How U.S. Registered Nurses (RNs) Can Work in Canada: Your 2025 Guide
Are you a U.S – licensed Registered Nurse dreaming of working in Canada? The demand for skilled healthcare professionals across Canadian provinces is strong. While there isn’t a simple “endorsement” or direct license transfer system, the pathway to licensure in Canada is well-defined.
This blog post will walk you through the essential requirements and steps to transition your U.S. RN license to practice nursing in Canada.
Step 1: The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) Evaluation
The journey for internationally educated nurses (IENs), including those from the U.S., typically begins with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).
The NNAS acts as a central application service to streamline the initial assessment of your credentials. Their primary role is to verify and evaluate your nursing education and professional registration against Canadian standards.
Note: If you plan to practice in Quebec, you must apply directly to the regulatory body in that province.
Required Documents for NNAS:
To start your NNAS application, you will need to gather the following critical documentation:
Step 2: Applying to Your Specific Provincial Regulatory Body
Canada’s healthcare system is provincially regulated. You must apply directly to the nursing college in the province or territory where you wish to work (e.g., British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, etc.).
You will submit your NNAS Advisory Report as part of this application. This is where province-specific requirements come into play.
Key Provincial Requirements:
- NCLEX-RN Exam: Canada adopted the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) as its official licensing exam years ago. As a U.S. RN, you have already passed this exam, and your results are accepted across Canada.
- Jurisprudence Examination: You will need to pass a specific exam testing your knowledge of the laws, ethics, and standards of practice unique to that particular province.
- Competency Assessments: The provincial body may identify gaps between your U.S. education/experience and Canadian standards. If this happens, you might be required to complete a clinical competency assessment or a bridging education program.
- Recent Practice Hours: You must demonstrate recent active nursing practice. The required hours vary by province.
Step 3: Immigration and Work Authorization
A nursing license allows you to practice, but you still need the legal right to live and work in Canada. The immigration process runs parallel to the licensure process.
Most U.S. RNs enter Canada via economic immigration programs such as:
- Express Entry: This manages applications for skilled workers through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces have specific streams for healthcare workers to meet regional labor needs.
A job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly boost your immigration application through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or by securing points in the Express Entry system.
Summary Checklist for USRNs
The journey is systematic, not instantaneous. The entire process, from NNAS application to receiving your Canadian license and work visa, can take anywhere from six months to over a year.
| STEP | ACTION REQUIRED | KEY OUTCOME |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apply to NNAS and submit Documentation | NNAS Advisory Report |
| 2 | Apply to Provincial Regulatory Body | Provincial License Requirements met |
| 3 | Pass Jurisprudence Exams, and any assessments | Eligibility for Licensure |
| 4 | Apply for Canada work visa/immigration | Legal Status to work in Canada |
| 5 | Receive RN License | Start Working in Canada! |
By following these steps, your US RN Credentials can open the door to a rewarding nursing career north of the border. Start preparing your documentation today to begin your Canadian Nursing Journey!
