Thursday, December 4, 2014

Nurses Immigrating to Canada

Canada is facing a major shortage in healthcare workers. To help provide relief to one of our most important industries, Immigration Canada is accepting a set number of applications from foreign born nurses to work in Canada as registered nurses.

Practicing nurses, who wish to immigrate, must first decide on the province they intend to work in. Unlike other countries, registration for nursing in Canada occurs at the provincial or territory level. Prospective foreign nurses should first look at the requirements and fees required by each province. After a self-assessment, applicants should then apply directly to one or more of these associations. Once accepted and approved for a temporary permit, applicants must then apply for the NCLEX-RN, a national exam that ensures public safety and protection through a fair, comprehensive and entry-level assessment that accurately reflects the current nursing practice in Canada.


 When choosing a province, it is highly recommended that foreign workers research the climate, positions available and the necessary requirements for seeking temporary work status.

Canada is a vast country and each of our provinces and territories offer unique environments and cultural challenges. Life on the west coast is dramatically different than life on the prairies.

There is also a large variance in the demand for nurses between the various job markets. Researching these demands will help foreign workers determine where their skills are most needed.

Finally, each province and territory has a unique set of requirements for immigrant nurses. Here is an at-a-glance list of requirements set by each province:

Alberta
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience
Wait Time: 3-6 months
Fee: $525.00
Language Proficiency: (English) Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses or International English Language Testing System

British Columbia
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience (if not approved, applicants have the option to take the Substantially Equivalent Competency Assessment)
Wait Time: 3-6 months
Fee: $560.00
Language Proficiency: (English) CELBAN or IELTS

Manitoba
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience
Wait Time: 4-6 months
Fee: $525.00
Language Proficiency: (English or French) CELBAN, IELTS or Test d'Evaluation du Français

New Brunswick
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience
Wait Time: 4-6 months
Fee: $452.00
Language Proficiency: (English or French) CELBAN, IELTS or TEF 

Newfoundland and Labrador
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience
Wait Time: 3-6 months
Fee: $169.50
Language Proficiency: (English or French) CELBAN, IELTS, Test of English as a Foreign Language or TEF

Nova Scotia
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience
Wait Time: 6-8 months
Fee: $469.20
Language Proficiency: (English) CELBAN or IELTS

Ontario
Experience: Personalized application processing
Wait Time: 3-5 months
Fee: $678.00
Language Proficiency: N/A

Quebec
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience, plus an independent integration program
Wait Time: 3-6 months
Fee: $594.99
Language Proficiency: (French) N/A

Prince Edward Island
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience
Wait Time: 4-6 months
Fee: $500.00
Language Proficiency: (English) CELBAN, IELTS or Test of English for International Communication

Saskatchewan
Experience: Evidence of RN certification, education and work experience
Wait Time: 4-6 months
Fee: $525.00
Language Proficiency: (English) CELBAN or IELTS


Once applicants have been approved by a provincial association of nurses, they need to apply for the NCLEX-RN. All foreign nurses will need to pass this exam to work as registered nurses in Canada.

PRIMED Educational Associates is committed to providing comprehensive NCLEX prep review tools and support for internationally educated nurses. Our participatory learning experiences our taught by dedicated instructors who are committed to promoting nursing knowledge, empowering students and building confidence for exam success.

We are currently offering two online sessions in the upcoming months for nurses who are unable to attend our review courses in person. This is the perfect opportunity for foreign nurses to prepare for the NCLEX-RN.


Our online sessions will be offered on December 13th-14th and on January 10th-11th. Apply today to ensure your success on the NCLEX.