LMIA FinderCan Licensed Practical Nurses from Australia Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for licensed practical nurses from Australia looking to move to Canada.
Processing Times from Australia
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Australia. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 9 days |
| Study Permits | 3 weeks |
| Work Permits | 8 weeks |
| Super Visa | 58 days |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | No processing time available |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | Not enough data |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | Not enough data |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for Australia Citizens
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Working Holiday / Young ProfessionalCitizens of Australia are eligible for IEC. Apply for a working holiday visa (up to 2 years) or young professional permit.
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Australia can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.
Employer-Sponsored LMIA
Temporary WorkA Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Australia through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for Australia Citizens
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a licensed practical nurses or in a closely related role.
Language Tests
You must prove your English or French skills by taking an approved language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are accepted for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. A CLB 7 or higher in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.
Education & Credential Assessment (NNAS)
Nursing credentials from Australia must be assessed by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). NNAS evaluates your nursing education, registration/licensure history, and language proficiency to determine equivalency to Canadian entry-to-practice competencies. This is the required first step before applying to a provincial/territorial nursing regulator.
Licensing and Registration
Nursing is a regulated profession in all Canadian provinces and territories. After your NNAS assessment, you must register with the nursing regulatory body in your target province (e.g., CNO in Ontario, BCCNM in BC). Requirements typically include passing the NCLEX-RN (for RNs) or REx-PN (for LPNs/RPNs), meeting language proficiency standards, and potentially completing supervised practice or a bridging program.
Job Offer
While a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), it remains an eligibility requirement for some Express Entry programs and is needed for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 64 active licensed practical nurses openings on Job Bank.
Proof of Funds
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The current minimum is $15,263 for a single applicant and $28,362 for a family of 4. This requirement is waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.
| Family Size | Minimum Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (Single) | $15,263 |
| 2 (Couple) | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
IEC Working Holiday (Australia)
Citizens of Australia aged 18-35 can apply for an International Experience Canada working holiday visa (up to 2 years). This lets you gain Canadian work experience, which counts toward Express Entry CRS points and CEC eligibility.
Recent Express Entry Draws
Licensed Practical Nurses may qualify for Healthcare category-based Express Entry draws with lower CRS cutoffs.
| Draw | Date | Category | CRS Cutoff | ITAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #453 | 2026-10-28 | Transport | 477 | 150 |
| #452 | 2026-10-27 | French | 407 | 5,000 |
| #451 | 2026-10-26 | PNP | 761 | 792 |
| #450 | 2026-10-16 | French | 435 | 5,000 |
| #449 | 2026-10-15 | CEC | 519 | 2,500 |
Eligible Programs for Licensed Practical Nurses
Express Entry (FSW)
High MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
High MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Licensed Practical Nurses Salaries in Canada
Provincial wage data for licensed practical nurses — useful for salary expectations when immigrating from Australia. Source: ESDC.
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $31.32/hr | $25.00 | $38.00 |
| Alberta | $33.04/hr | $26.00 | $37.21 |
| British Columbia | $34.62/hr | $29.07 | $42.55 |
| Manitoba | $32.78/hr | $26.59 | $40.18 |
| New Brunswick | $31.55/hr | $26.35 | $36.07 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $29.65/hr | $26.34 | $32.29 |
| Northwest Territories | $43.71/hr | — | — |
| Nova Scotia | $30.76/hr | $28.24 | $34.82 |
| Nunavut | — | — | — |
| Ontario | $31.47/hr | $25.46 | $37.02 |
| Prince Edward Island | $29.60/hr | $24.44 | $31.00 |
| Quebec | $30.51/hr | $24.89 | $35.63 |
| Saskatchewan | $38.28/hr | $31.70 | $43.25 |
| Yukon | — | — | — |
Top Provinces Hiring Licensed Practical Nurses
Current Licensed Practical Nurses Openings
Licensed Practical Nurse (l.p.n.)
$30.34 to $35.44 hourly (to be negotiated)Alderwood · Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Licensed Practical Nurse (l.p.n.)
$31.74 to $35.81 hourly (to be negotiated)Nova Scotia Health Authority · Halifax, Nova Scotia
Licensed Practical Nurse (l.p.n.)
$29.00 to $33.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Paramed Home Health Care · Bedford, Nova Scotia
Licensed Practical Nurse (l.p.n.)
$33.00 to $45.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Galaxy Human Resources Inc · Vernon, British Columbia
Licensed Practical Nurse (l.p.n.)
$32.84 to $41.35 hourly (to be negotiated)Northern Health Authority · Prince Rupert, British Columbia
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