We always tell our readers that Canada continues to face a nationwide nursing shortage in 2026, making internationally educated nurses (IENs) one of the country’s highest-priority skilled workers. Across provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba, hospitals, long-term care providers, and regional health authorities are actively recruiting qualified registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs).
For foreign nurses, this demand presents more than just employment opportunities—it can also create pathways toward Canadian permanent residence (PR). While no employer can guarantee PR, many healthcare organizations regularly hire international nurses who later qualify through programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Rural Community Immigration initiatives, Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), and employer-supported work permits.
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada as a nurse in 2026, knowing which healthcare employers consistently recruit internationally can significantly improve your chances of finding employment and eventually obtaining permanent residence.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top Canadian healthcare employers hiring nurses in 2026, expected salaries, available positions, provinces with the highest demand, and the immigration pathways commonly associated with each employer.
Why Canada Needs More Nurses in 2026
Canada’s healthcare workforce continues to experience unprecedented demand due to several factors:
- Aging population
- Retirement of experienced nurses
- Expansion of healthcare facilities
- Growth in home care services
- Increased long-term care funding
- Rising demand for mental health professionals
According to labour market projections, thousands of nursing vacancies are expected to remain open throughout 2026, making nursing one of Canada’s most in-demand occupations.
Common nursing occupations include:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Public Health Nurse
- Home Care Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Emergency Nurse
- Operating Room Nurse
Average annual salary ranges:
- LPN: CAD $55,000–$80,000
- RN: CAD $75,000–$115,000
- Nurse Practitioner: CAD $105,000–$145,000
Can Working for These Employers Lead to PR?
It is important to understand that employers do not grant permanent residence.
Instead, working for one of Canada’s major healthcare employers can strengthen your eligibility for immigration programs such as:
- Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Rural Community Immigration initiatives
Many employers are experienced in hiring internationally educated nurses and may support work permit applications where eligible.
1. Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Province:
Alberta
Alberta Health Services remains Canada’s largest single healthcare employer.
With more than 100 hospitals and hundreds of healthcare centres, AHS recruits nurses year-round in urban and rural communities.
Common openings include:
- Registered Nurses
- Emergency Nurses
- ICU Nurses
- Operating Room Nurses
- Mental Health Nurses
- Rural Nurses
Average salary:
CAD $40–$62 per hour
Why it’s attractive:
- Large recruitment campaigns
- Rural incentives
- Competitive benefits
- Multiple immigration pathways through Alberta
Potential PR pathways:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Express Entry
2. Fraser Health
Province:
British Columbia
Serving over two million residents, Fraser Health is one of Canada’s fastest-growing health authorities.
Nurses are recruited for:
- Acute Care
- Home Health
- Community Nursing
- Maternity
- Oncology
- Emergency Services
Salary:
CAD $42–$60 per hour
Potential PR options:
- BC PNP Health Authority Stream
- Express Entry
3. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Province:
British Columbia
VCH regularly hires internationally educated nurses for hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and community health services.
High-demand specialties include:
- Intensive Care
- Emergency
- Surgical
- Public Health
- Geriatrics
Salary:
CAD $41–$60 hourly
PR opportunities:
- BC PNP
- Express Entry
4. Interior Health
Province:
British Columbia
Interior Health serves many smaller communities where nursing shortages remain significant.
Foreign nurses interested in rural living often find excellent opportunities here.
Positions include:
- Medical Surgical Nurses
- Community Nurses
- Long-Term Care Nurses
- Mental Health Nurses
Salary:
CAD $40–$58/hour
Potential immigration routes:
- BC PNP
- Rural-focused pathways where applicable
5. Providence Health Care
Province:
British Columbia
Providence Health Care operates several renowned hospitals and specialized facilities.
They frequently recruit:
- Critical Care Nurses
- Oncology Nurses
- Cardiac Nurses
- Surgical Nurses
Salary:
CAD $42–$60/hour
Potential PR pathways:
- BC PNP
- Express Entry
6. Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)
Province:
Saskatchewan
SHA serves communities across Saskatchewan and consistently recruits internationally educated nurses.
Current demand includes:
- Rural Nurses
- Emergency Nurses
- ICU
- Home Care
- Pediatrics
Salary:
CAD $38–$57/hour
Potential PR options:
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Express Entry
7. Shared Health Manitoba
Province:
Manitoba
Shared Health coordinates healthcare services across Manitoba and continues to recruit foreign-trained nurses.
Available roles:
- Registered Nurses
- Psychiatric Nurses
- Dialysis Nurses
- Emergency Nurses
Salary:
CAD $39–$56/hour
Potential PR:
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
- Express Entry
8. Nova Scotia Health
Province:
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia remains one of Canada’s strongest provinces for international healthcare recruitment.
Common vacancies include:
- Emergency
- ICU
- Family Practice
- Long-Term Care
- Community Health
Salary:
CAD $39–$56/hour
Potential pathways:
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program
- Express Entry
9. Horizon Health Network
Province:
New Brunswick
Horizon Health Network operates numerous hospitals across New Brunswick.
Nursing specialties:
- Family Medicine
- Emergency
- Oncology
- Mental Health
- Pediatrics
Salary:
CAD $38–$55/hour
Potential PR routes:
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- New Brunswick PNP
10. Eastern Health Newfoundland and Labrador
Province:
Newfoundland and Labrador
Healthcare employers in Newfoundland continue expanding international recruitment.
Popular nursing jobs include:
- ICU
- Emergency
- Long-Term Care
- Community Health
Salary:
CAD $38–$55/hour
PR options:
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Newfoundland and Labrador PNP
11. Ontario Health atHome
Province:
Ontario
As Canada’s home care sector expands, Ontario Health atHome regularly recruits nurses for community-based healthcare.
Roles include:
- Visiting Nurse
- Care Coordinator
- Community Health Nurse
Salary:
CAD $40–$58/hour
Potential pathways:
- OINP
- Express Entry
12. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Province:
Ontario
Sunnybrook is among Canada’s leading teaching hospitals.
Demand exists for:
- Trauma Nurses
- ICU
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Emergency
Salary:
CAD $42–$62/hour
Potential PR:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
- Express Entry
13. University Health Network (UHN)
Province:
Ontario
UHN includes several world-class hospitals and research institutions.
Hiring areas:
- Critical Care
- Surgical
- Cancer Care
- Transplant Nursing
Salary:
CAD $43–$63/hour
Potential pathways:
- OINP
- Express Entry
14. SE Health
Province:
Multiple Provinces
SE Health is one of Canada’s largest home healthcare employers.
Opportunities exist for:
- Home Care Nurses
- Community Nurses
- Visiting Nurses
- Chronic Disease Management
Salary:
CAD $37–$56/hour
Potential immigration options:
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Express Entry
15. Extendicare
Province:
Multiple Provinces
Extendicare remains one of Canada’s largest long-term care providers.
Positions:
- Registered Nurse
- Practical Nurse
- Charge Nurse
- Care Manager
Salary:
CAD $35–$52/hour
Potential PR pathways:
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Express Entry
- Employer-supported work permits where available
Provinces With the Highest Nursing Demand
If your goal is to maximize employment opportunities and improve your eligibility for immigration programs, these provinces consistently show strong demand for nurses:
Alberta
- High wages
- Rural incentives
- AAIP pathways
British Columbia
- Strong demand across multiple health authorities
- Dedicated Health Authority immigration streams
Ontario
- Canada’s largest healthcare sector
- Significant hospital recruitment
Saskatchewan
- Easier provincial nomination opportunities
- Rural demand
Manitoba
- Strong support for internationally educated nurses
- Active provincial nomination pathways
Atlantic Canada
- High demand due to aging populations
- Atlantic Immigration Program benefits
How International Nurses Can Apply
Most employers follow a similar recruitment process:
Step 1: Verify Your Nursing Credentials
Before working as a nurse in Canada, internationally educated nurses generally need to have their credentials assessed through the appropriate national assessment process and meet provincial regulatory requirements.
Step 2: Register With the Provincial Nursing Regulator
Each province has its own nursing regulatory body.
Registration requirements vary depending on your nursing education, experience, language proficiency, and the province where you intend to practice.
Step 3: Prepare Canadian-Style Application Documents
Employers typically expect:
- Canadian-format resume
- Professional cover letter
- Nursing registration documents (or proof of eligibility)
- Language test results if required
- Employment references
Step 4: Apply Directly
Many health authorities post vacancies year-round.
Create job alerts and apply early, especially for rural positions where demand is often highest.
Step 5: Complete Interviews
Most interviews are conducted virtually for overseas applicants.
Questions often cover:
- Clinical experience
- Patient safety
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Emergency response
- Ethical decision-making
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
Competition for nursing positions remains strong despite high demand. To improve your prospects:
- Obtain registration or eligibility with the appropriate provincial nursing regulator before applying whenever possible.
- Gain experience in high-demand specialties such as ICU, emergency, operating room, long-term care, mental health, or geriatrics.
- Tailor every resume and cover letter to the specific employer and position.
- Be open to rural and remote communities, where shortages are often greater and provincial immigration opportunities may be more accessible.
- Keep your language test scores and professional certifications up to date.
- Apply to multiple employers rather than waiting for a single opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canadian hospitals sponsor foreign nurses?
Some healthcare employers may support eligible candidates with work permit processes or participate in international recruitment initiatives. However, sponsorship arrangements vary by employer, position, and immigration program.
Which province hires the most international nurses?
Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and several Atlantic provinces consistently recruit internationally educated nurses due to ongoing workforce shortages.
Is IELTS required?
Language requirements depend on the provincial nursing regulator and immigration pathway. Many internationally educated nurses must demonstrate English or French language proficiency as part of licensure or immigration.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Yes. Many Canadian healthcare employers recruit qualified nurses from abroad, although applicants must still meet licensing, immigration, and employment requirements.
Which nursing specialty has the highest demand?
Emergency nursing, intensive care, operating room nursing, mental health, long-term care, geriatric care, and community health remain among the most sought-after specialties in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s healthcare system continues to rely heavily on internationally educated nurses, making 2026 an excellent time for qualified professionals to explore opportunities across the country. Large healthcare employers such as Alberta Health Services, Fraser Health, University Health Network, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Nova Scotia Health regularly recruit nurses for a wide range of specialties and practice settings.
While no employer can promise permanent residence, securing employment with an organization experienced in hiring international nurses can strengthen your path toward Canadian immigration through programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and other regional initiatives. By obtaining the necessary nursing registration, preparing a strong application, and remaining flexible about location, you can significantly improve your chances of building a successful nursing career—and potentially a long-term future—in Canada.
