Occupation Data

Nurse jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship 🇨🇦

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses: how many visas it gets, the employers who sponsor it and the jobs open now.

3,429
Total Grants
121
Grants in 2026
-85%
Year-over-year

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are in strong demand in Canada, making this occupation a notable target for visa sponsorship. From 2018 to 2025, there have been a total of 3,076 visa grants or sponsorships for these roles, with a dramatic increase in recent years. In 2018, only 22 sponsorships were recorded, but this number has surged steadily, peaking at 650 in 2024 and remaining above 500 in 2025. This consistent upward trend highlights the ongoing need for qualified nurses and psychiatric nurses across the country. Top employers actively sponsoring international candidates include major healthcare institutions such as Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Centre intégré de santé et de service sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest, CIUSSS du Nord de l’Île de Montréal, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, and CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre. These organizations are among the largest healthcare providers in the country and regularly sponsor foreign-trained nurses to meet staffing needs. Job seekers targeting these roles should be aware that competition is strong, but opportunities are broadening, especially in major metropolitan areas and Quebec-based institutions. The steady rise in visa sponsorships indicates favorable industry outlook, driven by healthcare expansion and staff shortages. Candidates should focus on meeting Canadian licensing requirements and be prepared for potential assessments of credentials and language proficiency. The application process typically involves confirming eligibility with provincial regulatory bodies, obtaining necessary work permits, and often securing a job offer from a recognized employer. With multiple large employers sponsoring hundreds each year, the pathway for international nurses is well established. Staying informed about employer needs and regulatory changes will help candidates maximize their chances for successful sponsorship.

Key Requirements for Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

  • Valid nursing degree or diploma from an accredited institution
  • Current registration or eligibility for registration with a Canadian provincial or territorial regulatory body (e.g., College of Nurses of Ontario, OIIQ in Quebec)
  • Proof of English or French language proficiency
  • Experience in hospital or psychiatric settings as required by the specific employer
  • Credential assessment and verification by recognized Canadian agencies (such as NNAS)

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses — Yearly Grants

22 approvals
2018
146 approvals
2019
317 approvals
2020
310 approvals
2021
475 approvals
2022
601 approvals
2023
650 approvals
2024
787 approvals
2025
121 approvals
2026

Figures up to 2026 Q1.

Employers Approved to Hire Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Canada

65 employers in Canada were approved to hire someone for this occupation, each named in the government's own disclosure. Ordered by how many positions they were approved for.

55 more employers

The full list, with where each one is and how many positions they were approved for. Smaller employers rarely advertise, so this is often the only way to find them.

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Top Visa Sponsor Companies in Canada

Related Occupations

Tips for Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses Visa Sponsorship

  • Focus applications on major institutions such as Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, which is among the top sponsors for international nurses, increasing your chances of sponsorship.
  • Monitor yearly trends: sponsorships for these roles have grown each year, rising to over 600 in 2024, so apply early in the year to maximize your chances before quotas fill.
  • Ensure your credentials are evaluated by a Canadian agency like NNAS before applying, as this is often required by top employers like CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal.
  • Research provincial requirements—many sponsors are based in Quebec, so proficiency in French and understanding Quebec’s regulatory process can be advantageous.
  • Stay responsive to employer communication. CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre and similar institutions may have specific interview and document requirements that can affect your timeline.
  • Network with current or former sponsored nurses in these organizations to learn about their experiences and application tips.
  • Prepare for a rigorous licensing process. Having all documents ready, including language test results and reference letters, can help speed up your sponsorship application.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Canada

Which employers in Canada are the main sponsors for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses?

Top employers sponsoring foreign nurses include Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Centre intégré de santé et de service sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest, and CIUSSS du Nord de l’Île de Montréal. These large healthcare organizations have consistently sponsored candidates, as shown by the total of 3,076 grants since 2018, and are major hubs for new arrivals.

How has the demand for visa sponsorships for nurses changed over time in Canada?

Visa sponsorships for registered nurses and psychiatric nurses have grown significantly over recent years. Starting at 22 in 2018, the number of grants rose to 601 in 2023 and peaked at 650 in 2024, reflecting a steady increase in demand due to staff shortages and healthcare expansion.

What qualifications are required to be sponsored as a registered nurse in Canada?

Candidates typically need a recognized nursing degree, proof of English or French proficiency, and registration or eligibility with a provincial regulatory body. Credential assessment, such as through NNAS, and relevant experience are often required by leading sponsors like CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal.

Which provinces or regions in Canada are most active in sponsoring international nurses?

According to the data, many top sponsors are based in Quebec, including the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal and CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre. Focusing on Quebec or other regions with large integrated health networks can improve your chances of finding sponsorship.

What is the typical process for international nurses seeking visa sponsorship in Canada?

The process generally involves verifying credentials with a Canadian agency, demonstrating language proficiency, registering with a provincial regulatory body, and applying directly to major employers such as Centre intégré de santé et de service sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest. Securing a job offer from such sponsors is a key step in obtaining a work permit.

Salary & Compensation — Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Canada

Compensation for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Canada is generally competitive and reflects the country's high cost of living, especially in urban centers like Montreal. Salaries can vary by province, employer, and experience level. Visa sponsorship typically does not affect base salary, but sponsored candidates should budget for credential evaluation and licensing fees, which are often required before beginning work.

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