Maple News reports that Canada is grappling with a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals, creating widespread strain across its medical system. Long wait times, understaffed facilities, and overworked healthcare workers are becoming increasingly common, affecting both Canadian citizens and newcomers.
According to Statistics Canada, as of May 2023, there were 134,500 unfilled positions in the healthcare and social assistance sectors. Although this marks a decline from the 151,200 vacancies recorded in January 2023, the sector remains the country’s leading field for job shortages. More concerningly, a post-pandemic trend has emerged: nurses are working more overtime than before. In 2022, they clocked an average of 8.6 hours of overtime per week—almost two hours more per week than in 2019.
To help address these urgent labor gaps, Canada has introduced category-based selection draws under the Express Entry system. Among the six targeted categories, healthcare professionals—including nurses—are now prioritized for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This facilitated immigration pathway aims to fast-track individuals with experience in high-demand fields.
However, immigration is only the first step for internationally educated nurses (IENs). Healthcare is regulated at the provincial level in Canada, which means nurses must become licensed in the specific province or territory where they intend to work. Each region operates its own regulatory body or college of nurses. For example, British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia have single nursing colleges that regulate all categories of nurses, while other provinces may have separate bodies depending on the nursing designation.
After arriving in Canada, IENs must begin their licensing journey by contacting the relevant provincial nursing regulator. A key requirement in most provinces is completing an assessment through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). This service evaluates foreign credentials against Canadian standards and issues an Advisory Report necessary for provincial licensure applications.
The NNAS application process involves several steps and documentation. Applicants must submit notarized identity documents along with three specialized forms: a Nursing Education Form, Nursing Practice/Employment Form, and Nursing Registration Form. These documents must be sent to NNAS directly by third-party institutions such as universities, employers, and licensing authorities.
While the journey can be administratively intensive, recent federal and provincial initiatives aim to streamline the accreditation process and reduce barriers for skilled newcomers seeking to contribute to Canada’s overstretched healthcare system. Maple News will continue to track changes and offer guidance on pathways available to healthcare professionals worldwide.