The provincial government of New Brunswick prioritizes recruiting foreign-trained nurses, creating numerous nursing jobs in New Brunswick. In 2019, the government launched a nursing resources strategy, expecting to generate 4,376 jobs in the province over the next eight years. Given the high demand, competitive wages are available, and various pathways to permanent residence exist. Therefore, immigrating to New Brunswick as a nurse is a smart decision.
Let’s explore how you can move to New Brunswick, become a permanent resident, and enjoy a high quality of life in this beautiful Atlantic province. While some applicants may experience delays in processing work permits and permanent residence applications, healthcare workers, particularly nurses, receive priority status. In this unique circumstance, the COVID-19 pandemic has actually worked in your favor.
Your Immigration Options for New Brunswick as a Nurse
What Comes First
To practice as an internationally trained nurse in New Brunswick or elsewhere in Canada, you must recertify as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The first step involves assessing your qualifications through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). You will need to submit this assessment to the provincial body to register as a nurse.
If your qualifications meet the requirements, you can take the Canadian Registered Nursing Examination (CRNE) or the Canadian Practical Nursing Examination (CPNE). Once you pass your exam, you will be eligible to work as a nurse in Canada. The provincial agencies where you can register as a nurse in New Brunswick include:
- Nurses Association of New Brunswick – Registered Nurses
- Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses
After obtaining your credentials, seek a job offer at any health center in the province. To find nursing jobs in New Brunswick, utilize job search tools available online.
How to Become a Permanent Resident
Once you have a job offer, you can choose from three immigration programs to apply for permanent residence in Canada:
- Express Entry System – Federal Skilled Worker Program: You do not require a job offer to apply for permanent residency through this program. The system processes applicants based on a point-based system, and having a job offer or a provincial nomination from New Brunswick adds valuable points to your score.
- New Brunswick Provincial Nomination Program: You can apply directly to the provincial government for a nomination. If successful (which is likely, as qualified nurses are in high demand), you will almost certainly receive permanent residency.
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot: This unique program aims to bring the benefits of economic migration to the eastern region of Canada by offering permanent residency to foreign workers with job offers in one of the four Atlantic provinces. Skilled professionals (like nurses), semi-skilled workers, and international graduates are all welcome to apply for permanent residency, provided they have permanent employment.
Working as a Nurse in Canada – What to Expect
One of the best reasons to move to Canada is the quality of life. The median hourly wage for a registered nurse in New Brunswick is CAD 35.46. Typically, nurses in Canadian hospitals work 4 shifts and 4 shifts, while healthcare facilities like nursing homes usually have 8-hour shifts. This results in an average of 42 hours of work per week, translating to an annual salary of approximately CAD 77,445.
The cost of living in New Brunswick is relatively low compared to the rest of Canada. Here are some monthly costs associated with living in the Atlantic province:
| Item | Price in CAD |
|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment) | $800 |
| Rent (2 bedroom apartment) | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedroom House (Buying price) | $192,000 |
| Healthcare | Free |
| Groceries (per person, per month) | $297 |
| Public Transport (monthly pass) | $65 |
| Vehicle (new hatchback) | $23,750 |
| Gas/Petrol per gallon | $1.13 |
| Utilities | $158 |
| Internet Connection | $82 |
| Cellphone Subscription | $101 |
The main cities to live in New Brunswick are Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton. Almost half of the province’s population resides in these metropolitan areas. The port city of Saint John has a population of approximately 130,000 and does not freeze in winter due to tidal currents. Temperatures can drop to minus thirteen degrees, so be prepared for the province’s cold winters. Moncton, with a population of just over 155,000, is a growing center for high-tech and service industries, and it houses the main provincial airport with local and international connections. Fredericton, slightly smaller with a population of 110,000, is located on the beautiful Saint John River and is known for its excellent educational institutions and recreational facilities.
The Need for Nurses in New Brunswick
The province, along with other Atlantic provinces, is experiencing an increase in the average age of its population. Due to low migration rates, the government focuses on attracting individuals who can contribute to the economy and the positive growth of the region. As a nurse, you are not only needed for your skills but also as a vital member of the community.
Study to Become a Nurse in New Brunswick
Regardless of your age, gender, or financial situation, pursuing a nursing degree is a wise decision. The University of New Brunswick offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with an estimated cost of CAD 42,000 for international students (approximately CAD 10,500 per year for four years). You can work while registered as an international student in Canada to help cover your costs. Additionally, various financial aid programs are available, and once you start working, you can pay off any loans quickly. Graduating from a university in the province also significantly increases your chances of securing a job, especially if you obtain a post-graduation work permit.
To study in Canada, simply apply to your chosen university. Once accepted, apply for your Canadian study permit and embark on the journey of a lifetime!
In summary, the opportunities for nursing jobs in New Brunswick are abundant, and the pathway to permanent residency is clear. With a supportive community and a high quality of life, New Brunswick is an excellent choice for nurses looking to build a fulfilling career in Canada.
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