Working as a nurse in Canada requires licensure in the province of practice and, in most cases, employer sponsorship or support. Each province operates under its own health authority and nursing regulatory body. Below is a breakdown of pathways, key institutions, and opportunities across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Provincial Comparison Table
| Province |
Primary Health Authorities / Employers |
Licensing & Registration Body |
Recruitment / Support Programs |
Relocation or Sponsorship Benefits |
Helpful Websites |
| Ontario |
Ontario Health, regional hospital networks (e.g. Sunnybrook, Unity Health, LHSC), home care providers (ParaMed, CarePartners) |
College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) |
HealthForceOntario, CARE Centre for IENs (PASS/STARS), Sunnybrook IEN Pathway, Supervised Practice Experience Program (SPEP) |
Mentorship, exam prep, settlement support |
CNO Registration for IENs | Ontario Job Bank |
| Alberta |
Alberta Health Services (AHS), Covenant Health |
College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
AHS International Applicants Portal, AHS International Nurse Recruitment Initiative |
Express Entry LMIA support, relocation grants for remote postings |
AHS Careers | CRNA Licensing Info |
| British Columbia |
PHSA, Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), Interior Health, Island Health, Northern Health |
BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) |
PHSA International Nursing Applicants, Health Match BC, NursingJobsBC |
Up to $5,000 relocation support, PNP pathway |
BCCNM IEN Registration | Health Match BC |
Step-by-Step Pathway for All Provinces
| Step |
Action Required |
Description |
| 1 |
Credential Evaluation |
Apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) to verify your transcripts, ID, and license. |
| 2 |
Choose Province of Licensure |
Decide whether to apply in Ontario, Alberta, or BC — your NNAS report will be shared accordingly. |
| 3 |
Apply to Provincial Regulatory Body |
Submit documents and fees to CNO / CRNA / BCCNM for provincial registration. |
| 4 |
Complete Bridging Program |
Enroll in OMNI College (BC) or CARE Centre (ON) if required before full registration. |
| 5 |
Pass NCLEX-RN |
National exam for registered nurses in Canada. |
| 6 |
Secure Job Offer |
Apply through provincial health authorities or accredited agencies. |
| 7 |
Immigration Process |
Apply for work permit or permanent residency via Express Entry or PNP. |
| 8 |
Relocate and Begin Practice |
Many employers offer relocation grants and settlement support. |
Trusted Recruitment Agencies (Pan-Canada)
| Agency Name |
Specialty / Focus |
Website |
| Alliance Recruitment Agency |
Healthcare and medical recruitment |
Visit site |
| Emanate Resourcing |
Recruitment of overseas nurses and doctors |
Visit site |
| The Medfall Group |
Executive and clinical leadership search |
Visit site |
| Vanator RPO |
Permanent placement and healthcare staffing |
Visit site |
| Hero Care |
Nursing and healthcare staffing |
Visit site |
| NHI Healthcare |
Home and facility care nursing jobs |
Visit site |
| Mirams Becker |
Healthcare executive recruitment |
Visit site |
Home Health & Community Nursing Employers
Final Tips for International Nurses
- Confirm Licensing First: You cannot work as an RN or LPN without provincial registration.
- Avoid Scams: Only work with verified, established agencies or direct employers listed above.
- Ask About Sponsorship: Confirm if the employer provides LMIA or visa assistance.
- Stay Updated: Check Job Bank Canada and provincial websites for new recruitment drives.
