To address the growing demand for healthcare professionals and support internationally educated nurses (IENs), the Government of Canada has launched a federally funded and completely free program called PASS (Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services). This initiative is designed to help internationally trained nurses transition into Canada’s healthcare workforce more efficiently.
Who Is This Program For?
The PASS program is designed for internationally educated nurses (IENs) who are looking to enter the Canadian nursing workforce. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have received a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC),
- Be currently working in Canada as a temporary foreign worker, with an approved pathway to permanent residence,
- Or be in the pre-arrival stage, meaning their permanent residence has already been approved by IRCC, but they have not yet landed in Canada.
Important Note:
Only individuals whose immigration to Canada has been officially approved by IRCC are eligible. Simply having an application in progress is not sufficient.
What Does PASS Offer?
Administered by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, the PASS program provides a wide range of free services, including:
Pre-Arrival Supports:
- Specialized English language training tailored to Canadian clinical settings
- Webinars on Canada’s healthcare system and professional culture
- Step-by-step guidance on the nursing licensure process in your destination province
Post-Arrival Supports:
- One-on-one mentoring with experienced Canadian nurses
- Personalized case management and employment navigation
- Exam and interview preparation for licensure and job placement
Why This Program Matters
PASS is designed to eliminate systemic and informational barriers for internationally educated nurses, helping them enter the Canadian workforce more quickly. The program not only benefits the nurses themselves but also helps address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals across the country.
How to Register
To join PASS, visit the official website of the CARE Centre:
🔗 care4nurses.org/pass-program
📧 Email: info@care4nurses.org
📞 Phone (Toronto): +1 (416) 226-2800
We’re Here to Help
While we do not provide direct support for the PASS program itself, our team is here to assist you with a wide range of immigration pathways to Canada, including permanent residency, work permits, study permits, and family sponsorship.
If you’re planning your immigration journey to Canada, whether as a healthcare professional or through another route, contact us today for expert guidance and personalized support.
Your future in Canada starts with the right strategy. Let us help you build it.
