Why UK Nurses Are moving to Canada
Canada’s healthcare system is facing difficulties and shortage of nurses. Provinces like Ontario, british columbia and Alberta are actively recruiting internationally trained nurses to support hospitals, aged care facilities and community health services. As a UK nurse, your qualifications are often seen as similar to Canadian standards, which can speed up the process. Plus the salaries start around $70,000-$100,000 CAD per year, depending on experience and location often higher than in the UK. UK nurses often find the process more straightforward than applicants from many other countries.
Key Pathways for Canada Immigration as a Nurse
Express Entry Canada: The Fast Track for Skilled Nurses
Express Entry Canada is one of the quickest routes for UK nurses. It’s a points-based system where you create an online profile on the canada immigration official website (IRCC.ca). Nurses qualify under NOC code 31301 for Registered Nurses.
To boost your chances:
- Get at least one year of experience (1,125 hours in the last few years).
- Score high on language tests like IELTS (aim for CLB 7+).
- Have your education assessed through NNAS (more on that below).
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Province-Specific Options
If Express Entry Canada doesn’t fit, try a PNP. Provinces nominate candidates for Canada PR based on local needs. For nurses:
- British Columbia’s Health Authority Stream: Great if you have a job offer from a public health employer.
- Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities: Targets nurses with experience.
- Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program: Focuses on healthcare shortages.
If you want to transfer to another province, you generally need a minimum of over 1,000 practice hours in current province to transfer. This shows why picking the right province matters. Healthcare is provincial, not federal like the UK’s NHS.
PNPs can add 600 points to your Express Entry score, almost guaranteeing PR. Explore canada immigration services on provincial websites for details.
Assessing Your Credentials and Getting Registered
Before working as a nurse, your UK qualifications need Canadian approval. Most provinces (except Quebec) require starting with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Fees are around $650* CAD and it takes 4–12 weeks.
The next step is you need to apply to your chosen province’s regulatory body, like the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
You might need:
- The NCLEX-RN exam ($360 CAD).
- Bridging courses if there are gaps (e.g., in pediatrics or mental health for adult nurses).
- Proof of recent practice.
Register with a Provincial Nursing Regulator
Once NNAS approves your credentials and issues the Advisory Report, the next crucial step is applying to the nursing regulatory body in your chosen province or territory. This is where your qualifications are fully evaluated for registration to practice as a nurse in Canada. Each province has its own requirement but as a UK trained nurse, your education is often recognized as substantially equivalent, potentially reducing the need for extensive bridging. This process ties directly into your canada immigration journey, as full registration can support job offers leading to canada pr through programs like express entry canada or provincial nominee streams.
This process can be overwhelming and a single mistake can lead to rejection.
That’s why its better to seek guidance from regulated canada immigration consultants. Getting nurse visa provide clear pathways for Canada PR. GIEC Global has best consultant for canada PR, who can help align registration with ways to get pr in canada.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Moving isn’t all smooth—language tests, credential gaps, and costs (total $3,000–$5,000 CAD) can trip you up. UK adult nurses might need extra training in areas like maternal health.
You will take the NCLEX after you have completed the required pediatric, psychiatric and maternal health nursing courses.
- Use canada immigration consultants if overwhelmed. Look for regulated ones (RCICs) on the canada immigration official website.
- Job hunt via Health Match BC or Indeed.ca while applying.
- For family moves, include spouses in applications—nurses can sponsor after PR.
Costs and processing Time
Relocating to Canada as a UK nurse involves various fees for credential assessments, exams, registration, and immigration, plus a timeline that can stretch from months to over a year.
The full journey—from starting your application to landing in Canada with a job—typically takes 6-18 months, depending on your province, experience, and immigration pathway. In 2026, with healthcare-focused draws in Express Entry Canada and streamlined paths for UK nurses, things can move faster if you have recent practice (e.g., 1,125 hours in the last 5 years).
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| NNAS/Credential Assessment | $650-1,000 |
| Language/Exam Fees | $300-700 |
| Provincial Registration | $200-700 |
| Immigration Application | $1,500+ |
| Total | $3,000-5,000* |
Tips to Minimize Costs and Speed Up the Timeline
Moving as a nurse boosts your canada pr chances—salaries of $60,000–$100,000 make it worthwhile. Start on the canada immigration official website today.
- Bursaries and Funding: In 2026, BC’s IEN Bursary covers up to $1,000; federal PASS program is free for pre-arrival support. Check canada immigration services for grants.
- Choose the Right Pathway: Express Entry Canada for no-job-offer speed; PNPs like BC’s Health Stream for sponsored timelines.
- Avoid Delays: Gather docs early (NMC verification, transcripts). Use the best consultant for canada pr to avoid any delay.
- 2026 Updates: Healthcare immigration targets remain high, with lower CRS scores for nurses (~400). No major fee hikes announced, but monitor IRCC.
FAQs
It’s doable with 1-2 years experience. Start with NNAS assessment, NCLEX exam, and provincial registration. Use express entry canada—one of the best ways to get pr in canada.
Apply to NNAS first ($650 CAD, 4-12 weeks). Then BCCNM for NCLEX and registration. Job offers help with canada pr via BC PNP.
Yes, after 1,000+ hours in Alberta. Some jobs require 1.5-2 year commitment. Align with canada immigration paths like express entry canada.
Take bridging courses ($300–$3K CAD) in missing areas. Prep for NCLEX ($360 CAD). Key for provincial license and canada pr applications.
Yes, experience helps despite age points loss in express entry canada. High demand for nurses—use PNPs as ways to get pr in canada. Consult GIEC Global UK best consultant for canada pr.
