Several provinces in Canada actively attract foreign nurses to address their healthcare staffing needs.
Here are some provinces known for their initiatives and programmes that attract and retain foreign nurses
The latest job vacancy data shows that as of January 2023, there were 162,100 vacant positions in the healthcare and social assistance sector, the highest level on record.
Even before the COVID-19 epidemic, the lack of nurses in Canadian healthcare was a problem.
Many nurses were experiencing poor mental health and exhaustion, according to a 2022 research by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU).
As the epidemic lingered, this resulted in widespread resignations among medical staff.
Provinces That Attract Foreign Nurses
As a result of these resignations, several provinces in Canada actively attract foreign nurses to address their healthcare staffing needs.
Here are some provinces known for their initiatives and programmes to attract and retain foreign nurses:
British Columbia
British Columbia offers various opportunities to foreign nurses through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The BC PNP includes the Healthcare Professional and International Post-Graduate categories, which can provide pathways to permanent residency for eligible nurses.
The province is currently paying for the over $3,700 application and assessment expenses for IENs.
In addition, for nurses returning to practice after a break, BC will pay up to $4,000 per person for evaluations and qualifying travel expenses.
Alberta
Alberta has a shortage of nurses and actively recruits foreign-trained nurses.
In February, Alberta announced it is investing more than $15 million to train and support more IENs.
The funding includes $7.8 million for students to access up to $30,000 in bursaries.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) offers the opportunity for foreign nurses to immigrate to Alberta through the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
Manitoba
The province of Manitoba has an increasing demand for nurses, and they actively recruit internationally educated nurses (IENs) through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
The MPNP provides pathways to permanent residency for eligible IENs.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has a strong demand for nurses, and the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers various streams for skilled workers, including the Health Professionals category.
This category allows eligible nurses to apply for provincial nomination.
Ontario
Ontario has a high demand for nurses and actively recruits internationally trained nurses (ITNs) through the Nursing Graduate Guarantee program.
This programme helps ITNs gain work experience and supports them in obtaining their nursing registration in Ontario.
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The Ontario Ministry of Health, the Ontario College of Nurses, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario implemented a number of modifications in October 2022, including:
- Enabling nurses with international training to enrol in a temporary class and start working sooner while they pursue full registration.
- Giving flexibility to the restriction that they must have practised nursing within a particular amount of time before seeking for reinstatement.
- Making it simpler for retired or non-practicing nurses to return to the field.
- Making it simpler for doctors from other provinces and territories to work for up to 90 days in Ontario by establishing a new temporary independent practice registration class.
How To Come To Canada As A Nurse
Nurses may be eligible for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another popular pathway for nurses.
The PNP allows provinces to select skilled, immigration candidates who they feel will have the best chance of becoming economically established within a province and able to fill gaps in the provincial labour force.
It’s important to note that the demand for nurses in Canada and the programs available may change over time.
It is advisable to check the official websites of each province or consult with immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information on programmes and requirements.
