LMIA FinderCan a Nurse from New Zealand Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for nurses from New Zealand looking to move to Canada.
Immigration Pathways for New Zealand Citizens
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Working Holiday / Young ProfessionalCitizens of New Zealand are eligible for IEC. Apply for a working holiday visa (up to 2 years) or young professional permit.
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of New Zealand 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 New Zealand through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a nurse 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 New Zealand 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 226 active nurse 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 (New Zealand)
Citizens of New Zealand 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.
Eligible Programs for 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.
Nurse Salaries in Canada
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $45.09/hr | $31.16 | $50.30 |
| British Columbia | $41.62/hr | $32.55 | $47.95 |
| Manitoba | $41.91/hr | $32.46 | $48.81 |
| New Brunswick | $39.65/hr | $30.33 | $44.79 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $41.01/hr | $29.80 | $45.09 |
| Northwest Territories | $52.87/hr | $34.90 | $70.80 |
| Nova Scotia | $38.83/hr | $26.89 | $44.17 |
| Nunavut | $54.50/hr | $32.00 | $60.00 |
| Ontario | $38.68/hr | $27.00 | $48.09 |
| Prince Edward Island | $40.00/hr | $26.69 | $45.00 |
| Quebec | $37.07/hr | $25.36 | $45.25 |
| Saskatchewan | $44.54/hr | $34.71 | $49.46 |
Top Provinces Hiring Nurses
Current Nurse Openings
Registered Nurse (r.n.)
$41.96 hourlyChancellor Park · St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Registered Nurse (r.n.)
$36.06 hourlyValleyview Residence · North York, Ontario
Registered Nurse (r.n.)
$36.06 to $54.59 hourly (to be negotiated)Peoplecare Communities Inc. · Cambridge, Ontario
Registered Nurse (r.n.)
$39.84 to $57.11 hourly (to be negotiated)Weeneebayko Area Health Authority · Moosonee, Ontario
Registered Nurse (r.n.)
$39.84 to $57.11 hourly (to be negotiated)Weeneebayko Area Health Authority · Fort Albany, Ontario
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