how does a U.S. lpn start working in Canada

[Laurilpn]

I am new on here and new to Canada. I am a lpn from the U.S. I just married and moved to Canada with my new husband. I am eager to work here and do not know where to start. I have been told so many different things. I need to know what to do to get licensed in Ontario. Where do I begin?!? I went to apply for a work permit and tehy say you need a job offer first. But no one will offer you a job if you are not licensed and able to go to work?! Confusing to me. I am sure I will need to test and that is fine, I just need some direction as to the process. I truly cannot find anything. I do not know what the national nursing website is here in Ontario to look up information I need. Any info. from you guys is very much appreciated. Thanks!

[fergus51]

If you are in Ontario, you will need to register as an RPN and I am not sure if your schooling as an LPN will be enough or not. I believe you will need to register with CNO http://www.cno.org

[suzanne4, RN]

You need to have a visa that will permit you to work. A one year LPN program will no longer qualify for the LPN license in Ontario. They require a two year program. The RN must now have a four year degree for initial licensure in Ontario.

If you are married to a Canadian, then you should go that route for getting a visa that will permit you to work. Otherwise, you will be going thru a long immigration process.

If you had your RN, then you just take copy of the job offer, etc. to immigration and you qualify under the NAFTA Trade Treaty, but with the LPN you do not.