Canada Offers Free Support Program for Internationally-Trained Nurses

Canada has launched a special program to help nurses trained in other countries settle into their careers here. This support comes through the PASS (Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services) program. It aims to make the move easier for internationally educated nurses and help them succeed in Canada’s healthcare system.

Who Can Use the PASS Program?

There are two types of support under the PASS program:

• Pre-Arrival Program: For nurses living outside Canada who already have confirmation of permanent residence.
  
• Post-Arrival Program: For nurses who have already landed in Canada and need help settling in.
  

The CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses runs the PASS program. The government funds it, so eligible nurses don’t have to pay anything.

Who Can Apply?

To join the program, applicants must meet two main conditions:

1. They must have finished an official nursing education in their home country.
   
2. They must have received immigration approval from the Canadian government.
   

If a nurse does not meet both conditions, they can’t join the program and must look for help elsewhere.

What Does the Program Include?

PASS offers many useful services to support international nurses, such as:

• Communication Courses: Nurses can take 84 hours of online classes. These focus on medical English, teamwork, writing reports, and talking with patients.
  
• Mentorship: Each nurse gets matched with an experienced mentor certified by the Canadian Nurses Association. Mentorship is based on location or nursing field.
  
• Webinars: These give important information about how to become a registered nurse in Canada, find work, and understand the healthcare system.
  
• One-on-One Support: Every nurse gets a case manager who guides them personally. They provide useful links, connect nurses with others, and refer them to help based on their location and arrival time.
  

Once in Canada, nurses can also receive help with preparing for exams, applying for licenses, and finding jobs.

More About the Communication Course

This course teaches nurses how to:

• Understand Canadian medical terms and culture
  
• Talk clearly with patients and healthcare teams
  
• Handle conflicts and give health instructions
  
• Write proper medical notes and reports
  

Nurses need a Canadian Language Benchmark score of 5 or 6 to take the course.

How to Join the Program

Nurses can apply online at the official PASS website. They must create an account and mention whether they are inside or outside Canada. They also need to share their education and work details.

Applicants must upload proof of completing a nursing program and proof that they have permanent residence status. Accepted documents include:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
  
• A PR visa or visa request letter
  
• Any letter from IRCC asking for medicals or inviting pre-arrival services
  

After applying, a case manager will contact the nurse with next steps.