Internationally educated nurses (IENs) preparing to work in Canada can now access customized support through the Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program. This program is designed to help IENs successfully integrate into the Canadian healthcare workforce.
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Who Can Benefit from the PASS Program?
- Pre-Arrival Program: For nurses outside Canada who have received their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and are preparing to immigrate.
- Post-Arrival Program: For nurses who have already arrived in Canada and are beginning their settlement and professional journey.
Offered by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, the PASS program is fully funded by the Government of Canada, making it completely free for eligible participants.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the PASS program, you must:
- Have completed a recognized nursing education program in your home country and possess official documentation (such as a certificate, diploma, or degree).
- Have received immigration approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to move to Canada.
If you do not meet both of these criteria, you are not eligible for PASS services and should explore alternative support options.
What the PASS Program Offers
PASS provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored for IENs, including:
- Online Communication Courses:
84 hours of training focusing on professional English communication in healthcare, designed for nurses with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels 5 or 6. Topics include:- Verbal and non-verbal cross-cultural communication
- Canadian nursing terminology and abbreviations
- Inter-professional collaboration
- Therapeutic communication and conflict resolution
- Documentation, health teaching, and patient assessment
- Mentorship Support:
One-on-one guidance from CNA-certified nurse mentors with at least three years of experience, customized to your province and nursing specialty. - Webinars (Live & Recorded):
Learn about:- Provincial registration processes
- The Canadian healthcare system
- Labour market trends
- Alternative healthcare roles you can pursue while completing your licensing
- Individual Case Management:
Personalized support to help you navigate settlement and career pathways. This includes:- Access to resources
- Referrals to local services
- Connections with other IENs
- Ongoing guidance after arrival in Canada
- Licensure and Employment Assistance:
Help with regulatory body requirements, exam preparation, interview techniques, and job referrals.
How to Apply
To get started, visit pass4nurses.org and complete the online intake form. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Create an account and specify whether you’re inside or outside Canada.
- Indicate whether you’re applying for pre-arrival or post-arrival services.
- Upload:
- Proof of nursing education (certificate, diploma, or degree)
- Proof of permanent residence confirmation, which may include:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- A single-entry PR visa
- PR visa pick-up notification letter
- Passport request letter (indicating visa issuance)
- IRCC request for a PR medical exam
- IRCC invitation to access pre-arrival services
After reviewing your application, a PASS case manager will contact you with the next steps.
The PASS program offers an invaluable bridge for internationally educated nurses as they transition into Canada’s healthcare system—at no cost to eligible applicants. Start your professional journey in Canada with the right support today.
