Overseas -trained nurses such as those from Nigeria about to join the Canadian workforce are now eligible for a specialised support initiative called Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS).
This support service is designed to help them navigate the country’s healthcare system, and assists both those yet to immigrate and those who have already arrived.
The initiative is funded by the Canadian federal government and administered by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, and is offered entirely free of charge to those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Nurses living abroad who have received confirmation of their permanent residence can access the pre-arrival stream of the programme. Meanwhile, the post-arrival services are intended for newcomers already residing in Canada.
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How nurses can qualify
To qualify, nurses must have completed a recognised nursing education course in their home country and provide official documentation, such as a certificate, diploma or degree.
In addition, they must have received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to settle permanently in Canada. Applicants who do not meet both requirements will need to seek alternative forms of assistance.
The PASS programme offers many services aimed at supporting nurses through their transition. These include specialised communication courses totalling 84 hours of instruction, covering everything from Canadian nursing vocabulary and cross-cultural communication to documentation techniques and conflict resolution.
These courses are suitable for candidates who meet Canadian Language Benchmark levels 5 or 6. Nurses will also benefit from mentorship support through the Canadian Nurses Association, where experienced professionals, each certified and with a minimum of three years in their area of specialisation, can provide guidance based on the nurse’s intended province and nursing focus.
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How the PASS program works
The PASS programme provides participants with access to a series of live and recorded webinars. These sessions not only explain the licensing process across Canadian provinces, but also offer a comprehensive overview of the national healthcare system.
Moreover, they present insight into current labour market trends, while highlighting alternative employment pathways available to nurses who are still awaiting full registration. As such, these webinars equip candidates with practical options during their transition.
Also, the programme includes individualised case management designed to provide guidance according to each nurse’s circumstances.
A case manager assists by identifying relevant resources, establishing connections with other internationally educated nurses, and making referrals to provincial services where appropriate. Importantly, this support does not end upon the nurse’s arrival in Canada; rather, it continues throughout their settlement journey, with case managers recommending further measures to facilitate integration into both the healthcare sector and the wider Canadian society.
To enrol in the programme, an applicant must first complete an intake form, which is available on the official PASS website at pass4nurses.org. During registration, the applicant is expected to create an account, select either pre-arrival or post-arrival support, and provide detailed information concerning their educational background, professional experience, and clinical area of expertise. In addition, supporting documentation is required, including proof of completed nursing education and confirmation of permanent residency status.
Acceptable forms of evidence include the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), a single-entry PR visa, a visa pick-up letter, or a passport request indicating PR status. Applicants may also submit official communication from IRCC, such as an invitation to access pre-arrival services or a request to undergo a medical examination. Once the intake form has been submitted and reviewed, a PASS case manager contacts the applicant to outline the next steps on their pathway to becoming a registered nurse in Canada.
