Canada Introduces Free PASS Program to Support Internationally Trained Nurses
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Canada has introduced a new initiative to help internationally educated nurses transition smoothly into the country’s healthcare workforce. Through the Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program, eligible nurses can now access tailored guidance based on where they are in their immigration journey. The program is designed to remove barriers and provide professional support for quicker workforce integration.
Nurses who have received their confirmation of permanent residence but are still abroad can benefit from the Pre-Arrival services. Meanwhile, those who are already in Canada can use the Post-Arrival services to navigate the licensing and employment process. Delivered by the CARE (Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses), this federally funded program is completely free for qualified participants.
Services Offered by the New PASS Program for International Nurses
Canada’s PASS (Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services) Program is designed to empower internationally educated nurses (IENs) with the tools they need to transition into the Canadian healthcare system. Here is what the program offers.
- Online communication training tailored for healthcare, helping you improve nursing-specific English skills.
- Customized mentorship with certified Canadian nursing professionals based on your province or speciality.
- Interactive webinars covering licensing steps, the healthcare system, and job trends in Canada.
- One-on-one case management to connect you with resources, support networks, and settlement services.
- Licensing and employment support, including guidance on exams, referrals, and interview preparation.
These services continue after you arrive in Canada, ensuring ongoing support as you navigate your career journey. Every mentor in the program is CNA-certified and brings at least three years of hands-on experience in their field.
The communication component of PASS is an 84-hour structured course created for nurses with CLB levels 5 or 6. It covers essential skills like,
- Cross-cultural verbal and non-verbal communication
- Canadian nursing terms and abbreviations
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams
- Patient instruction and health education
- Medical documentation and reporting
- Therapeutic communication techniques
- Managing conflict in clinical settings
Also Read: Canada Begins Public Consultations for 2026-28 Immigration Levels Plan
Eligibility Requirements for the PASS Program
The PASS program is designed only for those who have completed formal nursing training and have already received confirmation to immigrate. Without meeting both conditions, applicants are not eligible and will need to explore other available support options.
To qualify for the PASS program, you must,
- Have successfully completed a recognized nursing program in your home country and possess valid proof (like a diploma, certificate, or degree).
- Have received official confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) permitting you to immigrate to Canada.
How to Apply for the PASS Program?
Applying for the PASS program is simple and fully online. Start by visiting the official PASS website and filling out their intake form. During registration, you will need to create an account, share your location (in or outside Canada), and indicate which type of support you are applying for: pre-arrival or post-arrival. You will also need to upload documents proving your nursing education and immigration status.
Accepted documents to show PR confirmation include:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- A single-entry PR visa
- Passport request letter showing PR visa approval
- IRCC medical exam request for PR
- IRCC invitation for pre-arrival services.
Quick Read: Canada Revises Income Requirements for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents Under PGP
Make Your Canada Immigration Journey Successful with GetGIS!
The PASS program is a valuable support system for internationally educated nurses looking to begin their careers in Canada. With free mentorship, language training, and settlement guidance, it offers a smooth transition into the Canadian healthcare workforce. Let GetGIS guide your journey to Canada with expert immigration support and post-landing services.
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