On This Page You Will Find:
- How registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses can immigrate to Canada in 2025
- Canada’s shortage of registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses and job outlook
- Express Entry occupation-specific draws for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- Salary expectations and job demand across provinces
- Steps to qualify for permanent residence
Are you a skilled registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse looking to immigrate to Canada? With increasing demand for professionals in this field, Canada offers excellent immigration opportunities. Submit your credentials today.
Canada’s Demand for Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses in 2025
Canada continues to face a shortage of registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, making it an ideal time for qualified foreign professionals to apply for immigration.
Since 2023, IRCC has been prioritizing in-demand professions through occupation-specific Express Entry draws.
The demand for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses is projected to remain high over the next decade. With 26% of current workers aged 50 and over and a median retirement age of 63, a significant portion of the workforce is expected to retire in the coming years. As a result, this occupation faces a strong risk of labour shortage nationally between 2024 and 2033, creating stable and ongoing opportunities for newcomers entering the field.
Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses Qualify for Occupation-Specific Express Entry Draws
Under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 31301, registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are eligible for occupation-specific Express Entry draws. This means candidates with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years—either in Canada or abroad—can apply without requiring a job offer.
Eligible roles include:
- clinical nurse
- community health nurse
- critical care nurse
- emergency care nurse
- intensive care nurse
- nurse researcher
- nursing consultant
- occupational health nurse
- private duty nurse
- public health nurse
- registered nurse (R.N.)
- registered psychiatric nurse (R.P.N.)
These roles align with other community and healthcare professions, offering a variety of career pathways for immigrants.
Strong Job Demand and Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses in Canada
According to Job Bank Canada, the job outlook for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses is very good in most provinces and territories, including Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. Only Quebec reports a moderate outlook, while British Columbia and the Northwest Territories have a good outlook.
The median hourly wage for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Canada is $42.00, with national wages ranging from $29.00 to $51.08 per hour. Based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can reach approximately $99,723. However, wages vary significantly by province and territory. For example, median hourly wages are highest in Nunavut ($64.69), the Northwest Territories ($56.00), and Yukon ($48.30), while provinces like Ontario and Quebec report median wages of $40.00 per hour.
Given the rising need for healthcare services, registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses can expect stable employment and career growth opportunities in Canada.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse in 2025
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
To qualify for Express Entry, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- At least six months of continuous work experience as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse in the past three years
- Language proficiency in English or French at the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
- Educational credentials (foreign degrees may require an Educational Credential Assessment)
- Proof of settlement funds if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program
Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile
Candidates must submit an Express Entry profile and select NOC 31301 as their occupation. If eligible, they may be invited in an occupation-specific draw.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Candidates selected in an occupation-specific draw will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Step 4: Submit a Complete Application
Once an ITA is received, candidates must submit all required documents within 60 days, including:
- Proof of work experience
- Language test results
- Educational credential verification
- Medical and police clearance certificates
Express Entry Targeted Draws for Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses: What You Need to Know
Canada’s Express Entry system consists of three main immigration pathways:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
Occupation-specific draws focus on high-demand professions. These draws select candidates based on their job title rather than just their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing the chances of receiving an ITA.
Benefits of occupation-specific draws:
- No job offer required for eligibility
- Higher selection chances compared to general draws
- Additional immigration options through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Why Choose Canada for Your Nursing Career?
- The demand for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses continues to rise due to population growth and healthcare service expansion.
- Express Entry occupation-specific draws provide a clear immigration pathway.
- Salaries are competitive, and professionals can access universal healthcare and social benefits.
- Professional licensing bodies and networks support newcomer nurses in career development.
Start Your Journey to Canada Today
If you are a qualified registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse, now is the time to apply for Express Entry and build your future in Canada.
FAQ
Do I need a job offer to immigrate as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse?
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.
How much do registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses earn in Canada?
The median hourly wage for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Canada is $42.00, with national wages ranging from $29.00 to $51.08 per hour. Based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can reach approximately $99,723. However, wages vary significantly by province and territory.
What are the language requirements for Express Entry?
You must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French, depending on your immigration pathway.
Can I apply if I have experience outside of Canada?
Yes, nursing experience from abroad counts if it meets NOC 31301 criteria and includes at least six months of continuous work in the past three years.
Can I apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Yes, many provinces have PNP streams for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, providing an additional pathway to permanent residency.
