Step by Step guide for International Nurse to work in Canada as a Registered Nurse

By http://www.skybluecross.org/
International Registered nurses may enter Canada to provide healthcare services. The applicant must be licensed as a registered nurse in the applicant’s home country. The applicant must also pass examinations set by Canada Province or State(s) of intended employment. In addition, they must comply with all Provinces or State licensing requirements for registered nurses following their entry. basically MUST meet following Eligibility criterion and pass2 Exams:


Eligibility criterion

A diploma or B.sc in nursing

With at least one year of clinical experience

Nurses interested to go to Canada, must write 2 exams.

CRNE (Canadian Registered Nurse Exam)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

In order to work in Canada on a temporary basis, International Nurses must also have a temporary offer of employment from a Canadian employer and be granted a Temporary Work Permit by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).  There are several steps to this process.

Step 1: Employer applies for Labour Market Opinion, if necessary

Before a Canada Work Permit can be issued, the Canadian employer who wishes to hire temporary International Nurses may need to apply for and be granted a positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) by HRSDC.  HRSDC will grant a positive LMO if they are satisfied that there is no Canadian worker available to do the job.

Work Permits may be issued by Canadian immigration officials without the LMO requirement in a limited number of situations, as follows:

Under international agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA);

Due to the significant economic, social or cultural benefits the work activity will bring to Canadians;

As part of reciprocal agreements Canada and its provinces/territories have entered into with other countries, such as youth and teacher exchange programs;

So that international students studying in Canada can fulfill academic requirements, known as co-op placements;

To allow the spouses/common-law partners of Work Permit and certain Study Permit holders in Canada to work in Canada;

Because the nature of the work is charitable or religious;

In recognition that certain persons in Canada for reasons other than the above-mentioned, such as the making of a refugee claim, need to support themselves. 



Step 2: Employer extends Temporary Job Offer

Once the LMO is granted, the Canadian employer can extend a temporary job offer to the International Nurses.  The employer must send a copy of the positive LMO along with a detailed job offer letter to the foreign skilled worker. 



Step 3:International Nurses applie for Work Permit

With these documents, the International Nurses can apply to HRSDC for a Canada Temporary Work Permit.  If the Canadian employer that is hiring is in the province of Quebec, the International Nurses may also need to obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) in order to work temporarily in Quebec.  



Step 4: Work Permit is issued

A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will issue the Canada Temporary Work Permit at the point of entry when the foreign worker arrives in Canada.  

Depending upon the International Nurses's country of citizenship, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may also need to be obtained in order to enter Canada.