Why So Many Qualified Immigrant Nurses Still Can’t Work in Canada

A new study by Statistics Canada shows that immigrant women educated as nurses are far more likely to be working in unrelated or lower-skilled jobs compared to their Canadian-trained peers. It’s a striking mismatch, Canada needs nurses, but many qualified newcomers can’t get through the door. 

In this article, we’ll unpack why that’s happening, what’s being done to fix it, and what it means for newcomers, especially women with nursing backgrounds hoping to build a future here. 

Immigrant Nurses and Canada’s Nursing Shortage

The study highlights a clear mismatch between Canada’s need for nurses and its use of immigrant talent. 

• 27% of Canada’s nurses (aged 25–64) are immigrant women.

• More than half of those trained abroad are not working as nurses.

• In some groups, fewer than 40% hold jobs matching their education. 

These figures come at a time when healthcare systems nationwide are stretched thin. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Statistics Canada reported 21,000 registered nurse vacancies and 10,000 licensed practical nurse vacancies. 

Despite the urgent need, many internationally educated nurses (IENs) remain under-employed because of the licensing, credential, and language requirements that differ across provinces. However, those trained in Canada? Their outcomes nearly mirror those of Canadian-born nurses, proof that the barrier isn’t skill, but paperwork and policy. 

Barriers for Immigrant Nurses in Canada

You’d think a country with chronic nursing shortages would fast-track international talent. But Canada’s system isn’t built that way. Nursing is regulated by provinces and territories, meaning there’s no single national standard or timeline. 

Here’s the short version of the long process: 

• Credential assessment: Before applying anywhere, nurses must submit documents to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). That means transcripts, employment history, verification from past employers need to be notarized and translated, at a cost.

• Licensing: Each province has its own regulator, Ontario’s CNO, Alberta’s CRNA, British Columbia’s BCCNM, and so on. Some require additional coursework or supervised practice, others demand a Canadian-specific exam.

• Language testing: Most nurses must pass English or French exams like CELBAN or IELTS, even if they’ve been working in English for years.

• Experience gap: Employers often want “Canadian experience.” (link to m2c article) 

Add those layers together, and it’s no wonder many skilled women take jobs far below their qualifications while waiting sometimes years for approval. 

What Governments Are Doing to Break Down Licensing Barriers

There’s finally some movement, though it’s uneven across provinces. 

In March 2024, the federal government committed $86 million to help more than 6,600 internationally educated health professionals move through credential recognition faster. The plan is to fund programs that shorten assessment times and expand bridging opportunities. 

Some provinces are going further. Ontario’s Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) lets nurses demonstrate their skills on the job instead of repeating costly exams. Nova Scotia has begun recognizing nursing licenses from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, eliminating months of red tape. 

The Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) program now offers loans of up to $30,000 to cover fees for exams, bridging courses, and licensing. That’s a lifeline for newcomers juggling family, rent, and study costs while waiting for approval. 

Steps Internationally Educated Nurses Can Take to Work in Canada

If you’re an internationally educated nurse thinking about working in Canada, here’s how to get ahead of the process: 

1. Start early. Check provincial requirements before you arrive using Canada’s FCR tool.
2. Apply to NNAS as soon as possible. Collect transcripts, proof of registration, and reference letters while you’re still in your home country, it saves months later.
3. Prepare for language and licensing exams. Resources like CELBAN and IELTS training programs can boost confidence and speed up approval.
4. Explore bridging or mentorship programs. The CASN IEN Mentorship Program pairs newcomers with Canadian nurses for guidance, networking, and real-world advice.
5. Keep an eye on new rules. Provincial policies are changing quickly, especially where shortages are most severe. 

It’s not easy, but thousands of nurses manage to get licensed every year. Knowing the steps and tackling them one at a time, makes it far more manageable. 

Canada’s healthcare system needs immigrant nurses just as much as immigrant nurses need fair access to work. 

Still, momentum is building. Governments are listening, regulators are slowly modernizing, and public awareness of under-employed professionals is growing louder. 

If you’re one of those nurses waiting on credentials, don’t lose heart. The path may feel long, but it’s getting clearer and every year, more internationally educated nurses are finally stepping into the roles they trained for. And when they do, everyone wins: patients get care, hospitals get relief, and newcomers finally get to do the work they came here to do.