Canada Introduces New Supports for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)

Canada has taken another important step to strengthen its healthcare system by launching specialized support programs for internationally educated nurses (IENs). These new initiatives—Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS)—are designed to help foreign-trained nurses integrate seamlessly into the Canadian workforce.

What is the PASS Program?

The PASS Program is a federally funded initiative delivered by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses. It provides free, tailored support to qualifying nurses who have completed nursing education abroad and have received confirmation of their Canadian permanent residence (PR).

The program is available in two streams:

• PASS Pre-Arrival Program – for nurses outside Canada who have their PR approval but have not yet landed.

• PASS Post-Arrival Program – for nurses already in Canada seeking settlement and workforce integration support.

Who is Eligible for PASS?

To qualify, nurses must:

1. Have completed a recognized nursing education program abroad (with official certification, diploma, or degree).

2. Have IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) approval to immigrate to Canada.

If these requirements are not met, applicants may need to explore other professional bridging or settlement programs.

Key Benefits of the PASS Program

The PASS Program offers internationally educated nurses a wide range of services to prepare them for Canadian healthcare practices, including:

1. Language & Communication Training

• 84 hours of online training focused on Canadian medical vocabulary, abbreviations, documentation, reporting, and therapeutic communication.

• Cross-cultural communication and teamwork strategies to build confidence in clinical settings.

2. Mentorship Opportunities

• Guidance from Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)-certified mentors with over three years of experience.

• Mentorship tailored to specific provinces or nursing specialties.

3. Webinars & Learning Resources

• Access to live and recorded sessions about licensing processes, healthcare system orientation, and labour market trends.

• Information about alternative non-licensed healthcare roles while working toward full registration.

4. Personalized Case Management

• One-on-one support from case managers who provide referrals, settlement resources, and exam preparation strategies.

• Continued assistance after arrival in Canada, including job referrals and interview preparation.

Real-Time Impact: Why PASS Matters

For many internationally educated nurses, the transition to Canadian healthcare can be overwhelming. Licensing requirements vary by province, and communication gaps often create barriers in professional settings. PASS bridges these gaps by equipping nurses with practical skills and mentorship before and after they arrive in Canada.

Example 1: A nurse from the Philippines preparing to move to Ontario can use PASS pre-arrival services to learn Canadian medical terminology, making them more confident during licensing exams and job interviews.

Example 2: A nurse already in Alberta but awaiting licensure can access mentorship and alternative employment referrals, ensuring they remain active in the healthcare field while completing their registration process.

How to Apply for the PASS Program

Interested candidates must complete the online intake form available at pass4nurses.org. During registration, applicants will:

• Create an account and specify whether they need pre- or post-arrival support.

• Provide details about their nursing education, professional background, and clinical specialty.

• Upload documents confirming their completed nursing education and proof of permanent residence approval.

Accepted PR Confirmation Documents include:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

• PR Visa or PR Visa pick-up notification letter.

• Passport request letter indicating PR issuance.

• IRCC medical exam request.

• IRCC invitation for pre-arrival services.

Once reviewed, a PASS case manager will contact the applicant with next steps.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s PASS Program is more than just a settlement initiative—it’s a lifeline for internationally educated nurses eager to contribute their expertise to Canada’s healthcare system. By providing free, federally funded training, mentorship, and settlement support, PASS ensures that IENs can smoothly transition into meaningful healthcare roles while addressing Canada’s growing demand for qualified nurses.

For IENs preparing to make Canada their new home, PASS is a golden opportunity to start strong and achieve long-term success in their nursing careers.