As the number of seniors continues to rise, healthcare professionals are becoming more and more crucial. This growing number of dependents is putting a stress on the system.
As a result, Canada needs nurses. But, what are Canada’s requirements for nurses?
Requirements to Work as a Nurse in Canada
In general, to be eligible to register or work in Canada as a nurse (either a Registered Nurse or Licenced Practical Nurse), you need to demonstrate competency to practice. To prove this, you will need to have your education credentials assessed.
If your education credentials are deemed as the equivalent to nursing programs in Canada, the nursing regulatory body will address additional application requirements. These requirements to work as a nurse in Canada include work experience, language proficiency, good character, and screening for criminal history.
Once your application meets all the requirements, you are require d to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE) or Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) as part of the licensure or registration process.
This is a requirement in all Canadian provinces and territories except for Quebec. It maintains its own registration examination.
At this time, these examinations can only be written in Canada. Once you have passed the required examination, you are eligible to work in Canada as a nurse.
How to Apply as a Nurse in Canada
If you are looking to work as a nurse in Canada, you have to be deemed able to practice an RN or LPN as noted in the general process above. To qualify, you have to register with the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators or the Canadian Nurses Association.
In Canada, each province and territory establishes its own registration requirements. Before you can register with the CCPNR or the CNA, nurses have to send an application to the nursing regulatory body in the territory or province where you want to work.
You will find the links to these nursing regulatory bodies below, alphabetized by province and territory.
Alberta
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
British Columbia
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
Manitoba
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
New Brunswick
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
Newfoundland & Labrador
Registered Nurse Application
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
Northwest Territories & Nunavut
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
Nova Scotia
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
Ontario
Both Registered Nurse & Licensed Practical Nurse Applications
Prince Edward Island
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
Quebec
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
Saskatchewan
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
Yukon
Registered Nurse Application
Licensed Practical Nurse Application
If you are looking for Canadian nursing jobs for international nurses, you can do so as a temporary resident on a work permit or a permanent residence.
Are you looking to work in Canada as a nurse? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to see how we can help with your immigration process.