Are you a skilled nurse looking for a life-changing opportunity? Canada is not only welcoming skilled healthcare professionals with open arms, but it also offers high-paying nursing jobs
some of which can lead to salaries of up to $900,000 per year. Even better, many of these jobs come with visa sponsorship, making your dream of working and living in Canada more accessible than ever.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- The most lucrative nursing roles in Canada
- Visa sponsorship opportunities
- How to apply and get hired fast
- Tips to maximize your nursing salary
- Why Canada is the best country for nurses in 2025
Let’s dive in!
Why Canada Is the Best Country for Nurses
Canada is facing a severe shortage of registered nurses due to an aging population and increased healthcare demand. The Canadian government has streamlined immigration pathways for healthcare workers, making it one of the top destinations for international nurses.
Here are a few reasons why Canada is ideal for nurses:
- High Salary Potential – Senior nurses can earn up to $900K/yr, especially in private practice or high-demand provinces.
- Visa Sponsorship – Many healthcare employers offer LMIA-based visa sponsorship.
- Permanent Residency Pathways – Nurses qualify under Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Caregiver Pilots.
- Work-Life Balance – Canadian healthcare systems promote fair schedules and job security.
Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in Canada (2025)
Let’s break down some of the highest paying nursing jobs in Canada that offer visa sponsorship.
1. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Average Salary: $250K – $900K/year
Visa Sponsorship: Available
Job Description: Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia during surgeries and procedures. With high demand in private surgical clinics and hospitals across provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, salaries can skyrocket, especially with overtime and private contracts.
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Average Salary: $120K – $350K/year
Visa Sponsorship: Available
Job Description: NPs provide primary care services, often replacing doctors in clinics. Specialties like cardiology, pediatrics, and oncology pay significantly higher.
3. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Average Salary: $110K – $210K/year
Visa Sponsorship: Available
Job Description: CNSs handle patient care optimization in complex hospital settings and help implement evidence-based practices.
4. Registered Nurse (RN) – Specialized Units
Average Salary: $90K – $180K/year
Visa Sponsorship: Available
Job Description: RNs working in intensive care units (ICU), emergency rooms (ER), or surgical units are in high demand. Rural and northern regions offer additional financial incentives.
5. Travel Nurse (Contract-Based)
Average Salary: $80K – $250K/year
Visa Sponsorship: Available
Job Description: Travel nurses take short-term assignments across provinces. They often receive housing, relocation allowance, and tax-free stipends.
Provinces with the Highest Paying Nursing Jobs
Some provinces offer better pay due to demand:
| Province | Average RN Salary | Visa Sponsorship Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $95,000 – $180,000 | High Demand |
| Ontario | $90,000 – $160,000 | High Demand |
| British Columbia | $85,000 – $155,000 | High Demand |
| Saskatchewan | $80,000 – $150,000 | Available |
| Nova Scotia | $75,000 – $140,000 | Available |
Visa Sponsorship for Nurses in Canada
Many employers are designated under Canada’s immigration programs to offer Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). This allows foreign nurses to receive work permits and eventually apply for permanent residency.
Common Visa Options:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Home Support Worker and Home Child Care Provider Pilots
Tip: Apply directly through hospital job boards and reputable healthcare recruitment agencies in Canada.
Requirements to Work as a Nurse in Canada
Before applying, make sure you meet the following:
- Nursing Degree or Diploma
- English or French Language Proficiency (IELTS or TEF)
- Pass NCLEX-RN or CPNRE (for RPNs)
- Credential Assessment through NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service)
- Provincial Registration (e.g., CNO in Ontario, BCCNM in BC)
How to Get Started: Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Credentials Assessed
Register with NNAS and submit your nursing documents for review. - Apply for a License
Contact the nursing regulatory body in the province you want to work in. - Pass Licensing Exams
Schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN or other exams depending on your category. - Search for Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Look for LMIA-approved employers on:- Job Bank Canada
- Workopolis
- Indeed Canada
- Hospital career pages
- Apply for a Work Permit or PR
Once you have a job offer, apply for a visa under the appropriate program.
How to Earn Over $900K Per Year as a Nurse in Canada
While the average RN salary is around $90K–$120K, entrepreneurial nurses can push their income beyond $900,000 per year through the following:
1. Private Practice
- Open a private nurse consultancy
- Offer concierge medical services
- Serve high-net-worth clients for personalized care
2. Remote Telehealth Nursing
- Partner with international telehealth companies
- Offer 24/7 virtual care to global patients
3. Contract Work
- Sign contracts with multiple hospitals and clinics
- Travel nursing in high-risk or rural areas for premium pay
4. Nurse Entrepreneurship
- Launch a medical startup
- Create digital health products or online courses
- Sell nursing-related eBooks, guides, and merchandise
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired
- Polish Your Resume – Highlight clinical skills, certifications, and foreign experience.
- Get Certified – ACLS, BLS, PALS, and other certifications make your profile more attractive.
- Network – Join nursing groups on LinkedIn and Facebook focused on Canadian immigration.
- Be Flexible – Consider rural or northern postings that offer higher pay and easier immigration.
Final Thoughts
Canada needs nurses—urgently. Whether you’re aiming for a stable government hospital position or want to build your own nursing empire, the opportunities are endless. With the potential to earn well over $900,000 per year, plus visa sponsorship, Canadian nursing jobs are among the most rewarding in the world.
Don’t wait. Start preparing now and secure your future in one of the most nurse-friendly countries on the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can foreign nurses apply for jobs in Canada?
Yes. Canada welcomes foreign-trained nurses and provides immigration pathways, including visa sponsorship.
Q2. Is NCLEX required for all nurses?
Only for Registered Nurses (RNs). Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may take the CPNRE.
Q3. How long does it take to become licensed in Canada?
On average, 6–12 months depending on credential assessment and exam scheduling.
Q4. Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. Most work permits include spousal open work permits and dependent child visas.
Q5. Do all employers offer visa sponsorship?
No. You must apply to LMIA-approved or designated employers.
Start your journey today. Canada is ready to welcome you—and your skills—with open arms.