News. For Newcomers | May 20, 2026

Canada needs more nurses, and internationally trained nurses may have several pathways to work and settle here. To practise, nurses need both a provincial nursing licence and a valid immigration status, such as a work permit or permanent residence.

For U.S.-trained nurses, the process can be easier. Most provinces accept the NCLEX-RN, and B.C. and Ontario have created faster licensing options for U.S.-licensed nurses. Nurses may also qualify for PR through Express Entry’s healthcare category, the Canadian Experience Class, or healthcare-focused PNP streams.

For nurses hoping to move to Canada, starting the licensing and immigration process early can make a big difference. The right pathway depends on where you trained, where you want to live, and whether you want to work temporarily or settle in Canada permanently.

IRCC says it is working on adding a dedicated upload field for language test results in the PGWP application portal, but the change is not live yet.

For now, PGWP applicants must still upload their language test results under the generic “Client Information” section, even though language tests have been required for most applicants since November 2024. Some applicants have reportedly had their PGWPs rejected, or even refused, after missing this step.

The update is an important reminder that IRCC’s online checklist is not always complete. Before submitting any immigration application, make sure to carefully review the full application guide and upload all required documents, even if the portal does not specifically ask for them.

As Canada tightens immigration targets, more temporary residents are being forced to leave the country before receiving permanent residence. A new Toronto Star report shares the stories of former international students and workers who built lives in Canada, only to run out of time as PR pathways became more competitive.

Nearly 2 million temporary residents (workers, students, and visitors) will see their status expire by the end of 2026. Canada has also simultaneously reduced permanent resident admissions targets. Some former residents are now trying to improve their chances from abroad by gaining foreign work experience and increasing their immigration scores. Despite leaving Canada, many say they still hope to return permanently one day.

Tipping in Canada can be confusing, especially for newcomers. Between sales tax, card machine prompts, and rising suggested tip amounts, it’s not always clear when you should tip or how much to leave.

Many Canadians are also feeling tired of “tip creep,” especially at fast-food counters, coffee shops, and self-serve checkouts. But in restaurants and service-based settings, tipping is still common.

Tipping can quickly add to your daily expenses in Canada, especially when eating out or using personal services, so it’s smart to budget for tips while settling in. Try our free budget calculator to help plan for everyday costs as a newcomer.

Canada’s health care and social assistance sector is becoming one of the country’s largest job markets. From April 2025 to April 2026, the sector added 119,000 jobs, driven in part by Canada’s aging population and growing demand for care workers.

Today, about 14% of Canadian workers are employed in care-related jobs, including nurses, social workers, personal support workers, and childcare workers. While these jobs are in demand, many care workers still earn below-average wages because the work is labour-intensive and harder to scale with technology.

For newcomers, this trend highlights where long-term job demand may continue to grow in Canada, though many healthcare careers still require licensing, credentials, and additional immigration steps before newcomers can begin working in the field.

New to Manitoba? Getting your Manitoba Health Card should be one of your first steps after arriving.

Eligible newcomers, including permanent residents and some work permit holders, can apply for Manitoba Health coverage once they arrive. There is no waiting period for many new immigrants, but applications can still take several weeks to process.

You’ll need to provide proof of legal status in Canada, proof of Manitoba residency, and family documents if you’re applying with a spouse or children. International students and visitors are generally not eligible for Manitoba Health, so private coverage is important.

While waiting for your card, private health insurance can help protect you from unexpected medical costs. Get a free quote from Cigna Healthcare for flexible international health insurance plans.