Canada has become an attractive destination for skilled nurses from around the world, offering a wealth of opportunities in its healthcare system. With an increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, the country actively recruits international nurses to fill crucial gaps in its workforce. For nurses seeking to immigrate to Canada this year, many employers provide visa sponsorship, making it easier for them to pursue their careers while navigating the immigration process. Nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship present a unique opportunity to not only secure employment but also to embark on a new life in a thriving and diverse country.
The Canadian healthcare system is well-regarded for its patient-centered approach and high standards of care, making it an appealing environment for nurses. Working as a nurse in Canada offers the chance to be part of a progressive healthcare system that supports professional development and continuous learning. Additionally, Canadian employers, particularly hospitals and healthcare institutions, offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities.
Visa sponsorship is a crucial aspect of the job search for many international nurses, as it simplifies the immigration process and provides a structured path to permanent residency. Nurses can apply for positions through the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or other immigration streams, with many employers offering support in navigating these processes. With the right qualifications and experience, obtaining a visa sponsorship can be a seamless process, opening doors to a rewarding career in Canada.
For nurses aspiring to work in Canada, understanding the job market, immigration requirements, and available sponsorship options is essential. This guide will showcase the types of nursing jobs available, the visa sponsorship process, and how international nurses can successfully secure employment and settle in Canada.
1. Registered Nurse ICU Sponsorship Opportunity
Selected applicants will be required to attend a full-time, external Critical Care Certificate Program, with tuition and full salary covered by St. Joseph’s Health Centre. Upon successful completion, candidates will transition to a full-time Registered Nurse position in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A commitment to remain in the ICU for 24 months after placement is required.
- Type: Permanent, Full-time
- institution: Unity Health Toronto.
Required Skills:
- BLS Certification
- CNO Membership
- Acute Care Experience
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Computer Proficiency
Full Job Description:
- Registration: Current membership with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of recent acute care experience in medical/surgical settings. Candidates with less experience may be considered if no qualified internal or external applicants are available.
- Preferred Certifications: Completion of courses in Physical Assessment, Coronary Care 1, Respiratory Care 1, and/or Nephrology 1 (minimum of 1 course preferred).
- BLS Certification: Must hold a current BLS certificate.
- ACLS Certification: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, issued or recognized by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, is required within 6 months of hire.
- Critical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.
- Teamwork: Excellent communication and collaboration skills within an interprofessional team.
- Crisis Management: Ability to handle crisis situations effectively with both patients and family members.
- Continuous Education: Demonstrated commitment to ongoing education and learning.
- Organizational Skills: Ability to stay organized and flexible in a dynamic environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Excellent computer skills.
- Attendance: Satisfactory attendance record.
2. Registered Nurse, Operating Room – Sinai Health
Are you a Registered Nurse eager to enhance your surgical skills? Join the Operating Room (OR) team at Mount Sinai Hospital! Our newly renovated facility offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialized technical expertise in surgical procedures, instrumentation, and equipment.
You excel in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, contributing directly to patient care during surgical procedures. This role allows you to work closely with renowned surgeons and a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best patient outcomes.
Mount Sinai offers an unparalleled opportunity if you want to gain experience with advanced surgical technologies like the GTX OR, DaVinci Robot, and Velys Robot. These technologies are used in various specialties, including Gynecology, General Surgery, Urology, ENT, and robotic-assisted knee surgery.
Mount Sinai Hospital performs over 16,000 surgeries annually and is globally recognized for its Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Orthopedic Surgery programs. Specialties include General Surgery, Urology, Gynecology, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Oral Surgery, and Orthopedics, including Reconstructive and Sarcoma surgeries. The Main Operating Room features three state-of-the-art Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) suites.
This team offers sponsorship opportunities for nurses interested in obtaining OR certification. Unique recognition programs like F.R.O.G. (Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness), a Pet Board, and the Tree of Kindness foster a supportive team environment.
In This Role, You Will:
- Perform scrubbing and circulating duties
- Provide direct nursing care within the OR
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary healthcare team
- Support the clinical needs of surgeons and anesthesiologists
- Manage a fast-paced workload
- Anticipate, recognize, and respond to rapidly changing situations
- Document observations, assessments, and care
- Collect and interpret patient information through observation, communication, and physical assessment
- Maintain clinical competence through continued education
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Job Requirements
- Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- Graduate of a CNO-approved bachelor’s degree in nursing program or equivalent education and experience
- Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification
- Completion of a post-graduate Perioperative Nursing Certificate program or commitment to complete it within 3 years of hire
Preferred:
- 3 years of experience in a perioperative setting
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
Skills and Knowledge:
- Commitment to professional development and lifelong learning
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills
- Excellent critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
- Superior interpersonal and communication skills
- Dedication to patient and family-centered care
- Proven satisfactory work performance and attendance
3. Full-Time Registered Nurse Job Schulich Resource Team
This is an exciting opportunity for nurses looking to advance their careers and be part of a highly skilled team delivering comprehensive cardiovascular care for some of the most complex cases in Ontario!
As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will provide primary care to cardiac and vascular patients undergoing interventional procedures in the B3 Outpatient Unit, such as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Electrophysiological Studies, Ablation, Cardioversion, and Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE). Additional responsibilities include supporting patient care in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit (CICU) as a remote telemetry RN and offering care in an alternate staffing model. Key functions of the RN role include patient assessment, intervention, education, and advocacy. You will uphold the principles of Patient-Centered Care and the Mission and Values of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team.
Qualifications/Skills:
- Registration: Current membership with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
- Certification: Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
- Experience: One year of recent Cardiology experience is preferred, but not required.
- Required Training: Completing Coronary Care I and II courses (sponsorship opportunities available).
- Training Provided: Arrhythmia interpretation training is offered by the program.
- Preferred Skills: Experience with venipuncture is an asset but not required.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Commitment to Education: Demonstrated dedication to continuing education, particularly in courses and conferences related to Cardiology/Cardiovascular care.
- Organizational Initiatives: Involvement in organizational initiatives such as Patient-Centered Care, participation in nursing councils, unit committees, and quality improvement projects.
Core Competencies:
- Effective interpersonal relationships
- Strong oral and written communication
- Excellent organizational and priority-setting skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to facilitate teamwork and manage conflict
- Application of critical thinking in patient care
Teamwork: Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Stress Management: Capable of maintaining composure in stressful environments.
This role provides a unique opportunity to grow within the field of cardiovascular care and to develop expertise in a supportive, patient-focused environment.
4. Registered Nurse – Critical Care Sponsorship Program (2024)
- Union: ONA
- Hourly Rate: $39.07 – $56
- Shifts: Days, Nights
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of healthcare across its three hospitals and eight satellite sites. We provide a diverse range of programs and services tailored to the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant communities. SHN houses North America’s largest nephrology program and is the designated cardiac care and spine center for Scarborough and surrounding areas. We are also a teaching site for the University of Toronto and collaborate with various universities and colleges to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.
SHN has been recognized for our commitment to diversity and inclusion, winning the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, and was named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023.
Position Overview:
As a Registered Nurse in the Critical Care Sponsorship Program, you will report to the Manager of Critical Care and provide high-quality care to a diverse patient population in a multi-service environment. Our patient-focused care model emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and learning. You will deliver care to patients and families while upholding SHN’s Nursing Practice philosophy.
The position is based at the Centenary Hospital, but flexibility across sites may be required depending on departmental needs.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver exceptional nursing care to patients and families in a critical care environment.
- Work collaboratively within an inter-professional team.
- Demonstrate accountability for nursing practice and identify personal learning opportunities.
- Provide patient-centered care based on SHN’s Nursing Practice framework.
- Participate in unit-based initiatives, including LEAN, Unit Councils, and quality improvement projects.
Requirements:
- Current registration as a Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
- Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification (or willingness to obtain within 6 months).
- Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
- Enrolled in a critical care certificate program (completion required within 1 year of hire).
- 1-2 years of medical/surgical experience in an acute care setting.
- Willingness to participate in continuing education and unit initiatives.
- Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of an inter-professional team in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Commitment to customer service when dealing with patients, colleagues, and the public.
- Alignment with SHN’s Code of Conduct and commitment to fostering a positive work environment.
- Understanding of SHN’s safety programs, including patient, staff, and environmental safety.
Assets:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).
- Completion of a Critical Care Certificate.
- 1 year of experience in a critical care setting.
- Computer literacy and familiarity with e-documentation.
- The ability to speak another language is an asset.
Diversity and accommodation statement:
Scarborough Health Network is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for patients, staff, and the community. We celebrate the diversity of our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or personal identity. SHN is dedicated to barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please inform us of any accommodation needs during the recruitment process, and we will work to meet them.
Summary
Nursing jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer an excellent opportunity for international nurses to join a thriving healthcare system while easing the immigration process. With growing demand in the sector, hospitals in Canada recruiting international nurses are actively seeking skilled nurses from abroad, offering not only job security but also a clear pathway to residency.
Canada’s healthcare institutions provide competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and access to modern facilities. Visa sponsorship is often a key component of these roles, helping international nurses transition smoothly into the Canadian workforce while enjoying a high quality of life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.