Registered Nurse Immigration to Canada
Complete pathway guide for registered nurses moving to Canada. Explore Express Entry, provincial programs, requirements, and job prospects.
NOC Code
31301
TEER Category
TEER 1
Median Salary
$77,000
Registered Nurse Pathway to Canada
Canada faces a critical shortage of registered nurses across all provinces. With an aging population and expanding healthcare infrastructure, RNs are among the most in-demand professionals in Canada.
Registered nurses (NOC 31301, TEER 1) are listed in the Express Entry Healthcare and social services category, which needs at least 12 months of full-time experience in the past 3 years, in Canada or abroad. The most recent IRCC round, Draw #441 on September 4, 2026, invited 3,500 candidates at CRS 475. Provinces also recruit nurses: New Brunswick limits new Experience-pathway invitations to health care, education and construction, and Yukon prioritizes regulated health care professionals.
Canadian nursing licensure is required to practice. The usual first step is a credential assessment by NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service), then registration with the nursing regulator in the province where you will work.
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Eligible Programs for Registered Nurses
Multiple pathways available depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Fast-track PR for nurses with strong language scores and 1+ year of skilled experience. General draws need a high CRS, so most nurses watch the healthcare category rounds.
Express Entry Healthcare Category
NOC 31301 is on the eligible list. You need 12 months of full-time experience in the past 3 years, in Canada or abroad. Draw #441 (Sep 4, 2026) invited 3,500 candidates at CRS 475.
Provincial Nominee Program
Provinces recruit nurses through different streams, and each sets its own rules. An Express Entry-linked provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, which puts most candidates above the cut-off in provincial nominee rounds.
New Brunswick PNP
Since May 4, 2026, new invitations under the New Brunswick Experience pathway are limited to health care, education and construction occupations.
Yukon Nominee Program
Yukon is prioritizing regulated health care professionals in 2026. Employers apply first through an expression of interest intake.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot
Replaced the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, which ended August 31, 2024. Nurses with NOC 31301 experience can qualify with a job offer in a participating community, including some lower-skilled health care roles under IRCC's healthcare exemption.
What You Need to Qualify
Key requirements for registered nurse immigration to Canada.
Education
Nursing degree or diploma recognized by the provincial regulator. Express Entry also needs an Educational Credential Assessment for foreign education.
Experience
Healthcare and social services category: 12 months of full-time (or equal part-time) experience in the past 3 years in one eligible occupation, in Canada or abroad. Other programs set their own minimums.
Language
CLB 7 minimum (IELTS 6.0 overall). Higher scores significantly improve CRS and job prospects.
Licensing
NNAS Expedited Service costs $750 CAD (RN and LPN, report issued within five business days of receiving all documents). The RPN Pathway costs $650 USD and takes about 12 weeks. Provincial registration fees and steps are set by each regulator.
Express Entry for Registered Nurses
Draw #441 (Sep 4, 2026) invited 3,500 candidates at CRS 475, compared with CRS 518 to 521 in recent Canadian Experience Class rounds. Cut-offs change every round. Check the healthcare category page for the latest.
Category-Based Draws
Registered Nurses are eligible for category-based Express Entry draws, which typically have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws. This significantly improves your chances of receiving an ITA.
Typical CRS Range
475 (healthcare Draw #441, Sep 4, 2026)
Processing Time
6 months
Job Market & Settlement
What to expect when you arrive in Canada as a registered nurse.
Time to Employment
3-6 months
Average time to secure first job in Canada
Top Cities for Registered Nurses:
Job Search Tips
Start your NNAS application early, since documents come from third parties and the application stays open for 12 months. Contact your target provincial regulator about its steps and any exams. Consider rural placements and provinces that prioritize health care.
Top Employer Types
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about registered nurse immigration to Canada
Do I need Canadian nursing experience to immigrate?
How long does NNAS assessment take?
Can LPNs immigrate to Canada?
Which provinces have the fastest nursing licensing?
What is the salary range for nurses in Canada?
What is the NOC code for a registered nurse?
Can a nurse get Canadian PR through Express Entry?
Ready to Immigrate as a Registered Nurse?
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.