Nursing Assistant in Canada with visa sponsorship

Nursing Assistant Jobs in Canada

Do you appreciate caring for others and want to work as a nursing assistant in Canada someday? Visa sponsorship programs offer exciting opportunities for international workers to enter Canada’s burgeoning healthcare business.

Canada’s aging population necessitates a high need for experienced nursing aides, with employers offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract international candidates.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Nursing Assistant Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

To work as a nursing assistant in Canada through visa sponsorship, you must meet stringent eligibility conditions.

Here are the major requirements:

1. Educational & Certification Requirements

You typically need a diploma or certificate in Nursing Assistant, Personal Support Work (PSW), or Health Care Aide (HCA) from a recognized institution. Some employers might also accept a high school diploma coupled with relevant healthcare training.

Completion of a formal 6–12-month training program that includes both classroom and hands-on clinical experience is standard.

In many provinces, you must be registered with the provincial regulatory body, such as:

• BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry (BC)

• Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (Ontario)

2. Work Experience & Skills

Employers usually require 6 months to 2 years of prior experience in a healthcare role (hospital, home care, long-term care).

Key competencies include assisting with daily living activities (e.g., feeding, bathing, mobility), basic patient care, strong communication, and empathy.

3. Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English or French is essential. Many employers require standardized test results such as IELTS or TEF, often with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 or higher.

4. Safety, Background & Medical Checks

You must undergo and provide documentation for:

• A criminal background check or police clearance

• A medical examination, including proof of immunizations if needed

• CPR and First Aid certifications—often mandatory for healthcare roles

5. Work Permit & Visa Sponsorship Requirements

You need a formal job offer from a Canadian employer willing to sponsor your work permit.

For most nursing assistant roles, the employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to hire a foreign worker.

Other possible immigration pathways include:

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

• Home Support Worker Pilot (for caregivers)

Once you have the LMIA-supported job offer, you apply for a Canadian work permit through IRCC, submitting documents like job offer letters, LMIA approval, medical exam results, and language test results.

After gaining Canadian work experience, you may pursue Permanent Residency through:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Other streams like AIP

6. Province-Specific Registration (Optional but Common)

Depending on where you intend to work, additional registration may be required:

• British Columbia: Registry for Care Aides & Community Health Workers

• Ontario: PSW regulatory association membership

• Quebec: Préposé aux bénéficiaires (PAB) registration

• Nova Scotia, Alberta, and Manitoba: Relevant provincial regulatory bodies

7. Support from Employers & Prominent Institutions

Major healthcare providers offering visa-sponsored nursing assistant roles include:

• Fraser Health Authority — BC

• Alberta Health Services — Alberta

• Unity Health Toronto — Ontario

• CIUSSS West-Central Montreal — Quebec

• Nova Scotia Health Authority — Nova Scotia

• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority — Manitoba

Other employers include SE Health, Chartwell, REVERA, Extendicare, Bayshore, VCH, and more.

How to Apply for Nursing Assistant Jobs In Canada With Visa Sponsorship (A Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Self‑Check: Eligibility & Preparation

Before diving in, make sure you meet the following criteria:

• Education or Certification: Possess a diploma or certificate in nursing assistance, Health Care Aide (HCA), or Personal Support Work (PSW) from a recognized institution. Some provinces require registration with a regulatory body (e.g., BC Care Aide Registry, Ontario’s PSW association)

• Work Experience: Ideally, 6 months to 1–2 years of experience in caregiving (e.g., long-term care, home care, hospitals)

• Language Skills: Proficiency in English (or French in some provinces). Often verified via tests like IELTS, TEF, CELPIP, or by achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7

• Safety & Medical Checks: You may need a clean criminal record, a medical exam, CPR/First Aid certification, and immunization proof

2. Plan Your Immigration Pathway

Identify which sponsorship or immigration route suits your goals:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Requires a job offer with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A common route for employer-backed visa sponsorship

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Several provinces offer targeted streams for Health Care Aides / Nursing Assistants, speeding up the process to Permanent Residency

• Caregiver Pilots: Programs like the Home Support Worker Pilot bring dedicated pathways for caregivers that include eventual PR and open work permits for spouses

3. Get Credential Recognition (If Applicable)

While not always required for Nursing Assistants, credential recognition through bodies like NNAS applies if you’re aiming for regulated roles (e.g., RNs, LPNs). Be sure to check provincial licensing guidelines

4. Search for Visa‑Sponsoring Employers

Start your job search with employers known to support visa sponsorship:

Major health authorities and facilities such as:

• Fraser Health (BC)

• Alberta Health Services (Alberta)

• Unity Health Toronto (Ontario)

• CIUSSS West‑Central Montreal (Quebec)

• Nova Scotia Health Authority

• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

National and private organizations like:

• SE Health

• Chartwell Retirement Residences

• Vancouver Coastal Health

• Bayshore HealthCare

Use these platforms to search for visa-sponsorship employers

Government Job Bank, Indeed.ca, Workopolis, LinkedIn, health authority career sites

5. Prepare Your Application Materials

Craft a stellar application package:

• Resume & Cover Letter: Emphasize your caregiving experience, certification, language ability, and readiness to relocate

Include documents:

• Training certificates (PSW/HCA)

• Language test results

• Reference letters

• Police clearance, medical records

6. Apply and Follow Up

Submit your tailored application through job portals or directly on employers’ career pages. If possible, highlight your ability to start quickly and your willingness to relocate. Follow up to demonstrate your continued interest and professionalism

7. Secure Sponsorship

Once an employer shows interest:

• They must submit an LMIA confirming the need for your role.

• Receive a job offer letter based on a positive LMIA.

• Proceed to apply for a Work Permit through IRCC, including:

• LMIA and job offer

• Medical report, police clearance, qualification proof

• Language test results

8. Move & Begin Your New Role

After visa approval:

• Coordinate with the employer on travel, onboarding, and settlement.

• Employers often assist with housing, training, or local transition activities

9. Set Your Eyes on Permanent Residency

Once you’ve gained experience working in Canada as a Nursing Assistant, eligibility opens up for:

• Canadian Experience Class (via Express Entry)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• Caregiver-specific Pilots like the Home Support Worker Pilot

Top Medical Centers Hiring Nursing Assistant Jobs In Canada With Visa Sponsorship

If you wish to work as a nursing assistant in Canada, here are some of the top medical institutes that offer nursing assistant positions with visa sponsorship.

• Fraser Health Authority(BC)

Fraser Health Authority is one of British Columbia’s largest health-care providers, serving over 1.8 million people across 12 sites. They actively recruit abroad nursing assistants and offer visa sponsorship.

Candidates must have completed a recognized nursing assistant program, be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry, have 6-12 months of experience, and demonstrate English language proficiency at CLB level 7 or above.

To apply, visit their careers page and fill out an online application with your CV, cover letter, and any required documents.

• Alberta Health Services (Alberta)

Alberta Health Services is Canada’s largest healthcare employer, with over 100,000 employees throughout hospitals, clinics, and care facilities. They actively recruit international nursing assistants and provide visa sponsorship services.

Completion of an approved health care assistant curriculum, registration in the Alberta Certified Health Care Assistant Directory, at least one year of experience, and English language proficiency (CLB level 7 or higher) are necessary.

To apply, build an online profile and submit your application via their careers website, including your resume and any supporting paperwork.

• Unity Health Toronto (Ontario).

Unity Health Toronto is a well-known health-care network in Toronto that comprises St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, and Providence Healthcare.
They emphasize workplace diversity and inclusion and provide visa-sponsored nursing assistant positions to international candidates.

Completion of a recognized personal support worker (PSW) or nursing assistant program, registration with the Ontario Personal Support Workers Association (OPSWA) or equivalent, at least one year of healthcare experience, and English language proficiency at CLB level 7 or higher are all required.

To apply, visit their careers page and fill out an online application with your CV, cover letter, and any required documents.

• CIUSSS West Central Montreal (Quebec)

CIUSSS West-Central Montreal is a vast healthcare network in Montreal that serves a diverse population through a number of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation clinics. They accept international nursing assistants and provide visa sponsorship services.

Completion of a recognized nursing assistant or préposé aux bénéficiaires (PAB) program, registration with the Quebec Order of Nursing Assistants (OIIAQ), one year of healthcare experience, and intermediate to advanced French language skills are all necessary.
To apply, visit their careers page and fill out an online application with your CV, cover letter, and any required documents.

Nursing assistant jobs in canada salary

1. Non-Registered Nursing Assistants

According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank:

• Median hourly wage: CA $23.00

• Range: $17.79 – $27.46/hour nationally

• Registered Nursing Assistants (RNAs / graduate level)

These roles come with more responsibilities and pay:

• Median: CA $30.15/hour

• Range: $24.88 – $35.91/hour

2. Personal Support Workers (Home Support)

These roles often overlap with nursing assistants:

• Median: CA $20.00/hour

• Range: $15.55 – $25.63/hour

Salary by Province

Conclusion

There you have it! The above are nursing assistant jobs in Canada that accept foreigners with great skills and qualifications to migrate to Canada and experience a successaful healthcare career.