15 Surprising Stats About Canada Immigration For Nurses

According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the recruitment of internationally-trained nurses in Canada has returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2021, the country welcomed 1,836 new permanent residents who were registered and psychiatric nurses, which is equivalent to the number in 2019. This follows a sharp decline in the recruitment of internationally-trained nurses over the past two years, with only 745 new permanent residents in 2020, representing a 59.5% decrease. Although the pandemic had a significant impact on immigration patterns, it’s a positive sign that the numbers have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, emphasising the continued need for skilled healthcare workers in Canada.

In 2021, the number of permanent resident registered and psychiatric nurses in Canada increased to 866, which is still a considerable drop from pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic caused a shortage of foreign-trained nurses, leading to increased demand for healthcare services, putting a significant strain on health authorities. A job search conducted on March 21 yielded 12,373 nursing job listings in Canada. To address the nursing shortage, the federal government and some provinces have implemented measures to improve recruitment. One such measure was the injection of $1.5 million into the National Newcomer Navigation Network to assist internationally-educated healthcare professionals to work in Canada by removing barriers to their employment.

Here are a few surprising stats about immigration for nurses:

1. In the first quarter of 2023, Canada approved over 3,500 nurse immigration applications, indicating continued high demand for nurses in the country.
2. From 2020 to 2022, the number of nurses immigrating to Canada increased by 20%, with over 13,000 nurse immigrants arriving in 2022 alone.
3. As of 2023, the Canadian government continues to prioritise healthcare workers, including nurses, in its immigration plans, with a goal of welcoming over 400,000 immigrants in 2023.
4. Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or higher have an even better chance of being selected for immigration than those with a BSN degree or diploma.
5. The Canadian government continues to invest in programs to support the integration of newcomer nurses, including the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program, which offers language and job-specific skills training.
6. Ontario remains the province that welcomes the most nurse immigrants, with over 3,000 arriving in 2022.
7. The most common source countries for nurse immigrants to Canada are the Philippines, India, and the United Kingdom.
8. In addition to passing the NCLEX-RN exam, international nurses must also meet language proficiency requirements in either English or French to practice in Canada.
9. The average hourly wage for registered nurses in Canada continues to vary by province and years of experience, with the highest wages found in major metropolitan areas.
10. The nursing shortage in Canada persists, with particular demand for nurses in areas such as long-term care and mental health.
11. The ageing population in Canada continues to create demand for nurses, with an increasing need for specialized care for elderly patients.
12. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the nursing profession in Canada, with ongoing pressure on healthcare systems and increased demand for skilled nurses.
13. The Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway program remains open for essential workers, including healthcare workers such as nurses, to apply for permanent residency.
14. The Canadian government continues to promote diversity in the nursing profession, with a goal of having 40% of the country’s nurses come from diverse backgrounds by 2030.
15. Nurses in Canada continue to enjoy high levels of public trust and recognition for their essential role in the healthcare system.