Apply now for Canada Nursing Jobs Paying $85,000+ With Immigration Opportunities. Canada is one of the destinations international nurses consider when planning an overseas healthcare career. The country has hospitals, community health centres, nursing homes and specialist healthcare facilities.
Canadian healthcare employers recruit nurses with different levels of education and experience. Some organisations also welcome applications from internationally educated nurses who want to complete their Canadian registration.
Registered nurses can earn more than CAD $85,000 annually in several Canadian provinces. Nurse practitioners and experienced specialist nurses may earn considerably more.
For foreign applicants, the opportunity involves two important processes. You must qualify for Canadian immigration and meet the nursing registration requirements of your chosen province.
This guide explains Canadian nursing jobs, salary expectations, healthcare employers, registration requirements and immigration pathways for 2027.
Canada has an established healthcare system that employs nurses across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and community health services.
Registered nurses provide direct patient care, administer treatments, monitor patients and educate families. They also support doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Nurses work in several areas, including:
Emergency departments.
Intensive care units.
Operating theatres.
Mental health facilities.
Maternity and newborn care.
Community healthcare.
Geriatric and long-term care.
Rehabilitation centres.
Canada’s nursing workforce also includes licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners. Each profession has its own education, registration and scope-of-practice requirements.
The Canadian Job Bank reports a national median wage of CAD $43.27 per hour for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. At 2,080 paid hours annually, this equals approximately CAD $90,000 before tax.
Nurse practitioners have a reported national median wage of CAD $61.54 per hour. This equals approximately CAD $128,000 annually using the same calculation.
These are national wage estimates, not guaranteed starting salaries. Actual earnings depend on location, employer, experience, shift premiums and working hours.
Canada Nursing Jobs Paying $85,000 or More
The following nursing positions are worth researching if you have the right qualifications and experience.
Salary ranges are indicative annual estimates. Some employers pay hourly wages, while others use collective agreements and salary grids.
1. Registered Nurses
Estimated annual salary: CAD $85,000–$110,000+
Registered nurses provide professional healthcare services to patients in hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities.
Their responsibilities include assessing patients, administering medication, monitoring treatment and maintaining medical records.
Registered nurses may work in different departments depending on their qualifications and interests.
Common requirements include:
A recognised Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent qualification.
Relevant clinical experience.
Registration with the appropriate provincial nursing regulator.
English or French language proficiency.
Successful completion of required examinations.
Professional references and employment records.
Potential employers include Horizon Health Network, Alberta Health Services, Fraser Health and other provincial health authorities.
Internationally educated nurses must complete the applicable registration process before practising as registered nurses.
2. Nurse Practitioners
Estimated annual salary: CAD $110,000–$150,000+
Nurse practitioners are advanced nursing professionals with additional education and clinical responsibilities.
Depending on provincial legislation and their scope of practice, they may assess patients, diagnose certain conditions, order tests and prescribe medication.
They work in hospitals, community health centres, primary care clinics and long-term care facilities.
Common requirements include:
Nursing registration as an RN.
Advanced nursing education, usually at master’s level.
Relevant clinical experience.
Registration as a nurse practitioner in the province.
Compliance with provincial prescribing and practice rules.
Potential employers include provincial health authorities, community health organisations and specialist medical centres.
This position usually requires more advanced education than a standard registered nursing role.
3. Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Estimated annual salary: CAD $85,000–$115,000+
Intensive care nurses care for patients with serious illnesses, injuries and life-threatening conditions.
They monitor vital signs, operate specialised equipment and support patients who need continuous medical attention.
Typical requirements include:
Nursing degree or accepted equivalent qualification.
Registered nurse eligibility.
Experience in critical care or acute hospital settings.
Knowledge of ventilators and monitoring equipment.
Strong clinical assessment skills.
Additional specialist training where required.
Hospitals may prefer applicants with recent intensive care experience.
International nurses with experience in intensive care can research specialist vacancies across provincial healthcare networks.
4. Emergency Department Nurses
Estimated annual salary: CAD $85,000–$110,000+
Emergency nurses provide immediate care to patients arriving at hospital emergency departments.
They assess patients, support emergency procedures and help doctors manage urgent medical conditions.
Common requirements include:
Recognised nursing education.
Current nursing registration or eligibility.
Recent hospital experience.
Emergency or acute care experience.
Strong patient assessment skills.
Ability to work under pressure.
Some employers prefer nurses with additional emergency nursing training.
Shift allowances and overtime may increase total earnings, depending on the employment agreement.
5. Operating Room Nurses
Estimated annual salary: CAD $85,000–$110,000+
Operating room nurses support surgical teams before, during and after medical procedures.
Their duties include preparing equipment, assisting with patient positioning and maintaining a safe surgical environment.
Typical requirements include:
Nursing degree or accepted equivalent.
Relevant hospital experience.
Registration with the provincial nursing regulator.
Knowledge of surgical procedures.
Infection prevention and patient safety skills.
Specialist operating room training where required.
Experience in general surgery, orthopaedics, cardiac surgery or other specialist areas may be useful.
6. Mental Health Nurses
Estimated annual salary: CAD $80,000–$105,000+
Mental health nurses support patients experiencing mental health conditions and emotional difficulties.
They work in psychiatric hospitals, community facilities, rehabilitation centres and general hospitals.
Typical requirements include:
Recognised nursing qualification.
Appropriate provincial registration.
Experience in mental health or psychiatric nursing.
Patient assessment and communication skills.
Knowledge of mental health treatment plans.
Additional training where required.
Some mental health positions may fall under registered psychiatric nursing rather than general registered nursing. Applicants should check the exact professional designation required.
7. Nursing Supervisors and Managers
Estimated annual salary: CAD $90,000–$130,000+
Nursing supervisors and managers oversee nursing teams and healthcare operations.
They help manage staff schedules, patient care standards, budgets and clinical procedures.
Typical requirements include:
Nursing degree.
Current or relevant professional registration.
Several years of clinical experience.
Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
Strong communication and organisational skills.
Additional management education where required.
Hospitals and healthcare authorities recruit experienced professionals for clinical leadership roles.
International applicants should have clear evidence of their previous management responsibilities.
8. Clinical Nurse Specialists
Estimated annual salary: CAD $90,000–$125,000+
Clinical nurse specialists provide advanced nursing knowledge in specific areas of healthcare.
They may focus on oncology, critical care, cardiovascular nursing, infection prevention or other clinical specialties.
Their work can include patient care, staff education, research and improving hospital procedures.
Typical requirements include:
Nursing degree.
Advanced clinical experience.
Relevant specialist education.
Provincial registration.
Evidence of professional development.
Strong clinical and research skills.
Some specialist positions require postgraduate qualifications.
9. Oncology Nurses
Estimated annual salary: CAD $85,000–$110,000+
Oncology nurses care for patients receiving cancer treatment.
They work in cancer centres, hospitals and specialist healthcare facilities.
Their responsibilities include administering approved treatments, monitoring patients and providing education and emotional support.
Typical requirements include:
Nursing degree.
Registered nurse eligibility.
Oncology or medical nursing experience.
Knowledge of cancer treatment procedures.
Strong patient communication skills.
Specialist certification where required.
Experience in chemotherapy, cancer care and symptom management may improve an applicant’s prospects.
10. Community Health Nurses
Estimated annual salary: CAD $80,000–$100,000+
Community health nurses provide healthcare services outside traditional hospital environments.
They may work with families, older adults, children and people living in remote communities.
Their duties include health assessments, vaccination programmes, patient education and community health support.
Typical requirements include:
Recognised nursing qualification.
Provincial nursing registration.
Relevant clinical experience.
Strong communication skills.
Knowledge of public health services.
Ability to work independently.
Some positions involve travel between communities or healthcare locations.
Canadian Healthcare Employers to Research
Several Canadian healthcare organisations recruit nurses for hospitals, clinics and community health programmes.
The employers below are useful starting points. Their inclusion does not guarantee current vacancies, international recruitment or immigration sponsorship for every position.
1. Horizon Health Network
Horizon Health Network operates healthcare facilities in New Brunswick.
It has a dedicated recruitment pathway for internationally educated nurses. Its published information describes opportunities for eligible international applicants who want to work while completing provincial registration requirements.
Potential areas include medical-surgical nursing, critical care, emergency care and operating room nursing.
Other documents requested by the assessment service.
Some documents must come directly from the educational institution or licensing authority.
Make sure all records are genuine and consistent. Incorrect or incomplete documents can delay the process.
4: Meet Language Requirements
Nurses must meet the English or French language requirements of their chosen provincial regulator.
Accepted language tests and minimum scores vary by regulator and registration pathway.
Some regulators accept IELTS or OET results, while others may recognise additional forms of evidence.
NNAS no longer collects language test scores as part of its general assessment process. Applicants should check the requirements directly with their provincial regulator.
5: Complete Required Examinations
Most applicants seeking RN registration outside Quebec must pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
The provincial regulator may also require additional assessments, courses or evidence of clinical competence.
Requirements differ by nursing profession and province.
6: Obtain Provincial Registration
After completing the required steps, the provincial nursing regulator decides whether to grant registration.
You must hold the appropriate authorisation before practising in a regulated nursing position.
B. Express Entry Healthcare and Social Services Category
Express Entry is one of Canada’s main systems for managing applications for economic permanent residence.
Canada’s healthcare and social services category includes several nursing occupations.
These include:
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.
Nurse practitioners.
Nursing coordinators and supervisors.
Licensed practical nurses.
Under the published category requirements, candidates generally need at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, in an eligible occupation within the previous three years.
The experience can be gained in Canada or abroad. It does not need to be continuous.
However, candidates must also qualify for one of the immigration programmes managed by Express Entry. Meeting the occupation requirement alone does not guarantee an invitation.
International nurses should be careful when dealing with recruitment agents and people promising guaranteed Canadian jobs.
Watch out for these warning signs:
Someone promises guaranteed nursing registration.
A recruiter demands money for a guaranteed LMIA.
An agent promises permanent residence without checking eligibility.
Someone offers a nursing job without reviewing your qualifications.
A recruiter refuses to identify the healthcare employer.
Someone asks you to submit false employment records.
A person promises a visa without an official immigration application.
Canadian employers must not charge temporary foreign workers recruitment fees.
You should also avoid anyone who claims to issue Canadian nursing licences. Only the appropriate provincial or territorial regulator can authorise nursing practice.
Yes. Nigerian nurses can apply for Canadian healthcare vacancies that accept international candidates. They must meet the employer’s requirements, provincial nursing registration rules and immigration conditions.
How much do registered nurses earn in Canada?
The Canadian Job Bank reports a national median wage of CAD $43.27 per hour for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. This equals approximately CAD $90,000 annually at 2,080 paid hours.
Actual salaries vary by province, employer and experience.
Do Canadian hospitals sponsor foreign nurses?
Some healthcare employers recruit internationally and may support eligible work permit applications. However, sponsorship is not guaranteed for every hospital or nursing vacancy.
Confirm the immigration arrangement directly with the employer.
Do I need IELTS to work as a nurse in Canada?
Language requirements depend on the provincial nursing regulator and immigration programme.
Some nursing regulators accept IELTS or OET, while others may accept different evidence. Check the rules before booking an examination.
Can I work in Canada while waiting for nursing registration?
Some employers may offer eligible internationally educated nurses employment in roles that do not require full RN registration, subject to provincial rules and work authorisation.
However, you cannot practise as a registered nurse before receiving the required registration.
Is NNAS compulsory for every foreign nurse?
NNAS is the first step for many internationally educated nurses applying in participating Canadian jurisdictions. However, its use and the assessment process vary by province and territory.
Quebec and the territories have separate arrangements. Always check the regulator in your intended location.
Can I get permanent residence as a nurse?
Yes. Eligible nurses may explore Express Entry, the healthcare and social services category, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and provincial nominee programmes.
Each route has separate requirements. Nursing experience alone does not guarantee permanent residence.
Can I apply for Canadian nursing jobs before moving from Nigeria?
Yes. You can research vacancies, begin credential assessment and contact employers while living outside Canada. Starting the registration process early can help reduce delays later.
Conclusion:
Canada offers nursing opportunities for qualified professionals across hospitals, clinics, community healthcare and specialist facilities.
Registered nurses can earn more than CAD $85,000 annually in many positions. Nurse practitioners and experienced nursing managers may earn higher salaries.
For Nigerian nurses, the best starting point is to identify the correct provincial registration pathway. Prepare your nursing documents and research employers that consider internationally educated applicants.
You should also explore Express Entry and provincial immigration programmes. These may provide permanent residence opportunities for eligible healthcare professionals.
Start with official nursing regulators, NNAS and Canadian healthcare career websites. Verify every job offer and immigration arrangement before paying fees or making travel plans.
A recognised nursing qualification, recent clinical experience and careful immigration planning can help you build a realistic pathway towards a nursing career in Canada.
