Canada continues to face a growing demand for nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates. With an aging population and chronic staffing shortages across healthcare facilities, foreign-trained professionals in this occupation are well-positioned to gain permanent residence through targeted immigration streams.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now prioritises these occupations under Express Entry category-based draws, offering new, streamlined pathways to Canadian immigration.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Job outlook and labour market need
- How to qualify through Express Entry
- NOC code and salary information
- Provincial opportunities for healthcare aides
- Work experience requirements
Canada’s Growing Need for Nurse Aides and Orderlies
Canada projects 191,000 job openings for nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates between 2022 and 2031, but only 170,100 qualified candidates are expected. That leaves a shortfall of nearly 21,000 workers.
This labour gap is being driven by the country’s aging population and growing demand for long-term care, hospital support, and home care services.
According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), these workers are critical to supporting the delivery of frontline care in hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care settings.
Express Entry Category-Based Draws for Healthcare Occupations
In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based Express Entry draws, specifically targeting healthcare professionals, including nurse aides and orderlies under NOC 33102.
To be eligible for these draws, candidates must have:
- At least six months of continuous work experience in the occupation within the past three years
- Experience gained either in Canada or abroad
- Experience through a valid work permit or as an international student with off-campus work rights
This change impacts all three federal economic immigration streams:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
It also enhances some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which are aligned with Express Entry.
Job Outlook Across Canadian Provinces
The Government of Canada’s Job Bank ranks the outlook for nurse aides and orderlies as very good in:
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
Other provinces with good prospects include:
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- New Brunswick
- Nunavut
This strong national demand offers multiple opportunities for both federal and provincial immigration routes.
Wage and Job Profile for Nurse Aides in Canada
Under NOC 33102, nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates typically:
- Assist nurses, hospital staff and physicians in basic care
- Support patients with mobility, hygiene, and comfort
- Work in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care environments
Wages range from $16 to $25.83 per hour, with a national median of $21/hour. That’s an estimated annual salary of $40,950 to $50,368, based on a standard 37.5-hour work week.
Permanent Residency for Nurse Aides: Pathways and Support
To support immigration through occupation-specific Express Entry draws, IRCC now:
- Consults provinces, employers, unions, and settlement providers to choose high-need categories
- Must report annually to Parliament on category selection and rationale
This increased transparency and targeted selection are designed to match labour market needs and accelerate the immigration process for in-demand occupations like nurse aides and orderlies.
Several provinces also maintain their own occupation-specific PNP draws for healthcare workers.
FAQ
What is the NOC code for nurse aides and orderlies in Canada?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates is 33102 under the 2021 NOC system.
Do I need Canadian work experience to immigrate as a nurse aide?
No, but you do need at least six months of continuous work experience within the last three years. This can be in Canada or abroad.
How much can I earn as a nurse aide in Canada?
The median wage is $21 per hour, but earnings range from $16 to $25.83 per hour depending on province and employer.
Which provinces are best for nurse aide immigration?
Manitoba, PEI, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Nova Scotia offer the best job prospects. Other provinces also have steady demand for this occupation.
Can I apply through Express Entry as a nurse aide in 2025?
Yes. Nurse aides are now part of category-based Express Entry draws targeting healthcare occupations. Make sure you meet the work experience and language criteria.
Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Canada as a nurse aide or orderly?
No, a job offer is not required for occupation-specific Express Entry draws. You can qualify with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years. However, many candidates can relocate to Canada with an offer of employment under early entry-related immigration programs. To do this, you would need to be licensed by one of the provincial licensing authorities in the province where you wish to settle.
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