The global healthcare system depends heavily on skilled nurses to meet rising demands. Many countries are actively welcoming international nurses to address:

• Workforce shortages

• Ageing populations

• Increasing healthcare needs

• Improving patient outcomes

To work abroad, nurses must understand language tests, credential evaluations, licensing rules, and immigration pathways.

Every country has its own system designed to attract skilled workers. These include skilled visas, healthcare-specific pathways, sponsorships, and regional migration programs.

Popular Immigration Pathways for Nurses

Below are the most common routes available to international nurses, along with their advantages and limitations.

1. Canada – Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s fastest and most popular immigration pathway for skilled workers. It manages applications under:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Nurses often qualify through the FSWP due to their education, skills, and experience.

Requirements

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

• English proficiency (IELTS or CELPIP)

• Age, work experience, and education considered under CRS

• High CRS score improves chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Benefits

• Transparent and fast processing (around 6 months)

• Extra points for job offers or provincial nominations

2. Canada – Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

PNPs allow provinces to select skilled workers who can fill regional shortages.

Popular PNP Options for Nurses

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)

• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Some streams are designed specifically for healthcare workers.

Advantages

• Provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points

• Faster processing for priority healthcare occupations

• Useful for nurses with job offers in particular provinces

3. Australia – Skilled Work Visa (Subclass 190 & 491)

Australia’s Skilled Migration Program offers strong pathways for nurses since nursing is listed on both the MLTSSL and STSOL.

Requirements

• Skills assessment through ANMAC

• English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or OET)

• Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

• Points based on age, experience, education, and language skills

Visa Types

• Subclass 190 – Permanent Residency

• Subclass 491 – Provisional Regional Visa

Benefits

• Clear requirements

• High demand for nurses across states

• State sponsorship available

4. United Kingdom – Health and Care Worker Visa

This special visa is for nurses working with the NHS or approved organisations.

Requirements

• Job offer from an eligible UK healthcare employer

• English test (IELTS or OET)

• Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

• Passing CBT and OSCE exams

Advantages

• Lower visa fees

• Faster processing

• No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Family members can accompany you

5. United Kingdom – Skilled Worker Visa

A more general pathway for skilled workers, including nurses.

Requirements

• Job offer from a licensed employer

• Minimum salary (around £20,960 for nurses)

• English proficiency

• NMC registration (CBT + OSCE)

Benefits

• Path to permanent residency after 5 years

• Works similarly to the healthcare visa, but with fewer concessions

6. United States – Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)

The DV lottery randomly selects applicants from underrepresented countries.

Key Points

• Not nursing-specific

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent

• Selected candidates must still:

  • Complete credential evaluation (CGFNS)

  • Pass the NCLEX-RN

  • Meet individual state licensing rules

Advantage

• Offers a chance at permanent residency

Limitation

• Completely random selection

7. New Zealand – Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

New Zealand uses a points-based system to welcome skilled workers like nurses.

Requirements

• Under 55 years old

• English language test (IELTS or OET)

• Job offer from a New Zealand employer

• Credential assessment by the NCNZ

Benefits

• Priority processing for nurses

• Direct pathway to permanent residency

8. Germany – Skilled Worker Visa

Germany has a major need for nurses due to shortages and an ageing population.

Requirements

• Recognised nursing qualification

• German language skills (B1 minimum)

• Qualification recognition through Anerkennung

• Job offer from a German employer

Advantages

• High salaries

• Strong worker protections

• Pathway to permanent residency

• Employers often support relocation and language training

9. Ireland – Critical Skills Employment Permit (Green Card Permit)

Nursing is on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List.

Requirements

• Job offer with at least €30,000 annual salary

• Registration with NMBI

• Proof of qualifications and English ability

Benefits

• 2-year work permit

• Leads to Stamp 4 (permanent residence eligibility)

• Family reunification allowed

10. UAE – Golden Visa

The UAE offers 5–10 year residency for highly skilled professionals, including senior or specialised nurses.

Requirements

• Recommendation from a UAE government or healthcare body

• Strong experience or advanced qualifications

• Outstanding professional achievements

Benefits

• Long-term residency

• No national sponsor required

• Tax-free income

• Business ownership allowed

• Family sponsorship included

11. Singapore – Employment Pass (EP)

Designed for foreign professionals in specialist or senior roles.

Requirements

• Job offer with a minimum salary of SGD 5,000

• Recognised qualifications

• Employer applies on your behalf

Advantages

• Fast processing

• High-quality healthcare and living standards

• Family sponsorship possible

12. Hong Kong – Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

A points-based system that allows skilled individuals to live and work in Hong Kong without a job offer.

Requirements

• Pass the General Points Test (minimum 80 points)

• OR qualify under the Achievement-Based Points Test

• Register with the Nursing Council of Hong Kong

• Strong language skills and education

Advantages

• No job offer needed initially

• High living standards

• Opportunity to explore job options after arrival

Conclusion

Nursing remains one of the world's most in-demand professions, and immigration pathways provide excellent global career opportunities. Each country offers unique benefits and requirements, but all share a high demand for skilled nurses.

Countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany are especially attractive due to:

• Clear immigration policies

• High need for nurses

• Efficient credential recognition processes

As global healthcare needs grow, international mobility will continue to be a valuable part of the nursing profession.

FAQs

Q1. Which country is easiest for nurses to migrate to?

Canada, the UK, and Australia offer the simplest, most streamlined pathways with clear requirements.

Q2. How can nurses immigrate to Canada?

By completing credential evaluation, registering with a provincial regulatory body, proving English proficiency, and applying through Express Entry or PNPs.

Q3. What is the Canadian immigration plan for nurses?

Express Entry (FSWP), Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Q4. Where are nurses most in demand?

Canada, the US, UK, and Australia—especially in rural and long-term care sectors.

Q5. Which countries desire nurses the most?

The US, Germany, Canada, and the UK due to ageing populations and major skill shortages.

Q6. Is OET accepted in Switzerland?

Yes. Switzerland allows healthcare workers, including nurses, to use the OET for English proficiency.