The minimum IELTS score for Canada immigration – IELTS score required for Canada immigration for nurses
Canada is a lucrative destination for skilled workers from all over the world. Being a country with publicly funded healthcare, nursing is one service which is always in demand there. If you are a nurse who wants to build a life in Canada, you must be taking the IELTS exam. If you want to know what is the IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses, read on.
Before we get to that, let us check out what are the advantages of being a nurse in Canada.
Nursing in Canada and IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses – Nurses’ IELTS score for Canada
According to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) there would be a dearth in the number of nurses working in Canada? And that this number may rise up to 60,000 by the year 2022? Decades of budget cuts, coupled with a failure of nursing services to match up to hospital demand has made Canada experience a severe lack of nursing professionals. A shortage of nurses could prove a severe threat to Canadian healthcare services.
Unless immediate action is taken to increase the number of nurses it would make the lives of the inhabitants quite difficult. Thus one of the strategies identified for addressing the shortage in nurses is through immigration. By bringing foreign nurses to Canada, the country will be able to improve health services for all Canadians.
There is a range of immigration programs available to overseas nurses who want to come to Canada and launch their careers in healthcare!
In this article, we will talk in detail about how you can prove your English proficiency and what should be the IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses. So, if you are a nurse who looks forward to working in Canada, Our IELTS coaching classes can help you develop your skills in all these areas and improve your score. this information will be highly relevant for you. (source)
Demand for nurses in Canada
According to recent surveys, the annual growth of Canada’s nursing workforce has reduced between 2014-2018. Statistically seen the key findings are as follows:
- The total supply of regulated nurses in Canada reached 431,769 in 2018. This represented 303,146 registered nurses (including 5,697 nurse practitioners), 122,600 licensed practical nurses and 6,023 registered psychiatric nurses.
- The number of male nurses grew by more than 17% over the last 5 years whereas the number of female nurses grew by a little more than 5% over the same period.
- The average age across all nurse types decreased slightly over the last 5 years. The highest average age was seen in registered psychiatric nurses (44.6 years), while the lowest average age was seen in licensed practical nurses (41.1 years) (source)
Further, 431,769 regulated nurses with an active licence were recorded by the 2018 pan-Canadian statistics on regulated nurses from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Their distribution as per the license type is as follows:
- 303,146 registered nurses (RNs), including nurse practitioners (NPs) — a growth of 0.71% from 2017.
- 5,697 NPs — NPs saw the highest growth rate of 8.02% between 2017 and 2018.
- 122,600 licensed/registered practical nurses — 3,656 more than the previous year, representing the greatest growth by number among all nursing designations (3.07% growth rate from 2017 to 2018).
- 6,023 registered psychiatric nurses — a growth of 1.45% from 2017. (source)
A profile of Nursing in Canada – Image Source
Requirements for Nurses to Practice in Canada
However, people aspiring to work as nurses in Canada will have to obtain a certificate to practice in Canada. New immigrant nurses will need a Canadian recognition of their nursing credentials, depending on their level of education.
Nurses would also have to appear for the National Council Licensure Examination. This examination is dedicated to developing psychometrically sound and legally defensible nurse licensure. The immigrant nurses would also have to undergo training programs related to their vocation. And they need to complete these before joining work.
Canada’s immigration system is a point-based framework that allocates points for various components one of which is your competence in the English language. The highest point of 24 points is assigned to those with the most noteworthy language proficiency. So, you need to have a clear idea about the IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses.
To qualify for Canada PR visa, you should get 67 points out of 100 besides other factors like your age, educational training, work experience and language abilities.
The charts below will help you get a better understanding of the IELTS score requirements for a nurse to immigrate to Canada:
Required IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses – Canada IELTS score for nurses
1.For the Express Entry Program Application: How much IELTS score required for Canada for nurses
First official language (Maximum 24 points)
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0-7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 4 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6 |
| 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 6 |
2. For PR visa to migrate to Canada: IELTS score for Canada for nurses
| Canadian Language Benchmark(CLB) | Without an accompanying spouse (maximum points available: 136) |
| For each language ability | 34 points |
| CLB 3 or lower | 0 |
| CLB 4 | 6 |
| CLB 5 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 9 |
| CLB 7 | 17 |
| CLB 8 | 23 |
| CLB 9 | 31 |
| CLB 10 or higher | 34 |
3. Federal Skilled Worker Program – IELTS – First Official Language (Maximum: 24 points)
| CLB level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per availability |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0-7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 4 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6 |
| 10+ | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 6 |
4.Federal Skilled Trades Program – IELTS
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
| 10+ | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 |
5. Canadian Experience Class – IELTS
| NOC | CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| 0, A | 10+ | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
| 0, A | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 0, A | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 0, A | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| B | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| B | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
The programs to be undertaken to acquire Canadian PR Visa
There are a large number of Canadian immigration options for nurses to choose from. As a nurse, you may be qualified to come to Canada as a skilled worker through one of the many economic immigration programs. There are four major programs that you can join in Canada as a nurse: (2
- Express Entry
- Quebec Immigration
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Study-2-Immigratems at both the federal and provincial level (source)
1.Express Entry
According to the immigration consultants, the minimum score required in IELTS, for nurses in Express Entry depends on the individual’s complete profile. You need to score at least 6.0 in each of the four language abilities to be eligible for Express Entry, but you may need a different score to meet the 67-point pass mark. You must qualify The General IELTS Test for Express Entry. And the required band score is CLB 6.0 in all 4 sections of speaking, writing, listening and reading.
However, The Quebec program (derived from the province in Canada named Quebec), requires you to be proficient in French only. Also, it is worth mentioning that this is the only Canadian Immigration program that will accept the academic version of the IELTS examination (in case you are showcasing English language skills). For the rest of the English speaking provinces, you need to show IELTS general training test results only. (source)
2.Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Quebec Skilled Worker Program is another favorable option for you to migrate to Canada as a nurse. To migrate under the QSWP, you should be scoring at least a minimum of 50 points on the Quebec Selection Grid. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program applicants have certain advantages when compared to the Express Entry profiles. They are mentioned below:
- Immigrating under the QSWP requires you to have no minimum IELTS score even though you undertake the exams.
- You are not required to show any proof of your settlement funds.
- An Educational Credential Assessment is not required for you to immigrate if you undertake this program.
3.Provincial Nominee Programs
Provincial Nominee Program is another way for you to migrate to Canada as a nurse. These programs are run by individual Canadian provinces and each province has its own provincial nominee program. On receiving a provincial nomination, you get 600 additional as CRS score which effectively increases your likelihood to obtain a Canadian PR Visa.
Thirteen Canadian provinces and territories make up the Provincial Nominee Programs. These programs are the fastest way to get the Canadian Permanent Residence.
Depending on the demographic and economic needs, each province operates its own Provincial Nominee Program. Depending on the demographic and economic needs, each province operates its own Provincial Nominee Program. Nurses opting for PNP must consider any of the below-mentioned provinces in
Canada-
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is one of the most significant Provincial Nominee Programs to obtain entry into Canada. Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (Category B) is the most sought after streams of NSNP. Like any other popular programs in Canada, this also verifies proof for your language proficiency, an IELTS certification or any other established language (English or French) verification body. (source)
What is the IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses for NSNP? – Canada nurse IELTS score
This program requires a minimum CLB 7 level proficiency If your native language is English. The NSNP program is linked with the federal express entry immigration system which has a cut off of CLB 7 for all its applicants. CLB, which is a Canadian Language Benchmark, is the standard of English proficiency test score- an applicant gets from either IELTS or CELPIP or any other language evaluation body.
CLB remains the national benchmark for defining, measuring, and identifying English language proficiency of immigrants or prospective immigrants who aspire to work or live in Canada.
When we compare a CLB of 7 with IELTS, it equates to a band score of 6 in all the areas of English language proficiency- Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. So, for the NSNP, the IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses should be more than 6.
Reasons for choosing Canada as the country of immigration
- Canada is a very liberal country where immigrants are treated equally and there are no instances of violence against them.
- Canada has a very large international immigrant community. Among that, Indians make up for a significant portion and they are known to be very supportive of new immigrants who move to Canada.
- You can migrate to Canada with a PR or Permanent Resident Visa. This means that you get to enjoy almost all the benefits enjoyed by the citizens of Canada.
- Canada offers free healthcare and free education to all its PRs and citizens.
- The country has a booming economy where opportunities are plenty for those with adequate experience and skills.
- Canada offers multiple pathways for immigration ranging from the federal Express Entry program to the provincial nomination programs of individual provinces. (source)
Benefits of Migrating to Canada as a Nurse
Pursuing a profession as a nurse in Canada comes with ample benefits. These would help you improve your standard of living-
•Nurses in Canada are remunerated well.
•You get an opportunity to be associated with one of the world’s best healthcare systems.
•You get entitled to pension plan benefits.
•Medical & sick leave benefits are offered to you when you work as a nurse in Canada.
•Flexible work timings & many such benefits are available.
Nursing as a career in Canada
Nurses in Canada are in high demand and qualified ones get a full Permanent Residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program on both a Federal and Provincial basis. The Canadian Government in discussion with the Department of Labour has decided the immigration of at least 1,000,000 skilled workers by 2021. And this would primarily cover the healthcare services as the demand for experienced nursing professionals is high.
The Canadian National Occupation Classification Codes comprises of a list of occupations that are currently in demand in Canada from an immigrant perspective. It is important to note here, the NOC code to migrate to Canada as a nurse covers registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses providing direct care to patients, those involved in delivering health education programs or consultative services regarding issues related to nursing practices.
Of course, proficiency in English is a must. So you should prepare yourselves accordingly, and know about the required IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses.
Nurses under these codes get hired at different verticals and not always in hospitals. They get employed in care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors’ clinics, community centres, private medical bodies or they may be self-employed.
The three different types of nursing services in Canada:
Registered Nurses- They usually complete a 4-year post-secondary university nursing program to become a generalist registered nurses.
Registered Psychiatric Nurses- They are expected to complete a psychiatric nursing bachelor’s degree or degree in general nursing. An additional degree or period of study specializing in psychiatric nursing is needed. RPNs are regulated to practice in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Licensed Practical Nurse, Canada or Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario- They are expected to complete the post-secondary nursing program at the college level. This is of 2 years duration.
Conclusion:
Canada witnesses a large number of immigrants travelling to their country every year. And with the number of people increasing, the country is looking forward to taking in more skilled nurses in order to maintain a healthy ratio between the provinces. With easy immigration requirements and multiple immigration ways, you could be migrating to Canada as a Registered nurse in no time.
With the increase in population with each passing day, the Canadian Government is indulging in adequate measures to fill the labour market shortages. And in this pursuit nursing vocations remain on the top. Registered nurses are one occupation the Canadian Government is in great need of. Working as a nurse in Canada can help you gain professional experience and the benefits that come along with it are immense.
However, one must know the apt procedures to acquire the Canadian PR Visa. You also must be proficient in English, and have to take the IELTS exam for it, and get the required IELTS score for Canada immigration for nurses.
Canada remains a dream immigration destination for people across the world. Their booming economy and brilliant civil authorizations make it one of the best places to live in. Recently, Canada has been on a drive to recruit experienced professionals from all over the world. And this is in various domains. Nursing is one such field which, along with the other medical vocations, is in very high demand. That is why many nursing professionals from all over the world are aspiring to apply for immigration to Canada. (source)
Harpal Singh completed his graduation from Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC), Delhi University and thereafter did his Post Graduation studies from Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) and International Management Institute (IMI), Delhi. He has worked in the financial sectors with organisations like HDFC and Kotak in sales and training profile and joined the education sector with the biggest education company – Educomp Solutions Ltd. in 2011. He got an opportunity to introduce Digital Learning in thousands of classrooms of the schools and also interacted with a large number of students and teachers. This motivated him to start his own venture in 2014 to train and counsel the young learners with the help of the latest technology and teaching methodologies.
He is one of the most sought after IELTS trainers in the world right now and has trained students from India, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nepal, Uganda and Middle East countries. Harpal Singh is a certified trainer from – British Council, IDP, Pearson – PTE, TOEFL and Cambridge.
He has keen interest in counselling students for Study Abroad opportunities and professionals for PR in various countries. All his students are either studying in various prestigious institutes abroad or pursuing their dream careers in countries like Canada or Australia as permanent residents.
Hi, I’m Ajibode Deborah from Nigeria, I’m a Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse here in Nigeria. I have band 5.5 in my ielts exam, can I apply for Canadian nurses immigration with the result. Thanks
Dear sir
I have done diploma in nursing & 3 year professional experience I have,I have done GT IELTS with overall band score 6 except reading 5. can I apply?My ECA report is in process.
Can I apply for this 5.5band score in ielts?
Hi sir/madam
My name is chinju Joseph. I am staff nurse. Now I am working in Kuwait. I have 6yr experience in pediatric nursing. I complet my IQAS Processing. I have band 4.5 in my ielts examination. Can I apply for this band please let me
Thanks and regards
Am a psychiatry nurse with 7 years working experience. i i had a band score of 7.0 in writing, listening and speaking and a 6.0 band in reading. (academic ielts). do i have the chance of practicing psychiatry nursing in canada.
I have band 6.5 in both Listening and writing and band 7 in both Reading & Speaking (Academic IELTS) can it be acceptable for immigration to practice as a Nurse in Canada?
Good day Sir/Ma
I have 20 Years of Experience in General Nursing and 12 years of experience in anaesthetic nursing, I have passed my IELTS and i banded 8.5 i also have my ECA available. Can I process Canadian Employment? If yes please how do I go about that.
I would appreciate a reply from you
Hello am chizoba am a registered nurse from Nigeria with ielt band score 6.5(academic) ,my husband is already in d process through sinp ,how do I look for job in ds province saskatchewan.
Good day sir/ma
I have ielts band core of 7(academic) overall with the least being 6.5, can i apply for registration as a nurse in canada if yes which of the provinces.