Comparative Guide for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) in Canada — Licensing, Jobs & Sponsorship Pathways (2025)
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, and settlement support |
CNO Registration for IENs; Ontario Job Bank |
| Alberta |
Alberta Health Services (AHS) – main provincial employer; Covenant Health |
College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
AHS International Applicants Portal; AHS International Nurse Recruitment Initiative |
Some positions include Express Entry LMIA assistance; Relocation grants for remote postings |
AHS Careers; CRNA Licensing Info |
| British Columbia (BC) |
Provincial Health Services Authority (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 in some regions; Pathways through BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
BCCNM IEN Registration; Fraser Health IEN Page; VCH International Applicants |
Step-by-Step Pathway for All Provinces
| Step |
Action Required |
Description |
| 1 |
Credential Evaluation |
Apply to NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service) — submit transcripts, ID, and license for verification. |
| 2 |
Choose Province of Licensure |
Decide which province (Ontario, Alberta, or BC). Licensing is province-specific; your NNAS report is shared with your chosen province. |
| 3 |
Apply to Provincial Regulatory Body |
Apply through CNO / CRNA / BCCNM; complete provincial application, pay fees, and submit additional documents. |
| 4 |
Complete Bridging Program (if required) |
For nurses needing additional training before registration (e.g., OMNI College, CARE Centre). |
| 5 |
Pass NCLEX-RN |
National exam for registered nurses in Canada. |
| 6 |
Secure Job Offer |
Apply via provincial health authorities or verified agencies. |
| 7 |
Immigration Process |
Apply for Work Permit or PR via Express Entry / PNP. |
| 8 |
Relocate and Begin Practice |
Relocation grants or employer settlement supports may apply. |
Trusted Recruitment Agencies (Pan-Canada)
| Agency Name |
Specialty / Focus |
Website |
| Alliance Recruitment Agency | Healthcare and medical recruitment | Visit Website |
| Emanate Resourcing | Recruitment of overseas nurses and doctors | Visit Website |
| The Medfall Group | Executive and clinical leadership search | Visit Website |
| Vanator RPO | Permanent placement and healthcare staffing | Visit Website |
| Hero Care | Nursing and healthcare staffing | Visit Website |
| NHI Healthcare | Home and facility care nursing jobs | Visit Website |
| Mirams Becker | Healthcare executive recruitment | Visit Website |
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 the Job Bank Canada and provincial websites frequently for active nurse recruitment drives.
