On This Page You Will Find
- Why licensed practical nurses remain in demand across Canada
- NOC 32101 salary information and employment outlook
- How healthcare category Express Entry draws work
- Provincial immigration pathways for licensed practical nurses
- Licensing requirements for internationally educated nurses
- Other permanent residence options for healthcare workers
- Frequently asked questions about immigrating as a licensed practical nurse
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) remain among Canada’s most sought-after healthcare professionals despite the federal government’s decision to reduce permanent resident admissions under the 2026 – 2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
Healthcare continues to receive priority across Canada’s immigration system as provinces struggle with an aging population, growing demand for long-term care and persistent staffing shortages in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and community care.
For internationally trained licensed practical nurses, this means there are still multiple pathways to Canadian permanent residence, particularly through Express Entry healthcare category draws, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Atlantic Immigration Program and several regional immigration initiatives.
While overall immigration targets have been reduced, healthcare remains one of the occupations most consistently targeted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), making nursing one of the strongest career choices for skilled workers seeking to immigrate.
Licensed Practical Nurse NOC Code
Licensed practical nurses are classified under NOC 32101 in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system.
LPNs provide nursing care under the direction of registered nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, physicians’ offices, correctional institutions, home care agencies and community health organisations.
Typical duties include:
- Monitoring patients’ health and recording vital signs.
- Administering medications and treatments.
- Assisting with personal care and rehabilitation.
- Collecting specimens and performing basic diagnostic procedures.
- Educating patients and families.
- Maintaining medical records.
- Supporting physicians and registered nurses during treatment.
Salary Expectations
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, licensed practical nurses earn competitive salaries across the country.
Current wage information includes:
- Median hourly wage – $28.70
- Low hourly wage – $22.59
- High hourly wage – $33.90
Based on full-time employment of approximately 37.5 hours per week, this represents annual earnings of approximately:
- $44,100 at the lower end
- $55,965 at the median wage
- $66,100 or more for experienced LPNs
Many employers also provide pension plans, extended health benefits, paid professional development and shift premiums for evenings, nights and weekends.
Strong Demand Continues Across Canada
Canada continues to experience significant shortages of healthcare workers.
The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) projects approximately 27,800 job openings for licensed practical nurses between 2022 and 2031, compared with around 26,300 expected job seekers.
Much of the demand is driven by:
- Canada’s aging population.
- Growth in long-term care services.
- Increased demand for home healthcare.
- Retirements among existing nurses.
- Population growth in many provinces.
Job Bank continues to rate employment prospects as very good in several provinces, including:
- Ontario
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
Employment opportunities also remain favourable across British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador and the northern territories.
Express Entry Healthcare Category Draws
Licensed practical nurses remain eligible under Express Entry’s Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category.
Unlike general Express Entry draws, category-based selections focus on occupations facing labour shortages.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Meet the eligibility requirements for Express Entry.
- Have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, in an eligible occupation within the previous three years.
- Obtain eligible work experience in Canada or abroad.
Eligible candidates may qualify through one of the three Express Entry programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (where applicable)
Healthcare category draws have consistently produced lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirements than many general draws, creating additional opportunities for qualified nurses.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Most provinces actively recruit licensed practical nurses through their Provincial Nominee Programs.
Healthcare workers continue to receive priority invitations in many provincial immigration streams.
Examples include:
British Columbia
The BC Provincial Nominee Program regularly prioritises healthcare professionals and recently introduced additional healthcare initiatives targeting workers employed in the provincial health system.
Alberta
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program continues to invite healthcare workers through dedicated streams supporting provincial workforce needs.
Manitoba
Manitoba remains one of Canada’s strongest provinces for internationally educated nurses, with healthcare occupations regularly prioritised under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program frequently targets healthcare professionals due to ongoing shortages across urban and rural communities.
Ontario
Ontario continues to invite healthcare professionals through several Employer Job Offer streams and Human Capital Priorities selections linked to Express Entry.
Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador continue to recruit nurses through both provincial nominee programs and the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) remains one of the most accessible immigration pathways for licensed practical nurses.
Eligible candidates who receive job offers from designated employers may qualify for permanent residence while benefiting from settlement support tailored to newcomers moving to Atlantic Canada.
Healthcare occupations continue to be among the highest priorities under the program.
Rural Immigration Opportunities
Canada’s expanding regional immigration initiatives also provide opportunities for licensed practical nurses willing to settle outside major urban centres.
Many participating communities identify healthcare workers as critical occupations due to persistent shortages.
Candidates prepared to live and work in smaller communities may benefit from reduced competition and strong employer demand.
Licensing Requirements
Immigration approval does not automatically allow an internationally educated nurse to begin practising.
Licensed practical nurses must obtain registration from the nursing regulatory authority in the province or territory where they intend to work.
Most applicants complete several steps before becoming licensed, including:
- Credential assessment.
- Verification of nursing education.
- English or French language testing where required.
- Registration through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), where applicable.
- Provincial regulatory assessment.
- Additional education or examinations if required.
Many internationally educated nurses complete much of this process before arriving in Canada.
Temporary Work Permits
Some internationally trained nurses enter Canada on temporary work permits before applying for permanent residence.
Employers experiencing labour shortages may recruit internationally through various work permit programs.
Canadian work experience gained as an LPN can strengthen future permanent residence applications through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Canada’s Continuing Need For Licensed Practical Nurses
Although Canada has reduced overall immigration targets for 2026 – 2028, healthcare remains one of the country’s highest immigration priorities.
Governments across Canada continue to invest heavily in recruiting and retaining nurses as hospitals, long-term care facilities and community healthcare providers respond to growing patient demand.
For internationally educated licensed practical nurses with recognised qualifications and relevant work experience, Canada continues to offer strong employment prospects alongside multiple permanent residence pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NOC code for licensed practical nurses?
Licensed practical nurses are classified under NOC 32101 in Canada’s 2021 National Occupational Classification system. This code is used for immigration applications, job searches and labour market assessments.
Are licensed practical nurses still eligible for Express Entry in 2026?
Yes. Licensed practical nurses remain eligible under Express Entry’s Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category, provided they meet Express Entry requirements and have at least six months of qualifying work experience within the previous three years.
Do I need Canadian work experience before I can immigrate?
No. Eligible foreign work experience counts for Express Entry healthcare category draws. However, Canadian work experience may improve your Comprehensive Ranking System score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
Do I need to become licensed before I can work in Canada?
Yes. Every province and territory requires licensed practical nurses to register with the appropriate nursing regulator before practising. This usually involves credential assessment, verification of education and professional qualifications, and meeting provincial licensing requirements.
Which immigration pathway is best for licensed practical nurses?
The best pathway depends on your circumstances. Many applicants qualify through Express Entry healthcare category draws, while others benefit from Provincial Nominee Programs, the Atlantic Immigration Program or regional immigration initiatives. Candidates with job offers often have additional immigration options available.