Indigenous Services Canada
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in Ontario, provide essential nursing care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs), physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
LPNs support patient assessments, administer medications and treatments, monitor vital signs, assist with daily living activities, manage wound care and serve patients across hospitals, long-term care homes, rehabilitation centres, and community settings.
The profession is regulated provincially and territorially. Due to persistent labour shortages in nursing, many LPN positions are LMIA-approved, allowing employers to hire foreign workers when no suitable Canadian candidates are available.
Nurse Practitioner – LMIA Approved | Immediate Hiring Canada
Key Facts
- NOC Code: 32101 (Licensed practical nurses)
- Work Settings: Hospitals, long-term care homes, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, home care programs, remote and rural clinics
- Regulation: Each province/territory has its own LPN regulatory body (e.g., CNO in Ontario, BCCNM in BC, CLPNA in Alberta)
Popular Canadian Cities & Regions Hiring LPNs
Demand for LPNs is strong nationwide, particularly in long-term care and community settings. Urban centres report high volumes of openings, while rural and Atlantic provinces often offer additional incentives such as relocation support and signing bonuses due to more acute shortages.
Major hubs like Toronto (Greater Toronto Area) and Vancouver (Lower Mainland) report abundant openings in hospitals, extended care, and community care, while Calgary and Edmonton offer growing demand and comparatively higher wages due to strong provincial funding.
Montreal requires French proficiency but has persistent shortages in residential and community care, whereas Ottawa provides stable public sector and community health LPN roles with bilingual opportunities. Meanwhile, Winnipeg and Halifax show consistent demand, with Atlantic provinces actively supporting immigrant nurses through regional immigration programs.
Popular Companies & Healthcare Organizations Hiring LPNs
Major employers include health authorities, long-term care operators, and staffing agencies — many of which offer LMIA support for international hires.
- Island Health (BC) — Roles in long-term and community care; competitive pay and benefits
- Northern Health Authority (BC) — Opportunities in northern and rural areas, often with relocation incentives
- Alberta Health Services / Covenant Health (AB) — Large provincial network with frequent LPN postings in hospitals and care facilities
- Bayshore Healthcare — Nationwide home and community care; actively hires internationally
- VHA Home HealthCare (ON) — Community-focused roles across Ontario
- Plan A Long Term Care Staffing & Recruitment — Travel and out-of-region placements; company-paid travel and accommodations for select roles
- Indigenous Services Canada — Federal roles including remote and fly-in community placements
- Optima Living — Widespread long-term care roles in BC and AB
- Nova Scotia Health, Manitoba Health Regions, and other provincial health authorities — Province-wide networks with steady and ongoing LPN hiring
Salary and Employee Benefits for LPNs in Canada
National average hourly wage for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) is around $31–$36 CAD, equating to $60,000–$75,000+ annually for full-time (higher with overtime). Entry-level Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) starts lower, experienced can exceed $80,000–$100,000 in high-demand areas.
LPN salaries vary by province, experience, shift type (e.g., nights/weekends at premium rates), and sector (long-term care often unionized with strong benefits).
National Salary Overview
- Average hourly wage: CAD $31–$36/hr
- Full-time annual equivalent: CAD $60,000–$75,000+
- Experienced LPNs in high-demand areas: CAD $80,000–$100,000+
Night, weekend, and statutory holiday shift premiums can significantly increase total annual earnings above base salary figures.
Qualifications and Skills Required
To work legally and competitively as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada, internationally educated nurses (IENs) generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Education: Completion of a recognized practical nursing diploma or certificate program (typically 2 years); international credentials must be assessed for equivalency.
- Credential Assessment: Apply through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) for equivalency evaluation; this is the required first step for all internationally educated LPNs.
- Licensure: Registration with the provincial LPN regulatory body in the province where you intend to work, including: College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA), British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), or the equivalent body in other provinces. Each province has its own registration examination and requirements.
- Language Proficiency: Satisfactory English or French language skills demonstrated through IELTS, CELBAN, or TEF, as required for both licensing and immigration applications.
Essential skills: Medication administration, wound care and dressing changes, vital signs monitoring, patient and resident personal care, documentation and charting, communication with patients and families, teamwork under RN and physician supervision, and adaptability across care settings.
How to Apply for LPN Jobs in Canada (LMIA-Approved as a Foreigner)
As a foreign-trained LPN, follow these steps to navigate the licensing and immigration process:
- Start NNAS Assessment Immediately: Submit your credentials to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) as early as possible — this is the longest step in the process and typically takes 12–16 weeks.
- Complete Language Testing: Achieve the required IELTS or CELBAN scores; aim above the minimum thresholds to strengthen both your licensing and immigration applications.
- Research Provincial Requirements: Choose your target province and review its specific LPN registration pathway; some provinces such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan have expedited IEN registration pathways.