02/18/2026
Do we actually have recruitment agencies that sponsor international educated nurses to move to Canada? 🤔
This question comes up a lot.
Many nurses back home are tired, experienced, qualified but just need the right opportunity and support to transition. And the first thing most people ask is
Is there an agency that will sponsor everything for me?
The honest answer? It depends.
In Canada, most employers (hospitals, long-term care homes, clinics) hire directly. Some healthcare facilities work with licensed recruitment agencies, especially when they urgently need staff. In those cases, the employer may support things like job offers, LMIA processes (if required), or guidance with immigration pathways.
But here’s what many people don’t realize
👉 “Full sponsorship” where everything is paid for from start to finish is not very common.
👉 You are still usually responsible for things like credential assessment, licensing exams, language tests, and part of your immigration process.
👉 Some agencies assist with job placement and paperwork guidance, but you must do your due diligence.
And please, be careful. If anyone is asking for huge upfront fees and making big promises that sound too good to be true… pause and verify properly. Canada has regulated immigration consultants and licensed recruiters. Always confirm legitimacy.
For international educated nurses, the pathway usually looks like:
1. Credential assessment (like NNAS)
2. Provincial nursing body application
3. Language test (if required)
4. NCLEX (for RN)
5. Securing a job offer
6. Immigration process (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, or employer-supported work permit)
Some provinces are currently creating bridging programs and targeted pathways because there is a demand for nurses. That’s where opportunities can open up.
most people combined personal effort, the right information, and sometimes employer support not magic agencies doing everything.
So let me ask you
If you’re an international educated nurse, what stage are you in right now?
Still preparing for IELTS?
Waiting for NNAS?
Writing NCLEX?
Or actively job hunting?