Maple News reports that Canada’s growing healthcare needs and aging population have made Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) a key priority in the country’s immigration strategy. With thousands of positions projected to remain unfilled, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded opportunities for foreign-trained LPNs to obtain permanent residency through targeted pathways.
According to the latest National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021), LPNs fall under NOC code 32101. National data reveals a strong earning potential for LPNs, with a median hourly wage of $28.70. Salaries typically range between $44,100 and $66,105 annually, depending on experience and location.
Labour market projections from the Canadian Occupational Projection System indicate a national shortage of 1,500 LPNs between 2022 and 2031. This gap stems from 27,800 job openings set to arise over the decade, with only 26,300 expected new job seekers to fill them. This imbalance has led multiple provinces—including Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick—to designate LPNs as high-priority occupations with strong hiring prospects.
To meet these demands, Canada initiated occupation-targeted Express Entry draws for healthcare professionals in 2023. LPNs with at least six months of continuous work experience within the past three years—either in Canada or abroad—are eligible under programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
Beyond Express Entry, internationally trained LPNs may also explore other immigration streams. These include Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which many provinces use to prioritize healthcare workers; the Atlantic Immigration Program for positions in Atlantic Canada; and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, aimed at healthcare roles in smaller communities. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program can also be a stepping stone to permanent residence.
These policies reflect the federal government’s growing reliance on LPNs to fill long-term care, home care, and general health service roles across the country. With a significant portion of the workforce approaching retirement, demand for skilled nursing professionals is only expected to grow.
In a sign of increased accountability and sector coordination, the federal minister of immigration is now required to consult with provinces, employers, and labour organizations before launching new occupational-specific immigration categories. IRCC also submits annual reports to Parliament outlining which professions were targeted and why.
For LPNs considering immigration to Canada in 2025, the opportunities are substantial—and the process more accessible than ever. Whether applying through federal programs or targeted provincial initiatives, qualified nurses have multiple avenues to contribute their skills while securing permanent residency in a country experiencing one of the world’s most significant healthcare labour shortages.