Nursing is currently the most sought-after profession in Canada. The country faces a severe shortage of registered nurses, worsened by an aging population as more Canadians retire each year. This shortage creates a unique opportunity for those relocating to Canada as a nurse.
With a growing demand for healthcare professionals, higher wages are becoming the norm. Nurses in Canada earn an average of $36 an hour, translating to an annual salary of $79,715. If you qualify to immigrate to Canada as a nurse, you could receive permanent residency in as little as six months through the Express Entry system, which prioritizes highly skilled professions in demand. For more information about life in Canada and the immigration process, read on!
Cost of Living in Canada
When evaluating potential earnings, consider the cost of living. The median price of a house in a Canadian city is $430,000, making a 20-year mortgage manageable on a nurse’s salary. Renting is also an option, with the median price for a spacious 2-bedroom apartment at $900 per month. Earning $6,500 before taxes allows for effective budgeting.
At an annual salary of $79,715, you’ll pay approximately 24.7% in taxes, which amounts to about $19,690. This leaves you with around $50,000 a year. But how far will that take you?
In Toronto, which has a higher cost of living than most Canadian cities, the average monthly cost of living per person is $1,038.
On the bright side, medical care is free for all Canadian citizens and permanent residents, so you won’t have to worry about healthcare expenses. Additionally, education for children is also free. If you earn about $4,200 on average as a single adult or parent, you could have over $2,200 left to save, support your dependents, or explore your new home—it’s your choice!
Relocating as a Registered Nurse
Securing a valid job offer before moving would be the most optimal scenario. However, each province has its regulatory bodies that assess your qualifications and make recommendations. You may need to take the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam to prove your competence. Selecting an immigration program for your path to permanent residence is the next important step. The three main immigration programs that allow relocating to Canada as a nurse possible for qualified professionals and obtaining permanent residency are:
Express Entry
This program involves creating an online profile where you enter your credentials and other relevant information. Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will then be calculated and entered into a pool of candidates. Each month, several applicants are selected based on a minimum CRS score and invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Achieving a high CRS score is crucial, and our Canadian-regulated immigration consultants specialize in helping you achieve this.
Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
If you know where you want to live in Canada, you can apply for a nomination from that province. You can do this through the Express Entry system by creating an expression of interest or by applying directly to the province. If the province needs your skills—especially if you are a registered nurse in a country facing a severe shortage—they will issue you a provincial nomination. This can lead to permanent residency through this program, which may take a bit longer than Express Entry but is still an effective route. A provincial nomination is worth 600 CRS points out of a maximum of 1,200 points, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Similar to the PNP, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot targets individuals who know which province they would like to settle in. This program is specifically for New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It is community and employer-driven, meaning you will need a valid job offer from a participating community and must live and work in that community. Additionally, you will need at least one year of full-time experience to qualify for this pilot.
By following these pathways, you can successfully navigate the process of relocating to Canada as a nurse and enjoy a fulfilling career in a country that values your skills and contributions. With determination and the right preparation, your dream of starting a new life in Canada can become a reality.