How Internationally Trained Nurses Can Immigrate to Canada in 2026

Canada faces a significant nursing shortage, and internationally trained nurses are a critical part of the solution. This guide walks you through every step of the immigration and licensing process in 2026.

The Nursing Immigration Pathway

1. NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service) credential assessment
2. Provincial nursing college review and registration
3. NCLEX-RN exam (for Registered Nurses)
4. Immigration pathway selection and application
5. Employment in Canada

Step 1: NNAS Credential Assessment

NNAS is the centralized body reviewing internationally educated nursing credentials (except Quebec). Process takes 6-12 months, costs $650-$800 USD. Apply at nnas.ca. NNAS assesses your education, home-country licence, and work experience.

Step 2: Provincial Nursing College Registration

Apply to the nursing college in your target province: Ontario (CNO), BC (BCCNM), Alberta (CRNA), Manitoba (CRNM), Nova Scotia (NSCN). The college reviews your NNAS report and may require additional education or competency assessment.

Step 3: NCLEX-RN Exam

Required for RN registration across Canada (except Quebec). Computer-adaptive test with 75-135 questions. Register through Pearson VUE after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT). Cost: ~$360 USD. Study resources: Saunders, UWorld NCLEX, NCSBN Learning Extension.

Immigration Pathways for Nurses

• Express Entry: RNs (NOC 31301) and LPNs (NOC 32101) are eligible. Provincial nomination or Canadian job offer adds significant CRS points
• Provincial Nominee Programs: Ontario OINP, BC PNP Healthcare Priority, Nova Scotia NSNP Healthcare stream
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Atlantic provinces have severe nursing shortages - one of the fastest pathways

Bridging Programs

• CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (Toronto): Employment bridging, NCLEX prep, career coaching
• IEN Employment Services (BC): Bridging at Douglas College and Kwantlen Polytechnic

Salary Expectations

• RN: $70,000-$110,000/year | LPN: $50,000-$75,000/year | NP: $100,000-$130,000+/year
• Most public healthcare positions are unionized with excellent benefits and pension

Official: NNAS Canada, NCLEX-RN.