Canada has unveiled a nationwide support program to help internationally educated nurses (IENs) integrate into the healthcare system. The initiative, called the Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program, is offered through the federally funded CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses and is entirely free for qualifying participants.
Designed to ease the transition for nurses trained abroad, the PASS program provides targeted assistance to those who have received approval for permanent residency in Canada. It features two service streams: one for applicants still outside the country with confirmed immigration status, and another for those who have already arrived.
Both streams offer comprehensive support, including step-by-step guidance through the Canadian licensing process, job search strategies, and practical resources to improve workplace communication. The goal is to empower IENs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the Canadian healthcare environment.
To qualify for the program, nurses must have completed a recognized nursing education program and received formal approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants who do not meet these criteria will need to explore alternative support services.
PASS participants benefit from an 84-hour online communication course tailored to the nursing profession, expert mentorship from certified Canadian nurses, and one-on-one case management. They also gain access to live and recorded webinars that walk them through provincial registration procedures, healthcare system orientation, and current labor market trends.
Additional services include help with licensure preparation, interview coaching, job referrals, and post-arrival settlement support. Interested nurses can apply online at pass4nurses.org by completing an intake form and submitting proof of their credentials and immigration status.
By supporting internationally trained nurses through programs like PASS, Canada is not only easing their path to employment but also strengthening its healthcare system with skilled, diverse professionals ready to make an impact.