C O S M I C

Immigration Services

Blog Image

Canada’s PASS Program: New Federal Support for Internationally Educated Nurses

Are you a qualified nurse trained outside Canada and planning to start your career in the Canadian healthcare system? Then Canada’s newly enhanced Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

At Cosmic Immigration Services, the best immigration consultant in Mississauga, we help internationally educated professionals—especially nurses—successfully transition into the Canadian workforce. With programs like PASS now available, the path has never been clearer.


👩‍⚕️ What is the PASS Program?

The PASS Program is a federally funded initiative specifically designed to help Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) integrate into the Canadian healthcare system. Administered by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, it offers free pre- and post-arrival support to eligible nurses holding Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Whether you’re still overseas or have recently landed in Canada, PASS provides tailored resources to help you settle, train, and pursue licensure efficiently.


🗺️ Two Streams of the PASS Program

1. Pre-Arrival PASS Program
For nurses outside Canada who already have COPR, this stream helps prepare for a smooth transition into the Canadian healthcare industry.

2. Post-Arrival PASS Program
For nurses already in Canada, this stream offers continued guidance and support in the licensing and employment process.


🎯 PASS Program Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the free PASS program, you must:

  • ✅ Have completed a recognized nursing education in your home country, with official credentials (certificate, diploma, or degree).

  • ✅ Have received Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Note: If you don’t meet these two conditions, you will need to explore alternative resources or consult experts like Cosmic Immigration Services for additional guidance.


🛠️ What Support Does the PASS Program Offer?

The PASS Program goes far beyond orientation. Here’s what internationally educated nurses (IENs) can expect:

1. Communication Courses (84 Hours Total)

Focused on nursing-specific English and workplace communication, these online modules cover:

  • Verbal and non-verbal cross-cultural communication

  • Canadian nursing terminology and abbreviations

  • Health assessment and documentation

  • Team communication and inter-professional practice

  • Conflict resolution and therapeutic interaction

Courses are designed for individuals with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or 6.

2. Mentorship

Matched with CNA-certified nurse mentors with 3+ years of experience, participants get personalized guidance tailored by:

  • Province of destination

  • Nursing specialization

3. Live & Recorded Webinars

Topics include:

  • Provincial nursing registration processes

  • Understanding the Canadian healthcare system

  • Current job market trends

  • Options for alternative healthcare roles

4. Individualized Case Management

Each nurse is assigned a case manager to:

  • Provide one-on-one guidance

  • Connect you with fellow IENs

  • Refer you to provincial services

  • Help with licensing and job placement

  • Offer interview preparation and employment referrals


📝 Required Documents to Apply

To register, you’ll need to provide:

  • Proof of nursing education

  • One of the following as proof of PR:

    • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

    • Single-entry PR Visa

    • PR Visa pick-up notification letter

    • Passport request letter from IRCC

    • Medical exam request from IRCC

    • IRCC invitation to attend pre-arrival services


📍 How to Apply for the PASS Program

Applying is easy and completely free. Here’s how:

  1. Visit pass4nurses.org

  2. Fill out the online intake form

  3. Upload the required documentation

  4. Await contact from a PASS case manager for the next steps

Make sure to select whether you’re seeking Pre-Arrival or Post-Arrival services during sign-up.


🛬 Why Nurses Should Use the PASS Program Before and After Immigration

Integrating into Canada’s healthcare system can be daunting, especially when you’re dealing with licensing exams, employment gaps, or language barriers. The PASS program helps you:

  • Gain confidence with mentorship and language skills

  • Understand regulatory requirements by province

  • Get access to alternative employment opportunities while pursuing licensure

  • Receive settlement support for a smoother transition

And the best part? It’s completely FREE, funded by the Government of Canada.


👨‍💼 Let Cosmic Immigration Services Help You Navigate It All

At Cosmic Immigration Services, located in Mississauga, we don’t just help you with paperwork. We guide you every step of the way—from Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to helping skilled professionals like nurses access the PASS program and other critical resources.

Whether you are just starting your journey or already approved for PR, our experts help you:

  • Understand eligibility for programs like PASS

  • Navigate IRCC processes with zero confusion

  • Speed up your licensing and job-readiness process

  • Avoid delays or rejections due to document errors


💬 Final Thoughts

Canada is facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals. With initiatives like the PASS program, the government is making it easier than ever for internationally educated nurses to build a career in Canada.

If you’re a nurse ready to begin your new life in Canada, Cosmic Immigration Services, the best immigration consultant in Mississauga, is here to ensure you succeed—before and after you arrive.


📞 Get Started Today!

Cosmic Immigration Services
📍 7015 Tranmere Drive, Unit #19, Mississauga, ON L5S 1T7, Canada
📧 info@cosmicimmigration.com
📞 +1-(905)-800-2700

Let’s make your Canadian dream a reality—together.