Canada is one of the most popular destinations for foreign nurses who want to pursue their careers and education in a developed country. Canada offers a high quality of life, a diverse culture, and a strong healthcare system.
However, finding a nursing job and getting a grant or scholarship in Canada can be challenging for foreigners, especially if they are unfamiliar with the Canadian system and requirements.
We have put together the top places for foreign students in Canada to get nursing jobs and grants.
10 Places to Get Nursing Jobs in Canada
There are many places where you can look for nursing jobs in Canada, depending on your qualifications, experience, and preferences.Some of the most common places are:
- Health Canada: The federal department responsible for Canada’s public health and healthcare services. Health Canada hires nurses for various positions, such as public health nurses, community health nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse consultants. You can find the current job openings on their website.
- Provincial and territorial health authorities: These organizations manage and deliver health care services in each province and territory. They employ nurses for different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home care. You can check the websites of the health authorities in the province or territory where you want to work for the available job opportunities.
- Canadian Nurses Association (CNA): This is the national professional association for registered nurses in Canada. CNA provides information, resources, and support for nurses, as well as advocacy and leadership for the nursing profession. CNA also has a job board where you can search for nursing jobs across Canada.
- Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN): This is Canada’s national accrediting body for nursing education programs. CASN also offers a career portal to find nursing jobs in academic settings, such as teaching, research, and administration.
- Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF): This charitable organization supports nursing education, research, and innovation in Canada. CNF also has a career page to find nursing jobs related to their programs and initiatives.
- Canadian Association of Perioperative Nurses (CAPN): Canada’s national professional association for perioperative nurses. Perioperative nurses work in the operating room, providing patient care before, during, and after surgery. CAPN has a job board where you can find perioperative nursing jobs in Canada.
- Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses (CACCN): Canada’s national professional association for critical care nurses. Critical care nurses work in intensive care units, caring for patients with life-threatening conditions. CACCN has a career center where you can find critical care nursing jobs in Canada.
- Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technologists (CANNT): Canada’s national professional association for nephrology nurses and technologists. Nephrology nurses and technologists work in kidney care, caring for patients with kidney diseases or undergoing dialysis. CANNT has a job board where you can find nephrology nursing jobs in Canada.
- Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA): CHPCA is Canada’s national professional association for hospice palliative care. Hospice palliative care aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. CHPCA has a career page where you can find hospice palliative care nursing jobs in Canada.
- Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA): This is the national professional association for Indigenous nurses in Canada. Indigenous nurses identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis or who work with Indigenous communities. CINA has a job board where you can find Indigenous nursing jobs in Canada.
10 Grants and Scholarships for Foreign Nursing Students in Canada
If you are a foreign nursing student who wants to study in Canada, you may be eligible for grants and scholarships to help you cover your tuition, living, and travel expenses.
Some of the grants and scholarships for foreign nursing students in Canada are:
- Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES): This program supports academic exchanges between Canada and other Commonwealth countries. QES offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students who want to study or conduct research in social impact, global health, and innovation. You can find more information on their website.
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program (CCSP): This program provides scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries who want to pursue graduate studies or research in Canada. CCSP covers the cost of tuition, living, and travel expenses for up to one academic year. You can find more information on their website.
- Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP): This program provides scholarships for students from Francophone countries who want to pursue graduate studies or research in Canada. CFSP covers the cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel expenses for up to two academic years. You can find more information on their website.
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M): This program provides scholarships for Canadian and permanent resident students pursuing a master’s degree or equivalent in Canada. CGS M awards $17,500 for one year of study. Foreign students studying in Canada on a study permit may also be eligible for this scholarship if they meet the criteria. You can find more information on their website.
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Program (CGS D): This program provides scholarships for Canadian and permanent resident students who want to pursue a doctoral degree or equivalent in Canada. CGS D awards $35,000 annually for up to three years of study. Foreign students studying in Canada on a study permit may also be eligible for this scholarship if they meet the criteria. You can find more information on their website.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS): This program provides scholarships for Canadian and international students who want to pursue a doctoral degree or equivalent in Canada. Vanier CGS awards $50,000 annually for up to three years of study. The selection criteria are academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. You can find more information on their website.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships (Banting PDF): This program provides fellowships for Canadian and international researchers who have recently completed a doctoral degree or equivalent and want to research in Canada. Banting PDF awards $70,000 annually for up to two years of research. The selection criteria are research excellence, research impact, and leadership. You can find more information on their website.
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR): This federal agency funds health research in Canada. CIHR offers grants and awards for students, trainees, and researchers who want to conduct health research in Canada. Some of the grants and awards for foreign nursing students in Canada are:
- CIHR Doctoral Research Award: This grant funds doctoral students who want to conduct health research in Canada. The award covers the cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel expenses for up to four years of study. More information is available on the CIHR website.
- CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship: This grant funds postdoctoral fellows who want to conduct health research in Canada. The fellowship covers the living and travel expenses for up to three years of research. More information is available on the CIHR website.
- CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships—Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS): This grant provides funding for Canadian graduate students who want to study or research abroad. The grant covers the cost of travel and living expenses for up to six months of study or research. More information is available on their website.
10 Best Nursing Jobs in Canada
The demand for nurses in Canada is high, and nurses have many opportunities to work in different fields and specialties.
However, some nursing jobs may be more rewarding, challenging, or lucrative than others, depending on your skills, interests, and goals.
Here are some of the best nursing jobs in Canada based on factors such as salary, demand, satisfaction, and growth potential:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): This is a registered nurse who has advanced education and training to diagnose and treat various health conditions, prescribe medications, order tests, and refer patients to specialists. NPs can work in primary care, acute care, or specialty settings, such as mental health, oncology, or pediatrics. NPs are highly respected and valued in the healthcare system and have a lot of autonomy and responsibility. The average annual salary for NPs in Canada is $104,000.
- Nurse Educator: A registered nurse teaches and mentors nursing students, staff, or patients. Nurse educators can work in academic institutions, hospitals, clinics, or community settings, designing and delivering nursing curricula, conducting research, and evaluating learning outcomes. Nurse educators are essential for ensuring the quality and competence of the nursing workforce and advancing the nursing profession. The average annual salary for nurse educators in Canada is $86,000.
- Nurse Manager: This is a registered nurse who oversees and coordinates the nursing staff, services, and operations in a specific unit, department, or facility. Nurse managers are responsible for hiring, training, evaluating, and disciplining nurses and managing budgets, schedules, policies, and procedures. Nurse managers are also involved in quality improvement, patient safety, and infection control initiatives. Nurse managers are leaders who need to have strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. The average annual salary for nurse managers in Canada is $95,000.
- Nurse Consultant: This is a registered nurse who provides expert advice and guidance on various aspects of nursing practice, education, research, or administration. Nurse consultants can work as independent contractors or for organizations like healthcare facilities, insurance companies, law firms, or government agencies. Nurse consultants may specialize in legal, forensic, occupational, or infection control nursing. Nurse consultants must have extensive knowledge and experience in their field as well as analytical, research, and presentation skills. The average annual salary for nurse consultants in Canada is $92,000.
- Nurse Anesthetist: A registered nurse administers anesthesia and monitors patients during surgical, obstetric, or diagnostic procedures. Nurse anesthetists collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other health care professionals and are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the anesthesia care plan. Nurse anesthetists need advanced education and training in anesthesia and critical thinking, decision-making, and emergency management skills. The average annual salary for nurse anesthetists in Canada is $180,000.
- Nurse Researcher: A registered nurse conducts scientific research to improve nursing practice, health outcomes, and health care delivery. Nurse researchers can work in academic institutions, hospitals, clinics, or community settings, designing and conducting studies, collecting and analyzing data, and disseminating and applying the findings. Nurse researchers may focus on chronic diseases, health promotion, health disparities, or health policy. Nurse researchers need advanced education and training in research methods, statistics, ethics, creativity, curiosity, and collaboration skills. The average annual salary for nurse researchers in Canada is $75,000.
- Nurse Informaticist: This is a registered nurse who uses information and communication technology to support and improve nursing practice, education, research, and administration. Nurse informaticists can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or software companies, developing, implementing, and evaluating information systems, databases, applications, and devices that enhance nursing care and workflow. Nurse informaticists must have a combination of nursing, computer, and information science skills and project management, communication, and leadership skills. The average annual salary for nurse informaticists in Canada is $82,000.
- Travel Nurse: This registered nurse works in different locations and settings for short-term assignments, usually from a few weeks to a few months. Travel nurses can work in various specialties, such as emergency, intensive care, or labor and delivery, and may fill in staffing gaps, provide relief, or respond to crises. Travel nurses can explore new places, cultures, and experiences, as well as learn new skills and practices. Travel nurses need flexibility, adaptability, independence, and a valid license and credentials. The average annual salary for travel nurses in Canada is $78,000.
- Flight Nurse: This is a registered nurse who provides care to patients during air transport, such as in helicopters, planes, or jets. Flight nurses can work for emergency medical services, military, or private companies and may transport patients who are critically ill, injured, or need specialized care. Flight nurses need advanced education and training in emergency and critical care and skills in trauma, resuscitation, and stabilization. Flight nurses must also have physical stamina, mental alertness, and stress tolerance. The average annual salary for flight nurses in Canada is $88,000.
- Public Health Nurse: This registered nurse works in the community to promote and protect the health and well-being of individuals, groups, and populations. Public health nurses can work for government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or schools, providing health education, disease prevention, immunization, screening, and counseling services. Public health nurses may also respond to outbreaks, disasters, or epidemics. Public health nurses must have a broad knowledge of public health issues, policies, and programs and skills in communication, collaboration, and advocacy. The average annual salary for public health nurses in Canada is $74,000.
How to apply and get approved
If you are interested in applying for a nursing job in Canada as a foreigner, you must follow some steps to ensure that you meet the requirements and standards of the Canadian healthcare system.
Here are some of the steps that you need to take:
- Obtain a nursing degree or diploma: You must have a nursing degree or diploma from a recognized institution in your home country or abroad. The minimum requirement for most nursing jobs in Canada is a bachelor’s degree (BScN) or equivalent. However, some positions may require a master’s degree (MSN) or a doctorate (PhD) in nursing or a related field.
- Get your credentials assessed: You need to have your nursing education and experience assessed by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), which evaluates the credentials of internationally educated nurses who want to work in Canada. You must create an online account, pay the fees, and submit your documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, licenses, and references, to the NNAS. The NNAS will review your documents and issue an advisory report, indicating your level of education and competency compared to Canadian standards. You can find more information on their website.
- Apply for a license: You must apply to practice nursing in the province or territory where you want to work. Each province and territory has its own regulatory body that sets and enforces the standards and requirements for nursing practice. You need to contact the regulatory body in your chosen province or territory and submit your application, along with your NNAS advisory report and other documents, such as proof of identity, language proficiency, and criminal record check. You may also need to pass a national exam, such as the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) or the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE), depending on your level of nursing. You can find the list of regulatory bodies and their contact information on the CNA website.
- Find a job: You must find a nursing job matching your qualifications, skills, and interests. You can search for nursing jobs in Canada by using various sources, such as the websites of the organizations mentioned above, online job boards, newspapers, or networking. You may also need to prepare a resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio highlighting your education, experience, and achievements in nursing. You may also need to attend interviews in person, by phone, or by video to demonstrate your suitability for the job. You may also need to negotiate your salary, benefits, and working conditions with your employer.
- Obtain a work permit: You must obtain a work permit to work legally in Canada as a foreigner. A work permit is a document that authorizes you to work for a specific employer for a specific period and under specific conditions. You need to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal department managing immigration and citizenship in Canada. You must meet the eligibility criteria, such as having a valid passport, a job offer, a medical exam, and a police clearance, and pay the fees. You can find more information on their website.
Conclusion
Nursing is a rewarding and challenging profession that offers many opportunities for foreign nurses who want to work and study in Canada.
However, foreign nurses must follow some steps to ensure that they meet the requirements and standards of the Canadian healthcare system.
We have shared tips and resources to help you find nursing jobs and grants in Canada as a foreigner.
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Good luck with your nursing career in Canada!