Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about working in Canada as a nurse or other healthcare professional, as well as the processes of obtaining certification and immigrating to Canada.
Table of contents:
- General questions
- Glossary of terms for nurses who want to work and live in Canada
- Certification and working as a nurse in Canada
- Immigration questions
1. General questions:
a. Why do nurses want to work in Canada?
First off, most Canadian provinces experience a shortage of nurses. This shortage translates into a continuous demand for nursing staff, which in turn translates into substantial salaries for nurses. In addition to that, working in Canadian healthcare allows for the opportunity to further your career.
In addition to that, Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in.
b. Does Canada accept nurses from foreign countries?
Yes, foreign nurses are gladly accepted. Granted, there are some examinations involved to be certified as competent to work as a nurse in Canada, but Canada welcomes all capable nursing staff.
c. Do you only help nurses, or do you help other healthcare professionals too?
At Universal Recruiting, most of our clients are nurses, but we work with any medical professional who would like to immigrate to Canada, regardless of their field of expertise.
d. What types of nursing jobs are available?
Available jobs include jobs for registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses – in a wide variety of medical fields.
e. Can I bring my family with me?
It varies, but in most cases you are allowed to bring your immediate family (spouse and dependants) with you. There are additional immigration pathways should you want to bring your parents to Canada later on.
2. Glossary of terms for nurses who want to work and live in Canada
a. NNAS: National Nursing Assessment Services
b. NSCBN: National Council of State Board of Nursing
c. IRN: Internationally registered nurse
d. PG: Postgraduate
e. CNO: Chief nursing officer
f. BCN: Bridging to Canadian nursing
g. NCLEX: National Council Licensure Examination
h. NCKEX-RN: Certification for registered nurses
i. NCLEX-PN: Certification for practical/vocational nurses
j. IELTS: English language testing system
k. ETACAF: Examination Testing Accommodations Candidate Application Form
l. TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
m. OET: Occupational English test
n. NRB: Nursing Regulatory Body
o. CAD: Canadian dollars
3. Certification and working as a nurse in Canada
a. How can an international nurse work in Canada?
If you are a nurse registered internationally, you will need to complete an application with the NNAS.
b. What is the age limit for applying as a nurse in Canada?
There is no age limit. But are two sides to the proverbial coin: On the one hand, younger nurses are given a higher score on their immigration assessment, due to the fact that they have longe careers ahead of them. On the other hand, older nurses often possess additional qualifications and specific experience that make up for the lower (age) score.
c. How much does it cost to study and become a nurse in Canada?
Depending on the program you enrol in, and which university you choose, the cost can be anything from 20,000 CAD to 40,000 CAD.
d. How do I transfer my nursing license to Canada as an international nurse?
i. Determine your eligibility.
ii. Apply for an assessment.
iii. Complete the relevant nursing exam.
iv. Obtain a Canadian work permit.
v. Apply for your nursing registration.
e. How do nurses obtain permanent residency in Canada?
i. Get temporary employment as a nurse.
ii. Once you secure a permanent job offer, apply for a work permit.
iii. In time, you will be granted permanent resident status.
f. Is NCLEX the same as IELTS?
No, but you need to pass both exams. NCLEX is a nursing certification, while IELTS is a test for your proficiency in English. Since the IELTS exam has to be taken every two years, it is advised to only take the IELTS exam after you passed your NCLEX exam.
g. How does the NCLEX exam work?
Depending on how well you answer your questions, there can be anywhere from 75 to 145 questions involved. The more questions you are able to answer correctly, the fewer questions you are asked, with the minimum being 75 questions.
Assessment of you nursing credentials.
h. How do I obtain certification as a nurse in Canada?
i. Provide your credentials for registration with nursing council.
ii. Pass the NCLEX nursing exam.
iii. Obtain your license from the nursing regulatory body in the relevant province.
i. What IELTS score is required for international nurses in Canada?
For speaking and writing, a score of 7 is required. For lsitening and reading, a score of 7.5 is required.
j. Who is eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam in Canada?
To write the NCLEX exam you need one of the following:
i. A degree or diploma in nursing.
ii. A one year practical nursing degree.
iii. A four-year BSN.
k. How many times can I take NCLEX exam in Canada?
You may take the exam a maximum of eight times per year, with each new attempt no less than 45 days after the previous one.
l. How will I know if I passed my NCLEX exam?
The official results are communicated by the NRB within 6 weeks of taking the exam. If you have not received your results after 6 weeks, you may contact the NCSBN to inquire.
m. How much does a Registered Nurse make in Canada?
On average, RN’s make around $81,000 (CAD) per year.
n. What is the highest paying nursing job in Canada?
An anesthetist nurse in Canada makes – on average – around $203,000 (CAD) per year.
4. Immigration questions
a. How do I prepare for a Canadian immigration interview?
i. There is no need to be scared, but do take it seriously.
ii. Don’t be late.
iii. Dress decently.
iv. Have copies of important documents on hand.
v. Don’t try to pretend – just be yourself.
b. How do I find out if I am eligible to work in Canadian healthcare?
Click Here to Contact us. We will help you to determine your eligibility.
c. What are the Requirements for Canadian Immigration?
It differs between provinces and their various immigration programs. Talk to us, and let’s see what you qualify for.
d. What is the Maximum Age for Canadian Immigration?
While there is no official age limit, applicants aged 25 to 35 years receive the maximum available points for this on their score cards. Older applicants, however, can score additional points for experience and additional qualifications.
e. What is the Canadian Express Entry program?
Top candidates are invited to apply for the Express Entry immigration program, which fast tracks the whole process. While the program name varies slightly between provinces, each province in Canada has one. However, each province places an annual limit on the number of Express Entry invitations they issue.
f. What is the Canadian PNP (Provincial Nominee Program)?
For candidates who don’t make it into the Express Entry program – due to lower eligibility scores and higher age (up to 55 years), the PNP makes it possible for a larger number of candidates to immigrate to Canada.
g. How long does the immigration process take?
It depends on several factors, including whether you are able to get into the Express Entry program, your immigration score, and whether you have a job offer or not.
We help international nurses – and other medical professionals – to obtain job offers, which speeds up the process to some extent.
h. How much will it cost me to immigrate to Canada?
Fees are between CAD $35,000 – $47,500, depending on your qualifications, experience, and whether you can meet requirements. We do not accept any files without a retainer of CAD $1,500.
i. I don’t have that much money. Can I pay you after we immigrate?
If your situation is dire we may be able to help arrange a loan (ONLY if you provide proper collateral). We will work with each individual situation to determine how to obtain the loan to pay the fees in full. Note that at least 50% fees must be paid before you leave your country of residence.
j. After my visa is granted, is that the end of our business relationship?
No, It is the beginning of a lifelong friendship. When our founder arrived in Edmonton, Alberta, he had no contacts, friends, or mentors to guide him.
From the moment you land, we are there for you for the long term. We help with everything you need, guidance and support for yourself and your family if you need.
We are family!
k. How can I verify the legitimacy of the Universal Recruiting Agency?
We are a duly incorporated and registered company with the Province of Alberta. Our corporation number is: 2024925352 and our Employment business license number from the provincial authorities is 356526.
Our founder has also been a well-known and liked member of the Edmonton Business community since 1976.
l. What kind of support can I expect from the agency regarding employment and settlement in Canada?
As you may have experienced already, from the moment you contact us, we support you and your desire to come to Canada. Most of you have become our friends though our emails, calls and messages while helping with your immigration application, and we continue with migration, credentials evaluation, employment, and settlement including housing, bank account, social insurance number, provincial health care card, public transportation, grocery shopping, introduce you to the people from your community.
j. What benefits should a reputable international recruiting agency offer?
Universal Recruiting is a reputable international recruiting agency which offers the following benefits:
1. Extensive Network: We have a wide network of connections with organizations and professionals across different countries, allowing them to source top talent from around the world.
2. Global Reach: We can recruit candidates from various countries and facilitate international placements, ensuring that the hiring process complies with local laws and regulations.
3. Expertise in Cross-Cultural Hiring: Our team has experiential skills set in understanding and assessing cultural differences and ensuring that candidates are a good fit for the hiring organization’s culture.
4. Streamlined Process: We have a well-defined and efficient recruitment process, including candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, and onboarding, to ensure a smooth and successful hiring experience.
5. Access to Diverse Talent Pool: They should have access to a diverse pool of qualified candidates from different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets, enabling them to find the best match for the hiring organization’s requirements.
6. Compliance and Legal Knowledge: They should have a strong understanding of international employment laws and regulations, ensuring that the hiring process is compliant and minimizing legal risks for both the hiring organization and the candidate.
7. Time and Cost Savings: We save the hiring organization’s time and resources by handling the entire recruitment process, including advertising, screening, and shortlisting candidates, allowing the organization to focus on its core activities.
8. Customized Solutions: We provide tailored recruitment solutions based on the specific needs and requirements of the hiring organization, ensuring that they find the most suitable candidates for each position.
9. Support and Guidance: We offer ongoing support and guidance throughout the entire recruitment process, including advice on market trends, salary benchmarking, and negotiation, ensuring successful placement.
10. Reputation and Trust: We have a strong reputation in the industry, with a track record of successful placements and satisfied clients, instilling trust and confidence in their services.
k. What kind of support I can expect from Universal Recruiting?
We help you to have your credentials assessed and evaluated for the compatibility with Canadian education. We advise you of the discrepancies if there are any.
We connect you with appropriate schools if you need upgrading or further training
We facilitate additional training for competence in your work such as orientation about the healthcare system in Canada and cultural competence in healthcare training to enhance your knowledge and skills for cross cultural interactions, shall it be staff or patients, We provide you with information about registration in your profession’s registration bodies, just to name a few.
l. What is the process for validating foreign qualifications in Canada?
There is a government department who evaluates foreign credentials for a nominal fee. If you are a nurse CARNA will also assess your credentials for registration
m. Which English proficiency tests are required, and how do I prepare for them?
IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world, and it’s recognized by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities, and other government agencies. You can explore in your country which institution will be most convenient and accessible to you.
n. What is the Canadian nursing exam for foreign trained nurses?
Nurses who want to work in Canada will have to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers this exam. To learn more about these tests and the requirements in your province, you must contact College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA).
o. How do I obtain registration in Albert as an internationally trained nurse?
Internationally educated RNs can–and should–begin the application process before they arrive in Alberta. To be eligible to practice as a registered nurse in Alberta, you must obtain a practice permit from the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA).
p. How does the visa sponsorship process work?
The Canadian family sponsorship? There are two main aspects to sponsorship: 1) It allows your family member to immigrate to Canada and get permanent residence (PR). 2) It requires you, as an individual, to make a commitment to provide for basic needs and to support that person financially.
You can become a sponsor if you are:
- · at least 18 years old.
- · a Canadian citizen, or a person registered in Canada as a permanent resident, living in Canada.
- · able to prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
q. What type of support is provided for adapting to a new country's healthcare system?
Our support includes suitable housing, getting a social insurance number, to obtain a provincial health care card, introduction to public transport, opening a bank account, locations of ethnic grocery stores and others.
- · We do an extensive orientation about Provincial and the Canadian healthcare system,
- · Orientation to the facility you will be working for.
- · We also provide cultural competence in healthcare training for working cross-culturally.
r. What are the prospects for long-term career growth and development?
The prospects of long-term growth and professional development are very promising if you have the passion for upgrading your skill set.