Canada Launches New Initiative: Free Professional Support to Help Immigrating Nurses Integrate into Local Healthcare System
In response to growing demands on its healthcare services, the Canadian government has recently launched a significant support initiative known as the Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program. The program is designed to facilitate a smoother integration for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who have been approved for immigration into Canada's workforce. Fully funded by the federal government, this program is available at no cost to eligible applicants.
This landmark initiative, managed by the CARE Centre, directly addresses the core challenges that international nurses face during their immigration and professional transition process.
The PASS Program Explained: A Dual-Track, Completely Free Service
The PASS program is strategically designed with two parallel service tracks to meet the needs of nurses at different stages of their journey:
- PASS Pre-Arrival Program: This service is tailored for nurses who have received their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) but have not yet traveled to Canada. It allows them to receive guidance and training in their home country, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.
- PASS Post-Arrival Program: This track serves as a newcomer service for nurses who are already in Canada as permanent residents, providing ongoing support for their settlement and professional development.
As the program is fully funded by the federal government, all services are provided completely free of charge to all eligible nurses.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this free program, applicants must meet both of the following core criteria:
- Educational Background: Have completed a recognized nursing education program in their country of residence and hold official documentation (e.g., certificate, diploma, or degree).
- Immigration Status: Have been approved to immigrate to Canada by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Applicants who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for support through the PASS program and will need to seek alternative resources.
Core Services: A Comprehensive Support System
The PASS program offers a well-designed and comprehensive suite of support services, including:
- Specialized Online Communication Courses: A total of 84 hours of online courses designed for nurses at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 or 6. The content is highly focused on language and communication skills specific to the nursing field, such as cross-cultural communication, Canadian nursing terminology, inter-professional collaboration, and conflict resolution.
- Expert Mentorship: In partnership with the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the program connects participants with experienced nursing mentors. All mentors are CNA-certified and have at least three years of experience in their specialty. Mentorship is customized based on the participant's destination province and area of specialization.
- Live and Recorded Webinars: These sessions provide overviews of the nursing registration process in different provinces, the Canadian healthcare system, and current labor market trends. They also cover alternative, non-licensed positions that can be pursued while working toward full licensure.
- Individualized Case Management: Each participant receives one-on-one, personalized support. Case managers offer tailored guidance, provide relevant online resources, connect participants with fellow IENs, and make referrals to provincial support services based on their arrival timeline. Post-arrival, case managers continue to offer advice to aid in the settlement journey.
Furthermore, the program offers guidance on obtaining licensure from provincial regulatory bodies, assistance with licensure exam preparation, employment referrals, and interview coaching.
How to Apply
Interested nurses can apply by visiting the official website, pass4nurses.org, and filling out the online intake form. The application process is as follows:
- Create an account on the website.
- Specify whether you are inside or outside Canada and whether you are seeking pre- or post-arrival services.
- Provide detailed information about your educational background, professional experience, and clinical specialty.
- Upload required documents, including proof of completion of nursing education and proof of Confirmation of Permanent Residence (PR).
Accepted documents for proof of PR confirmation include:
- A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
- A single-entry Permanent Resident Visa.
- A PR Visa pick-up notification letter.
- A passport request letter indicating PR Visa issuance.
- An IRCC request to complete a PR medical examination.
- An IRCC invitation to obtain pre-arrival services.
Once the application is submitted, a PASS case manager will review the information and contact the applicant with the next steps.
Alberta Holds Three Immigration Draws in Mid-September, Issuing Over 1,400 Invitations to Tech, Law Enforcement, and General Workers
Between September 12 and 17, 2025, Alberta conducted three rounds of immigration invitations across different categories through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), issuing over 1,400 invitation letters to technology professionals, law enforcement workers, and candidates under the Alberta Opportunity Stream. This series of invitations demonstrates the province's targeted immigration strategy addressing specific labor market demands.
09/28/2025
Canada's Population Growth Hits Post-War Low as Immigration Policy Adjustments Accelerate Workforce Aging
Latest data released by Statistics Canada on September 24, 2025, reveals that Canada is facing a major demographic turning point. Affected by federal government immigration policy adjustments, Canada's population growth rate in Q2 2025 was only 0.1%, marking the lowest post-war level (excluding pandemic period). Meanwhile, population aging trends are accelerating again, posing severe challenges to the national labor market and economic development.
09/26/2025
IRCC Releases August Data: Backlog Increases, Study Permit Processing Times Extended
According to the latest data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as of August 31, 2025, the department's application backlog reached 958,850 cases, continuing to rise from July's 901,700 cases, representing a 6.33% increase. This marks the fourth consecutive month of worsening backlog issues for IRCC, with study permit applications experiencing particularly severe delays, surging from 23% in July to 32% in August.
09/25/2025
Prince Edward Island Issues 129 Invitations with Focus on Local Employment and University Graduates
Prince Edward Island issued 129 invitations through its Labour Impact and Express Entry categories in its latest Provincial Nominee Program draw held on September 19, 2025. The province continues to focus on occupational sectors with significant economic impact, prioritizing applicants employed locally and international graduates from provincial institutions.
09/24/2025
Manitoba Issues Provincial Nomination Invitations to Over 900 Skilled Workers
Manitoba's immigration department issued application invitations to 911 skilled worker candidates this week through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). This draw covered both the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream and the Skilled Worker Overseas stream, with candidates primarily qualifying through strategic recruitment initiatives and temporary work permit facilitation policies. Notably, over 90% of the invitations were issued to applicants who benefited from the federal temporary work permit policy.
09/23/2025
H1-B Visa Fees Surge Dramatically in the US, Canada Work Permits Emerge as Popular Alternative
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09/22/2025
Alberta Issues Over 1,300 Provincial Nomination Invitations in Early September Draws
In early September 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted a series of seven immigration draws, issuing a total of 1,376 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates. These draws primarily targeted applicants in the Alberta Express Entry stream and the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, focusing on inviting candidates with Alberta job offers who can help fill labor gaps in high-demand sectors. The number of invitations issued in the first half of September alone has already surpassed that of any other single month in 2025, indicating that the province is accelerating its efforts to meet its economic development needs.
09/20/2025
Canada Holds First Express Entry Draw of 2025 for Trade Occupations, CRS Score Rises Sharply
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of the year for trade occupations on September 18, 2025. A total of 1,250 candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). However, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score soared to 505, significantly higher than the previous draw for this category. The primary reason for the score increase is the long interval between draws, which led to an accumulation of high-scoring candidates. Additionally, internal documents suggest IRCC plans to issue more invitations to trade candidates in the second half of the year.
09/19/2025
Canada Conducts Express Entry Draw for Education Professionals, CRS Cut-off Score Drops to 462
On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second-ever Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the "education" category. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 462. Compared to the inaugural draw for this category, this round featured a significantly lower cut-off score and a larger number of invitations, reflecting the flexibility and strategic focus of Canada's immigration policy on attracting professionals from specific fields.
09/18/2025
Alberta's Provincial Nomination Allocation for 2025 Raised to 6,403
The Canadian federal government has recently approved an increase to the 2025 allocation for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). The province's nomination spots have been raised from the previously set 4,875 to 6,403, a net increase of 1,528. This adjustment comes after the federal government had drastically reduced overall PNP immigration targets in response to pressures such as housing shortages. The increased allocation is viewed as a positive response to lobbying by provinces to meet local labour demands, and it is anticipated that the new spots will be prioritized to support key industries and regional economic development. In addition to Alberta, several other Canadian provinces and territories have also received increased allocations.
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