Canada’s demand for skilled nurses is rising, creating strong career prospects and the chance to work across hospitals, speciality clinics, community centres, and long-term care homes. If you are an internationally educated nurse (IEN), the pathway to becoming an RN in Canada is structured, regulated by provinces, and achievable with the proper preparation.
This guide breaks down the process, requirements, costs, and what you can expect once you’re licensed.
What Registered Nurses Do in Canada
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) are central to Canada’s healthcare system. They deliver hands-on patient care, lead health education, and provide nursing expertise across many settings, including hospitals, long-term care homes, rehab centres, clinics, community health programs, private residences, and more.
The Process to Work as an RN in Canada
For most IENs, the process follows five clear steps: choose a province, apply to NNAS, apply for provincial registration, complete exams and assessments, then obtain your license and a work visa.
Step 1: Choose a Province
Each province and territory has its own nursing regulatory body and specific requirements. You should also consider job opportunities, cost of living, and language needs. Quebec, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon do not use NNAS and follow separate processes.
Step 2: Apply to NNAS
Most provinces require you to submit your credentials to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), which verifies your education and experience and issues an Advisory Report.
You’ll typically need: proof of identity, nursing education forms sent by your school, registration forms sent by your home regulator, and employment forms sent by employers (if applicable).
Language proof may be required through approved tests such as IELTS or CELBAN, and an example benchmark noted is IELTS Academic overall 7.0 with section minimums (requirements vary by regulator).
Step 3: Apply for Provincial Registration
After your NNAS report is sent to your chosen regulator, you apply to the provincial nursing body. They review your file and may require additional education or assessments to bridge gaps.
For Ontario (as an example), the steps listed include demonstrating language proficiency, applying to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), completing the NCLEX-RN, and passing the CNO Jurisprudence Exam (legal and ethical nursing practice).
Step 4: Obtain Your License and a Work Visa
Once requirements and exams are completed, the provincial regulator grants your license. You can then pursue a work permit or permanent residency through options such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A job offer can strengthen your immigration application.
The guide notes that the process can take a year or more, depending on the speed of documentation and whether bridging education is needed.
Eligibility Requirements Checklist
Before you can practise as an RN in Canada, you typically need: an approved nursing education, registration with a provincial regulator, English or French proficiency, passing a licensing exam (commonly NCLEX-RN), a valid work permit or visa (for international applicants), and a criminal background check (as required by provinces).
In-Demand RN Roles in Canada
In-demand nursing roles across Canada: RN, Critical Care or ICU Nurse, ER Nurse, Paediatric Nurse, OR Nurse, Oncology Nurse, Geriatric Nurse, Mental Health or Psychiatric Nurse, Community Health Nurse, and Home Care or Visiting Nurse.
RN Salary in Canada: What You Can Expect
Annual RN salaries are typically between CAD 60,000 and CAD 104,000, depending on experience, specialisation, and location.
The guide also highlights common earnings and benefits factors, such as overtime (often 1.5-2 times the hourly rate), higher pay for in-demand specialisations, and pension contributions that may be around 7–10% at many public healthcare employers.
Ready for Your Next Step
If Canada is your target, start by choosing your province, collecting your documents early, and planning your timeline for NNAS, exams, and registration.
When you’re ready to explore opportunities, create your profile on MedicoTalent and start applying to nursing roles that match your speciality and experience.
Start Your Global Nursing Journey Today
If you’re ready to expand your career horizons and take your skills where they are most needed, MedicoTalent is your ideal partner. We are here to connect you with international nursing jobs that match your goals, qualifications, and aspirations.
Create your free profile today at www.medicotalent.com and let us help you step into a fulfilling global healthcare career.