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The newly launched Canada PASS Program creates opportunities for nurses who have been educated internationally.

July 23, 2025
12:04 pm

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Last Updated On 23 July 2025, 9:38 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

Canada’s healthcare system thrives on the contributions of skilled professionals, and Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) play a vital role in meeting the nation’s growing demand for quality care.

For nurses dreaming of a career in Canada, the Pre- and Post-Arrival Supports and Services Program (PASS) is a game-changer.

This free, government-funded program now supports Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) at both the pre-arrival and post-arrival stages, offering tailored resources to help nurses transition seamlessly into the Canadian workforce.

Whether you’re an IEN preparing to immigrate or already settling into life in Canada, PASS equips you with the tools to succeed.

This article dives into the transformative impact of the PASS program, its role in the Canadian immigration strategy, and how it empowers IENs to build rewarding careers while contributing to the vibrant Canadian healthcare landscape.

Recognizing the unique challenges IENs face—such as navigating licensure processes, adapting to Canadian workplace standards, and integrating into new communities—PASS offers comprehensive assistance at two critical stages:

Pre-Arrival PASS Program: For IENs still in their home countries who have been approved for immigration, this program provides essential resources to prepare for a successful transition.

From understanding Canadian nursing regulations to accessing professional development opportunities, pre-arrival support ensures nurses are ready to hit the ground running upon arrival.

Post-Arrival PASS Program: For IENs already in Canada, this program offers newcomer services, including career guidance, language training, networking opportunities, and support for licensure exams.

It helps nurses secure employment, build professional connections, and thrive in their new environment.

Accessible at no cost, the PASS program is a beacon of opportunity for IENs worldwide.

By enrolling, nurses can tap into a wealth of resources tailored to their needs, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to the Canadian healthcare system.

The Canadian healthcare sector faces ongoing shortages, particularly in nursing, due to an aging population, increasing demand for services, and workforce retirements.

IENs bring diverse skills, global perspectives, and a commitment to care that strengthen the Canadian ability to deliver high-quality health services.

The PASS program aligns with broader Canadian immigration strategy, which prioritizes economic immigrants—such as skilled workers in critical sectors like healthcare—to drive long-term prosperity.

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), underscores this priority, with economic immigrants accounting for approximately 62% of permanent resident admissions by 2027.

By supporting IENs through PASS, Canada ensures these professionals can integrate quickly and effectively, addressing labour shortages in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across the country.

Great news for internationally educated nurses immigrating to Canada! The @care4nurses‘ @pass4nurses program now serves newcomer nurses in both the pre-arrival and post-arrival stages.

Whether you are a nurse currently living in your home country who’s been approved for… pic.twitter.com/2nH3hO07Ke

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada)

July 22, 2025

The PASS program is more than a support service—it’s a pathway to success for IENs. Here’s how it empowers nurses at every stage:

Pre-Arrival Support: Building a Strong Foundation

For nurses approved for immigration but still residing in their home countries, the pre-arrival PASS program offers:

Licensure Guidance: Detailed information on Canadian nursing regulations, including how to obtain licensure through provincial regulatory bodies like the College of Nurses of Ontario or the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives.
Professional Development: Access to online courses, webinars, and resources to align your skills with Canadian standards, such as patient-centered care and evidence-based practice.
Cultural Orientation: Insights into Canadian workplace culture, communication norms, and healthcare systems to ease your transition.
Career Planning: Tools to explore job opportunities, understand regional demands, and prepare for interviews with Canadian employers.

By enrolling in the pre-arrival program, nurses can arrive in the country confident and prepared, ready to take the next steps toward licensure and employment.

Post-Arrival Support

For IENs who have arrived in Canada, the post-arrival PASS program provides:

Licensure Exam Preparation: Support for exams like the NCLEX-RN, including study resources and practice opportunities to ensure success.
Language Training: English or French language courses to enhance communication skills, critical for patient care and workplace integration.
Networking Opportunities: Connections to professional associations, mentorship programs, and job fairs to build relationships with employers and peers.
Settlement Services: Assistance with housing, community integration, and accessing social services to help nurses and their families settle into Canadian life.

These services ensure IENs can navigate the complexities of starting a new career in Canada while building a sense of belonging in their new communities.

Enrolling in the PASS program is simple and free.

Whether you’re an IEN in your home country or a newcomer in Canada, you can sign up through the Pass4nurses website.

The process involves:

Registering Online: Visit the program’s official website to create an account and provide details about your immigration status and nursing qualifications.

Accessing Resources: Once enrolled, you’ll gain access to a personalized dashboard with tailored resources, webinars, and support services.

Connecting with Advisors: Engage with career advisors and mentors who can guide you through licensure, job searches, and integration.

Don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity! Enroll today to start your journey toward a fulfilling nursing career in Canada.

The PASS program is a testament to commitment to empowering newcomers to succeed.

For Internationally Educated Nurses, it offers a clear path to professional success, from pre-arrival preparation to post-arrival integration.

By addressing barriers like licensure, language, and cultural adaptation, PASS ensures IENs can contribute their expertise to the Canadian healthcare system while building fulfilling lives in their new home.

Programs like PASS will continue to play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining talent.

Enroll in PASS today and join the movement to build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.

Vanshika

I am Vanshika, very much an enthusiastic human and writer. I am mostly found chasing the latest buzz, one story at a time, turning chaos into compelling narratives in the fast-paced world of deadlines. From bizarre local legends to global headlines, I write it all.