars.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 30, 2017

Threads merged. Personally because of the time it will take to go through the process of both registration and immigration I would gain experience in a specialized area and make yourself desirable to employers. Then as mentioned look at the different routes you can take via CIC website

dishes, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2017

@sym92 are you enrolled in a BScN program or a ASN program? I don't know if you are aware but the education requirements for Canadian nurses are BScNs for RNs and two year diplomas for PNs.