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General Immigration Information for Internationally Trained Nurses

Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada are given priority on all vacancies in the Province of British Columbia.  As there is a great need for qualified nurses in British Columbia especially in specialty areas, internationally trained nurses may be considered for available positions.

If you are not already registered in British Columbia, please refer to the Registered Nurse Registration Requirements or the Registered Psychiatric Nurse Registration Requirements to determine how to initiate the registration process.  Once an internationally trained nurse has been deemed eligible for an interim permit as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse by the appropriate BC registration body, they are able to look for employment in British Columbia. 

When an internationally trained Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse  has received an offer of full-time employment with a British Columbia health employer, the employer and nurse will fill out the necessary application forms for Immigration.  A nurse may come to Canada to work under a temporary work visa for a period of one year or apply for a permanent resident visa through the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program with the support of the employer.

The Process of Obtaining a Temporary Work Permit
After making every reasonable effort to hire a qualified and available Canadian or Permanent Resident, the employer will submit an application on your behalf to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).  If the employer's application is approved, your employer will provide you with a validation letter.  At that time you may apply to your nearest Canadian Consulate for a temporary work permit. 

Internationally trained nurses governed under an international trade agreement with Canada (such as NAFTA) may apply with their job offers directly to the CIC at their nearest Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate for a temporary work permit without the need for HRSDC validation.

A medical examination will be required for all internationally trained nurses before a work permit is issued.  A temporary work permit is usually renewable annually.   From the time of application to CIC to the issuance of the work permit, the processing time will vary, but usually takes a minimum of four months.

If you have a partner who would like to work in British Columbia, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will issue a temporary work permit to your spouse because you are a highly skilled temporary internationally trained worker in demand in Canada.  More detailed information can be obtained from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at www.cic.gc.ca.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is available to eligible internationally trained nurses and their families to apply for permanent resident status on an expedited basis from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  This program is administered by the Ministry of Economic Development in collaboration with Health Match BC.  This program is employer-driven.

1. The candidate must be registered by the appropriate BC regulatory body.
2. Employers must issue a permanent, full-time job offer to the candidate.
3. Employer and employee must complete the Provincial Nominee applications and forward them to Health Match BC.
4. The employee receives a nomination letter from the BC Ministry of Economic Development so they can proceed with their permanent resident application with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

If you would like to have more information about the Provincial Nominee Program, please go to their website at www.welcomebc.ca