An analysis of Canadian nursing immigration services, as well as new temporary PR solutions for healthcare employees in Canada.

In Canada, the pandemic has increased the demand for nurses and other health professionals. Even before the coronavirus spread across the globe, Canada had a nurse shortage, and as a result, there are a lot of immigration pathways aiming to bring these healthcare professionals to the nation.

In the Canadian government’s National Occupation Classification (NOC), nurses fall into one of two divisions. NOC 3012, skill level A, is assigned to registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, while NOC 3233, skill level B, is assigned to certified practical nurses. These skill levels are important since they impact the types of visa services that nurses are eligible for.

Because of the pandemic, Canada received fewer immigrants in 2020 than expected. Canada, on the other hand, continues to seek immigrants. In reality, from now until the end of 2023, Canada has raised its immigration targets to the highest level ever—over 1.2 million people. Making it possible for people already in the country, make their temporary status permanent is one way to contribute to this number.

Starting May 6, Canada will accept up to 20,000 new permanent residents to work in healthcare roles in the country as part of a temporary initiative. The application period will end on November 5th, or when the intake limit is filled, whichever comes first. The French language stream is available to an infinite number of permanent residents. Candidates must have one year of work experience in one of the 40 qualifying healthcare professions in Canada and be employed at the time of application. To be qualified for their language specifications, they must have a CLB or NCLC of at least 4.

Below are the pathways for foreign nurses to join the several that already exist at both the federal and provincial levels.

Express Entry for nurses

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class are two of Canada’s most common federal economic immigration programs (CEC). It is necessary to have professional work experience to be qualified for these programs.

A minimum of one year of continuous work experience in an occupation with a NOC skill level of 0, A, or B is required for the FSWP. This experience may be from anywhere in the world, but it must have occurred within the last ten years. A CLB 7 in English or an NCLC 7 in French is required in all four language competencies: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They must also score at least 67 out of 100 on a six-factor test that evaluates candidates’ schooling, language skills, and whether or not they have a job in Canada.

Meanwhile, the CEC needs one year of NOC 0, A, or B experience over the last three years in Canada. Applicants must require proficiency in all four language competencies: CLB or NCLC 7 for NOC 0 or A occupations, and CLB/NCLC 5 for NOC B occupations. While neither program requires a work offer, providing one will greatly improve one’s chances of receiving an ITA.