Nursing Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship 2025

Introduction

Canada’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and the country is always in need of qualified healthcare professionals, especially nurses. In 2025, nursing jobs in Canada are expected to continue being in high demand due to the aging population, healthcare expansions, and the ongoing focus on improving public health. As a result, international nurses seeking to work in Canada will find many opportunities to apply for jobs, especially those with visa sponsorship options. Whether you are an experienced nurse or a recent nursing graduate, Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to practice in a welcoming and professional environment.

For foreign nurses, securing employment in Canada is often made easier by employers who offer visa sponsorship to help candidates obtain the necessary work permits and immigration status. Canadian employers actively seek skilled nurses, particularly those from abroad, to fill vacancies in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and private practices. The government of Canada has introduced several pathways, including the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), to facilitate the immigration process for skilled healthcare workers. As nursing shortages continue to be a concern in various regions, nurses from around the world are encouraged to consider Canada as their destination for professional growth and career advancement.

The process for international nurses to move to Canada is streamlined but requires careful planning and attention to detail. Visa sponsorship for nursing jobs is available for qualified candidates, providing a significant opportunity for foreign professionals to live and work in Canada. In this guide, we will explore the types of nursing jobs available in Canada, the application process, the required documentation, and how to find opportunities with visa sponsorship.

Entry Level Jobs for Immigrants

Nurses who are new to Canada or are in the process of completing the necessary licensing requirements can still access entry-level positions that provide valuable experience and the opportunity to grow in the healthcare sector. These roles offer a starting point for international nurses, allowing them to adapt to Canadian healthcare standards, build local work experience, and prepare for more advanced roles. Below is a table showcasing common entry-level nursing jobs for immigrants in Canada, along with their typical responsibilities, salary expectations, and required qualifications.

Job Title	Typical Responsibilities	Average Salary (CAD/hr)	Requirements
Registered Nurse (RN) – Entry Level	Providing patient care, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with recovery	30-40 CAD	Registered Nurse (RN) license in Canada, NCLEX-RN exam completion
Nurse Aide / Care Assistant	Assisting patients with daily activities, basic medical procedures, and monitoring health status	18-23 CAD	Nursing assistant certification, on-the-job training available
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	Offering primary care, performing routine medical procedures, providing emotional support	22-30 CAD	Practical Nursing Diploma, LPN license in Canada
Health Care Aide	Supporting nurses and doctors in patient care, helping with personal hygiene, feeding, and dressing	18-22 CAD	Health care aide training, no formal license required
Nursing Supervisor – Entry Level	Overseeing patient care, managing nursing staff, ensuring compliance with health regulations	35-45 CAD	RN license, some leadership or supervisory experience
Clinical Research Nurse	Assisting in clinical trials, collecting patient data, administering prescribed medications	30-38 CAD	Registered Nurse (RN) license, research experience beneficial
Home Care Nurse	Providing care to patients in their homes, administering medication, and educating patients	28-35 CAD	RN or LPN license, experience in home health care preferred
Dialysis Nurse	Administering dialysis treatments, monitoring patient vitals, and ensuring patient comfort	32-40 CAD	Registered Nurse (RN) license, specialized dialysis training
Emergency Room Nurse	Responding to medical emergencies, providing immediate care, triaging patients	35-45 CAD	RN license, emergency care certification required
Public Health Nurse (Entry Level)	Promoting health in communities, educating patients about prevention, and assessing health risks	30-38 CAD	RN license, public health training beneficial

These entry-level roles provide a stepping stone for immigrants in Canada who are looking to build their nursing careers. Many employers offer training, mentorship, and additional certification opportunities to help nurses develop their skills and progress into higher-level positions.

Application Requirements and Documents

To work as a nurse in Canada, foreign nationals must meet specific requirements and submit various documents for their visa and work permit applications. The application process can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, your qualifications, and the province you intend to work in.

1. Work Permit and Visa

• Temporary Work Permit: If you are offered a nursing job in Canada, you may be eligible for a temporary work permit. This permit is typically employer-specific, meaning you can only work for the employer who sponsored your visa.
• Express Entry: Foreign nurses may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system, which is based on a points system. Nurses with sufficient work experience, educational credentials, and language proficiency can apply for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Some provinces, such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, have their own immigration programs that nominate workers to meet local labor shortages. Nurses can apply for PNPs to work and eventually obtain permanent residency.

2. Required Documents

• Nursing Qualifications: You will need to provide proof of your nursing qualifications, including your nursing degree or diploma and transcripts. Depending on where you trained, you may need to have your credentials evaluated by a recognized Canadian organization, such as the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) or the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).
• Language Proficiency: Proof of English or French language proficiency is required for most nursing jobs in Canada. International nurses are often required to take tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test de français international (TFI), depending on the region and the employer’s language requirements.
• NCLEX-RN Exam: International nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) exam to be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada. The exam is part of the licensing process and is administered by provincial nursing boards.
• Work Experience: Employers will typically require a copy of your CV or resume to assess your experience. Some employers may request specific details about your clinical experience and whether it aligns with Canadian healthcare standards.
• Criminal Record Check: A police clearance certificate from your home country or any country where you’ve lived for more than six months may be required.
• Medical Examination: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet Canada’s health requirements.

3. Job Offer

• To apply for a work permit, you will need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Employers must be willing to support your application and may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which confirms there are no qualified Canadians to fill the role.

Employment Websites to Find Opportunities

Securing a nursing job in Canada requires effective job search strategies and knowing where to look for the right opportunities. Here are some of the best websites for finding nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship:

1. Job Bank
   Website: www.jobbank.gc.ca
   Job Bank is Canada’s official job portal, listing a wide range of nursing jobs across provinces. It provides tools for searching jobs by location, industry, and salary.
2. Indeed Canada
   Website: www.indeed.ca
   Indeed is one of the largest job search engines in Canada, with a wide array of nursing job listings, including positions offering visa sponsorship.
3. HealthCareJobs.ca
   Website: www.healthcarejobs.ca
   This site focuses specifically on healthcare roles in Canada, with listings for nurses, healthcare aides, and other medical professionals.
4. NursingJobsCanada.com
   Website: www.nursingjobscanada.com
   A dedicated platform for nursing job seekers in Canada, it includes job listings, employer profiles, and resources for international nurses seeking employment in Canada.
5. LinkedIn
   Website: www.linkedin.com
   LinkedIn is an excellent networking platform that also offers job listings in the healthcare sector, including opportunities for foreign nurses with visa sponsorship.
6. Workopolis
   Website: www.workopolis.com
   A prominent Canadian job search website, Workopolis features a variety of nursing jobs, including positions in high-demand areas offering visa sponsorship.

Conclusion

Canada continues to be a top destination for international nurses looking for rewarding careers in a high-quality healthcare system. With the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly registered nurses, foreign nurses have a significant opportunity to find nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship in 2025. The application process can be complex, but understanding the requirements for obtaining work permits, licensing, and the necessary documents will make it easier to navigate.