JAJ Immigration Consultancy

Becoming an Internationally Educated Nurse in Canada

In response to Canada’s pressing healthcare workforce shortages, navigating the path to becoming an internationally educated nurse (IEN) in Canada has become a crucial yet complex journey. With persistent gaps in healthcare sectors and strains on frontline workers, it’s imperative to streamline processes for qualified professionals eager to contribute.

Current Challenges in Canada’s Healthcare Workforce

Recent job vacancy data from Statistics Canada highlights the urgency of the situation, revealing persistent gaps in the healthcare workforce, especially among nurses. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and into 2022, nurses reported working overtime, with some averaging an extra 8.6 hours above their normal schedule per week.

Addressing Healthcare Workforce Shortages

Canada has implemented measures to address these challenges, such as category-based selection rounds for Express Entry candidates with in-demand attributes, including healthcare professionals. However, for IENs, the journey towards accreditation is multifaceted and varies across provinces.

Provincial Accreditation Processes

Upon arrival, IENs must engage with provincial nursing colleges and undergo assessments through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Each province has its own licensing requirements, and IENs may need to complete bridging programs to meet provincial standards.

Support Mechanisms for IENs

Provinces have recognized the need for expedited processes and support mechanisms for IENs. Nova Scotia has introduced streamlined approaches for nurses from select countries, while Alberta is investing in training programs and financial support.

Initiatives and Reforms

In British Columbia and Ontario, fee waivers and regulatory reforms aim to alleviate barriers to licensure. Moreover, NNAS has introduced expedited credentialing services for select regulatory bodies, further facilitating the licensure process for IENs.

These initiatives mark significant steps towards addressing healthcare workforce shortages and ensuring that qualified nurses can swiftly integrate into Canada’s healthcare system, ultimately enhancing access to quality care for all Canadians.

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    SIGNATURE

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      FAMILY INFORMATION

      Complete ALL names in English and in your native language (for example, Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Chinese commercial/telegraphic code, Korean or Japanese characters). Include ALL family members even if they are not accompanying you.

      SECTION A

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        BACKGROUND INFORMATION

        You must complete this section if you are 18 years of age or older.

        Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country or territory?

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          PURPOSE OF VISIT TO CANADA

          Indicate how long you plan to stay

          Name, address, and relationship of any person(s) or institution(s) I will visit:

          EDUCATION

          Have you had any post secondary education (including university, college or apprenticeship training)? If yes, give full details of your highest level of post secondary education.

          EMPLOYMENT

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            CONTACT INFORMATION

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              LANGUAGE(S)

              PASSPORT

              NATIONAL IDENTITY DOCUMENT

              Do you have a national identity document?

              US PR CARD

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                PERSONAL DETAILS

                Have you ever used any other name (e.g. Nickname, maiden name, elias, etc)?

                Current country or territory of residence

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