British Columbia invests in immigrant nurses
The province will pay for proof of qualifications and language skills.
The College of Nurses and Midwives of British Columbia, the Nursing Assessment Service and Health Match BC, a public health care employment service, have finally developed a comprehensive support package for nurses educated outside of Canada. In total, British Columbia will spend $12 million CAD on employing foreign nurses.
In the first year of the program, 1,500 nurses will receive reimbursement for certification of educational credentials, skills and language testing, and professional development. The province plans to spend between $1,500 CAD and $16,000 CAD per nurse. A total of $9 million CAD is earmarked for the program.
The province is setting up nurse navigators to help navigate the assessment and licensing processes with the least amount of time. Support for nurses who want to work in B.C. will begin before the move. Read about the provincial immigration program stream for health professionals to know what work experience and language level is required.
The program starts in May 2022. Nurses who are already in B.C. and want a scholarship are encouraged to register on the special portal.
