Canada is a country that values and respects the contributions of nurses to its health care system and society. Nurses are in high demand in Canada, and the government has introduced various immigration programs and initiatives to attract and retain qualified and skilled nurses from around the world. One of these programs is the Targeted Express Entry for Nurses, which is a new feature of the Express Entry system that allows the government to issue invitations to apply for permanent residency to candidates who have relevant work experience in specific nursing occupations. We have also written about “Free Visa Sponsorship for Caregivers in Canada: Don’t Miss This Opportunity
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive and clear guide on how to apply for the Targeted Express Entry for Nurses program, and what are the benefits, requirements, and procedures involved.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship economic immigration program, which manages applications for three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Express Entry is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on their human capital factors, such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three programs can create an online profile and enter the Express Entry pool, where they are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Every two weeks, the government conducts a draw and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency. The CRS cut-off score varies depending on the number of candidates and invitations available.
What is Targeted Express Entry for Nurses?
Targeted Express Entry for Nurses is a new feature of the Express Entry system that was introduced in June 2023. It allows the government to issue invitations to apply for permanent residency to candidates who have work experience in specific Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC Version 2021). These categories are selected by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship based on the economic objectives and labour market needs of Canada. The first category-based selection round was dedicated to health workers, including nurses, and invited 500 candidates to apply. A second round, inviting 1,500 candidates to apply, took place on July 5, 2023. The government plans to continue these category-based selection rounds throughout the year, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Targeted Express Entry for Nurses program is a great opportunity for nurses who want to immigrate to Canada, as it offers several advantages, such as:
Lower CRS score
The category-based selection rounds have a lower CRS cut-off score than the regular all-program draws, which means that candidates who may not have a high enough score to receive an invitation in the general pool may have a chance to be invited in the targeted pool. For example, the first category-based selection round for health workers had a CRS cut-off score of 476, which was 10 points lower than the all-program draw a day earlier.
Faster processing
The category-based selection rounds are conducted in addition to the regular all-program draws, which means that candidates who receive an invitation in the targeted pool do not have to wait for the next general draw to apply for permanent residency. This can speed up the processing time and reduce the backlog of applications.
Higher chances of success
The category-based selection rounds are focused on candidates who have work experience in specific occupations that are in high demand in Canada, which means that they have a higher chance of meeting the requirements and expectations of the provincial and territorial regulatory bodies, employers, and communities. This can increase the chances of successful integration and settlement in Canada.
How to Apply for Targeted Express Entry for Nurses?
To apply for the Targeted Express Entry for Nurses program, candidates must follow these steps:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for one of the three federal immigration programs
Before applying for the Targeted Express Entry for Nurses program, candidates must first check if they are eligible for one of the three federal immigration programs: the FSWP, the FSTP, or the CEC. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, such as minimum language proficiency, education level, work experience, and skills. Candidates can use the online tool Come to Canada to check their eligibility and find out which program suits them best.
Step 2: Create an online Express Entry profile and enter the pool
Once candidates have determined their eligibility for one of the three federal immigration programs, they can create an online Express Entry profile and enter the pool of candidates. To create a profile, candidates need to provide information about their personal details, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors. They also need to upload supporting documents, such as language test results, educational credential assessments, and proof of work experience. Based on the information provided, candidates are assigned a CRS score, which determines their rank in the pool. Candidates can improve their CRS score by taking steps such as improving their language skills, gaining more work experience, obtaining a provincial nomination, or securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Step 3: Check if you have work experience in a designated TEER category for nurses
To be eligible for the Targeted Express Entry for Nurses program, candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience within the past three years in a single occupation listed in the designated TEER category for nurses. The TEER category for nurses is based on the NOC Version 2021, which is a system that classifies occupations according to their skill level and type. The designated TEER category for nurses includes the following occupations:
NOC 3011: Nursing coordinators and supervisors
NOC 3012: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
NOC 3124: Allied primary health practitioners
NOC 3125: Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
NOC 3233: Licensed practical nurses
NOC 3413: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates.
Candidates can use the online tool Find your NOC to check if their occupation matches one of the above codes, and if their duties, skills, and requirements are similar to those described in the NOC.
Step 4: Wait for an invitation to apply for permanent residency
If candidates meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three federal immigration programs and have work experience in a designated TEER category for nurses, they can wait for an invitation to apply for permanent residency. The government conducts category-based selection rounds periodically and invites candidates who have work experience in specific occupations to apply. Candidates can check the Express Entry rounds of invitations page to see the dates, CRS scores, and occupations of the past and upcoming draws. Candidates who receive an invitation to apply have 60 days to submit a complete online application for permanent residency, along with the required fees and documents.
How to Register as a Nurse in Canada?
After applying for permanent residency through the Targeted Express Entry for Nurses program, candidates must also register as a nurse in the province or territory where they intend to work. Each province and territory has its own nursing regulatory body, which sets the standards, requirements, and procedures for nursing registration. Candidates must contact the nursing regulatory body of their chosen province or territory and follow the steps to register as a nurse. The steps may vary depending on the province or territory, but generally, they include:
Step 1: Apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that offers a streamlined process for internationally educated nurses (IENs) to submit their documents and apply for Canadian nursing registration. Candidates who wish to work as a nurse in Canada must first apply to the NNAS and choose the province or territory where they want to register. The NNAS will compile, evaluate, and validate the credentials of the candidates and compare them to Canadian standards. The NNAS will then send an advisory report to the nursing regulatory body of the chosen province or territory, which will decide on the eligibility of the candidates to work as a nurse in Canada.
To apply to the NNAS, candidates need to:
1. Create an online account on the NNAS website and pay the application fees
2.Complete the online application form and provide information about their personal details, education, work experience, and language ability
3.Request their educational institution(s), licensing authority(ies), and employer(s) to send their official transcripts, verification of registration, and employment references directly to the NNAS
4.Submit proof of identity, such as a passport or a driver’s license, to the NNAS
5. Submit proof of English or French language proficiency, such as a test result from IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF, to the NNAS
The NNAS application process may take up to 12 months, depending on the availability and completeness of the documents. Candidates can check the status of their application online and contact the NNAS for any questions or concerns.
Step 2: Apply to the nursing regulatory body of the chosen province or territory
After receiving the advisory report from the NNAS, candidates can apply to the nursing regulatory body of the province or territory where they want to work. The nursing regulatory body will review the advisory report and the application of the candidates and determine if they meet the requirements to register as a nurse in Canada. The requirements may include:
1.Completing a competency assessment or a bridging program to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and judgment required for nursing practice in Canada
2. Completing a jurisprudence exam to demonstrate an understanding of the laws, regulations, and ethical standards that govern nursing practice in Canada.
Why Choose Targeted Express Entry for Nurses?
The Targeted Express Entry for Nurses program is a great option for nurses who want to immigrate to Canada, as it offers several benefits, such as:
1.Lower CRS score: You can receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency with a lower CRS score than the regular all-program draws, which increases your chances of success.
2.Faster processing: You can apply for permanent residency faster, as the category-based selection rounds are conducted more frequently and have a shorter processing time than the regular all-program draws.
3.Higher demand: You can enjoy a higher demand for your skills and qualifications, as Canada needs more nurses to fill the labour shortages and meet the health care needs of its aging population.
4. Better opportunities: You can access better opportunities for your career and personal growth, as Canada offers a high quality of life, a multicultural society, a universal health care system, and a strong education system.
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided you with a clear and comprehensive guide on how to apply for the Targeted Express Entry for Nurses program. If you are a nurse who wants to immigrate to Canada, this is a golden opportunity that you should not miss. Start your journey today and make your dream come true.
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