The Ultimate Guide for Canadian Nurses Moving to the USA

Dreaming of a nursing career in the United States? The opportunities for professional growth and higher earnings are immense. This guide breaks down the entire process into four clear, manageable steps, transforming a complex journey into a streamlined pathway to success.

Why Make the Move? The U.S. Advantage

Canadian nurses are drawn to the U.S. for a compelling set of reasons:

• Higher Pay: Many nurses can see a 35-50% salary increase at jobs with better staffing ratios and equal or lower stress. Our partner hospitals generally provide benefits better than you might receive in most parts of Canada.
• Lower cost of living: Costs vary widely depending on location, but are generally lower for day-to-day expenses and big purchases like housing. Taxes tend to be lower too.
• Career Opportunities: The U.S. medical system is the most advanced in the world and relies on nurses to deliver cutting-edge treatments. Your career can progress quickly if you want it to.
• Mobility: The U.S. has a shortage of 300,000 RNs, and it is relatively easy to move between most states. Your skills will be in demand even if you want to live somewhere warm!

Your 4-Step Journey to Working in the U.S.

Navigating the process is straightforward when you know the steps. Here is your roadmap to moving from being a Canadian RN to a U.S. RN.

Step 1: Get Your Credentials Evaluated

USCIS requires a CGFNS VisaScreen® or equivalent credential evaluation service report, as do most state boards. This verifies that your education and licensure meet U.S. standards.

Canadians do have an easier time than nurses from other countries:

• English Test Exemption: If your nursing program was taught in English, you are exempt from the English language proficiency exam.
• NCLEX Recognition: If, like most Canadian nurses, you've passed the NCLEX-RN for your provincial license, you won't need to retake it.

Timeline: The CGFNS process typically takes 3-6 months. We use alternative services when your state board allows it, as those can be faster and cheaper.

Step 2: Obtain Your U.S. State License

You must be licensed by the Board of Nursing (BON) in the state where you intend to work.

The Canadian Advantage: Since most Canadian RNs have already passed the NCLEX-RN, this major requirement is already met. The process becomes licensure by endorsement, which is much simpler than licensure by exam.

Some states are easier for Canadian nurses to endorse into than others. Where possible, we will guide you in obtaining your initial license in one of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) states that is friendlier to Canadians, instantly giving you access to jobs in 40+ states.

Step 3: Secure a U.S. Job Offer

A formal job offer from a U.S. employer is a mandatory requirement to apply for your TN Visa. The offer letter is a critical document for your visa application.

True North Difference: This is where we excel. Our placement specialists match your skills and career goals with our extensive network of top-tier U.S. healthcare partners, securing you the perfect job offer to anchor your visa application.

Step 4: Apply for Your TN Visa

The TN visa is a streamlined, non-immigrant visa for Canadian professionals under the USMCA agreement.

Key Benefits of the TN Visa:

• No Annual Cap: Unlike other work visas, there's no lottery or limit.
• Apply at the Border: Canadian citizens can apply directly at a U.S. Port of Entry (airport or land border), making the process fast and efficient.
• Renewable Indefinitely: Your status can be renewed in three-year increments.

Your TN Visa Application Checklist:

• Valid Canadian Passport
• The TN Support Letter: A detailed job offer letter from your U.S. employer. This is the most crucial document. We will make sure it contains all the information needed to satisfy U.S. immigration requirements.
• Proof of Qualifications (diploma, Canadian license)
• Your U.S. State RN License
• Your CGFNS VisaScreen® Certificate or equivalent
• Application Fee (payable at the border)

How True North Simplifies Your Journey

Partnering with us means you're never alone. We provide comprehensive support from start to finish.

• Expert Guidance: We manage the paperwork for you. From CGFNS to state licensing, we guide every document to ensure accuracy and avoid delays.
• Personalized Job Placement: We don't just find you a job; we find you the right career opportunity that aligns with your goals and preferences.
• In-House Immigration Legal Support: Our in-house legal team prepares and reviews your comprehensive TN visa package, ensuring your employer support letter is flawless for a confident border crossing.
• Unmatched Financial Advantage: We are committed to your success. When you start your job with us, we reimburse 100% of your CGFNS, NCLEX, state licensing, and visa application fees.

Ready to Start Your U.S. Nursing Career?

Your True North Pathway to a rewarding career in the United States begins here. Let us handle the complexities so you can focus on your professional and personal ambitions.

Contact us today to get started.