Nursing LMIA Guide
Canada has a severe nursing shortage. NOC 31301 (Registered nurses) consistently appears in LMIA approvals, and Quebec in particular leads in nursing hires due to its ongoing healthcare crisis.
Nursing shortage context
Canada needs tens of thousands of additional nurses over the next decade. Healthcare employers are increasingly willing to sponsor international nurses, making this one of the more accessible LMIA pathways — even for non-IT workers.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary NOC | 31301 (Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses) |
| Top hiring province | Quebec (by volume) |
| Typical LMIA stream | High Wage |
| PR pathway | Express Entry (CEC) or PNP |
Top nursing employers
Hospital networks and long-term care providers are the primary sponsors.
| Employer type | LMIA activity | Province |
|---|---|---|
| CIUSSS / CISSS (Quebec health networks) | Very high | Quebec |
| Revera Long Term Care | High | National |
| Extendicare | High | Ontario |
| Vancouver Coastal Health | Moderate | BC |
| Alberta Health Services | Moderate | Alberta |
Provincial nursing registration
Before working as an RN in Canada, you must register with the provincial nursing regulatory body. Process varies by province and your country of training. Allow 6–18 months for credential assessment and registration exams (NCLEX-RN required in most provinces).
| Province | Regulatory body | Exam required |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | CNO (College of Nurses of Ontario) | NCLEX-RN |
| British Columbia | BCCNM | NCLEX-RN |
| Quebec | OIIQ | OIIQ exam (French required) |
| Alberta | CARNA | NCLEX-RN |
Quebec nursing: the French requirement
Quebec employs the most internationally recruited nurses, but French language proficiency is mandatory. If you have French skills (B2/C1 level), Quebec is by far the most accessible province. OIIQ registration requires a French language proficiency exam for non-francophone applicants.
Nursing → PR pathway
Nursing (NOC 31301) is TEER 1, making it Express Entry eligible. After 1 year of Canadian RN experience, you can apply through CEC. Quebec nurses can also use the QSWP (Quebec Skilled Worker Program).