Canada is experiencing a well-documented shortage of healthcare workers, especially nurses. According to a joint study released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Statistics Canada (September 2025), the country continues to rely on internationally educated nurses to meet urgent staffing needs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information also reported that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened staffing pressures, contributing to burnout, turnover, and vacancy rates well above national averages.
What the Data Shows
The Statistics Canada study revealed that:
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63% of economic immigrants who intended to work as nurses successfully found employment in nursing roles by 2021.
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Those with prior Canadian work or study experience had the highest rates of integration, with over 80% aligning with their intended profession.
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A significant 65% of immigrant nurses currently working in Canada had not originally planned to work in nursing but later entered the profession after gaining permanent residency.
These findings highlight not only the demand for nurses but also the dynamic pathways available for immigrants who may retrain or shift into the nursing field after arrival.
Pathways to Nursing in Canada
Foreign-trained nurses can consider several immigration and work permit programs:
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Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program & Canadian Experience Class): Nurses are often listed among in-demand occupations, making them competitive applicants under Canada’s points-based system.
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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, actively nominate internationally educated nurses to meet local healthcare needs.
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Temporary Work Permits: Employers facing critical shortages may secure Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or rely on LMIA-exempt pathways such as international agreements.
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Credential Recognition Programs: The Government of Canada and provincial nursing colleges have accelerated recognition processes to help internationally educated nurses transition into practice more quickly.
Why Now Is the Right Time
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan emphasizes economic immigration with a strong focus on healthcare workers. Nurses are at the forefront of these efforts, with designated pathways and expedited credential recognition measures.
For internationally trained nurses, this is an opportune time to build a career in Canada while helping to address critical labour shortages.
At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., we assist foreign nationals, including nurses and other healthcare professionals, in navigating Canadian immigration. From selecting the right program to ensuring compliance with IRCC and provincial licensing requirements, our legal team helps you achieve both immigration and career goals.
If you are a nurse considering Canada, now is the time to take action.
