Canada Launches Free Support Program for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)

Are you an internationally educated nurse (IEN) planning to start a new life in Canada? Great news! Canada has launched a brand-new support initiative designed just for you — and best of all, it’s completely free.

The Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program, funded by the Canadian government and operated by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, aims to help nurses from abroad successfully transition into the Canadian healthcare workforce.

Two Program Options: Pre-Arrival & Post-Arrival

Depending on where you are in your immigration journey, you can choose between:

✔️ 

PASS Pre-Arrival Program

For nurses outside Canada who have already received their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

✔️ 

PASS Post-Arrival Program

For nurses already in Canada and looking for support with licensure, settlement, and job integration.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the free PASS program, you must:

• Have completed a recognized nursing education program in your home country (certificate, diploma, or degree);

• And have been approved by IRCC for Canadian permanent residency.

If you don’t meet both criteria, you may need to explore other resources.

What Does the PASS Program Offer?

Here’s a glimpse at what PASS provides to support your journey as a nurse in Canada:

📘 Online Communication Courses (84 Hours)

Tailored language and communication training for nurses at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or 6, covering:

• Canadian nursing vocabulary and abbreviations

• Cross-cultural communication (verbal & non-verbal)

• Health teaching, documentation & reporting

• Team communication and conflict resolution

Mentorship Support

Get matched with expert nurse mentors (minimum 3 years of experience, CNA-certified), based on your destination province or nursing specialty.

🖥️ Webinars (Live & Recorded)

Learn about:

• Nursing registration across different provinces

• Canadian healthcare system overview

• Labour market trends

• Alternative non-licensed roles available during the transition

👩‍⚕️ One-on-One Case Management

Personalized support including:

• Resource guidance

• Referrals to provincial services

• Settlement assistance after arrival

• Introductions to fellow IENs

📝 Extra Perks

PASS also offers help with:

• Licensure guidance through provincial regulatory bodies

• Exam preparation for licensing

• Employment referrals and interview coaching

📝 How to Apply

Ready to get started? Here’s what to do:

1. Go to pass4nurses.org and fill out the online intake form.

2. Create an account and select whether you’re seeking Pre-Arrival or Post-Arrival support.

3. Submit documents including:

   • Proof of nursing education (certificate, diploma, degree)

   • PR confirmation such as:

     • COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence)

     • Single-entry PR visa

     • PR visa pickup letter

     • Passport request for PR

     • Invitation for pre-arrival services

Once reviewed, a PASS case manager will reach out with your next steps.

Why This Matters

With overburdened healthcare systems and a growing demand for skilled professionals, Canada is actively welcoming international nurses into its workforce. Programs like PASS not only ease the transition but also help build meaningful careers in a new country — without the burden of extra costs.

👉 Are you an IEN looking to build your future in Canada?

Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Book a consultation now!

Canada Launches Free Support Program for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)