Maple News reports that Canada is continuing to welcome skilled healthcare professionals, especially registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs), through specialized immigration pathways such as the Express Entry system. With an aging healthcare workforce and growing demand for medical services, 2025 presents an ideal window for qualified foreign-trained nurses to secure permanent residence in Canada.
The Government of Canada has prioritized in-demand healthcare roles in its Express Entry occupation-specific draws since 2023. Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 31301, RNs and RPNs with at least six months of recent, continuous work experience—either in Canada or abroad—can apply even without a job offer. This provides a fast-tracked route to Canadian permanent residency and a long-term nursing career in the country.
This shift comes as Canada faces a worsening labour shortage in the nursing sector. According to national statistics, approximately 26% of current nursing professionals are over the age of 50, and with the median retirement age at 63, the sector is bracing for a generational turnover over the next decade. The healthcare system has been preparing to fill these gaps with skilled newcomers.
Qualified candidates entering through Express Entry can expect competitive salaries. The national median hourly wage stands at $42.00, with higher rates in regions like Nunavut ($64.69) and the Northwest Territories ($56.00). Annual earnings for full-time nurses can approach $100,000, making this profession both economically attractive and stable. Most provinces, including Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan, report strong job outlooks for nurses, with only Quebec listing a moderate outlook.
To begin the immigration process, applicants must first verify their eligibility by meeting key criteria: recent nursing experience, Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French, and academic qualifications (foreign degrees usually require an Educational Credential Assessment). They must also demonstrate settlement funds if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates must create an Express Entry profile specifying NOC 31301. Those selected in an occupation-specific draw will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Applicants then have 60 days to submit complete documentation, including proof of experience, language results, credential assessments, and medical and security clearance.
Beyond the Federal Skilled Worker stream, nurses may also qualify through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which offer tailored pathways based on regional labour demands. These multiple options give nurses flexibility and a higher likelihood of receiving an ITA.
The appeal goes beyond job security. Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses in Canada benefit from universal healthcare coverage, access to professional licensing support, and opportunities to grow within a robust healthcare network. With Express Entry targeting healthcare professionals, now is a strategic time for nurses around the world to pursue their Canadian dream.
According to Maple News, if you’re a registered nurse or psychiatric nurse with international experience, 2025 may be the year to transition your career to Canada. With growing demand, streamlined immigration options, and competitive salaries, Canada remains one of the top destinations for nursing professionals worldwide.