Canada Offers Free Pre- and Post-Arrival Support for Internationally Educated Nurses

Canada has launched a new initiative to support internationally educated nurses (IENs) as they prepare to join the country’s healthcare workforce. The Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program, funded by the federal government and delivered by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, offers tailored assistance to help nurses integrate successfully into the Canadian system.

The program is completely free for eligible participants.

Two Streams: Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival

• Pre-Arrival Program: Designed for nurses who are still outside Canada but have received their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
• Post-Arrival Program: For nurses who are already in Canada and require settlement and licensing support.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for PASS, applicants must:

• Have completed an accredited nursing education program in their home country.
• Hold official documentation such as a certificate, diploma, or degree.
• Have been approved for immigration by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What the PASS Program Offers

Participants in the PASS program benefit from:

• 84 hours of specialized online communication training tailored to the Canadian nursing context.
• Mentorship from certified Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) mentors with at least three years of experience.
• Webinars on provincial registration, healthcare systems, and alternate career options.
• One-on-one case management to guide settlement, licensing, and job search processes.
• Support with licensure exams, job interviews, and employment referrals.

Topics in the communication course include therapeutic communication, clinical documentation, health teaching, Canadian healthcare vocabulary, and conflict resolution.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants can apply through pass4nurses.org by filling out the online intake form. You must indicate your current location (inside or outside Canada), provide nursing education documents, and upload proof of permanent residence.

Acceptable documents include:

• COPR
• PR visa or related approval letters from IRCC
• Invitations to receive pre-arrival services

Once submitted, a PASS case manager will follow up to begin your personalized support journey.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!