Are you a dedicated healthcare professional seeking to advance your career in a world-class, multicultural city? Registered nurse jobs in Toronto offer an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact while growing professionally. Toronto’s healthcare sector is booming, driven by an aging population and the expansion of leading medical facilities, creating a sustained and critical demand for skilled nurses like you.
To join this dynamic workforce, you must meet specific requirements, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and, most importantly, registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). The benefits, however, are substantial.
You can expect competitive salaries ranging from CAD 60,000 to CAD 95,000, comprehensive health and pension plans, and abundant opportunities for specialization in areas like pediatrics, oncology, and critical care. If you are passionate about providing exceptional patient care and are ready to thrive in a diverse and supportive environment, your future in Toronto awaits.
Why There is High Demand for Registered Nurses in Toronto
- Growing & Aging Population: Increasing need for chronic disease management and senior care.
- Healthcare Facility Expansion: Major institutions like SickKids and Sunnybrook are continually expanding services.
- Multicultural Demographics: Need for nurses with cultural competence and language skills.
- Nationwide Shortage: A general shortage of healthcare professionals across Canada.
- Specialized Care Needs: Advancements in medicine require nurses with specialized training.
Types of Registered Nurse Jobs Available
- Hospital Nurse: Work in ER, OR, ICU, etc.
- Pediatric Nurse: Specialize in care for children at hospitals like SickKids.
- Oncology Nurse: Provide care for cancer patients.
- Mental Health Nurse: Work in psychiatric units and community health.
- Community Health Nurse: Focus on public health and prevention.
- Home Care Nurse: Deliver medical care in patients’ homes.
Salary Expectations & Benefits for Registered Nurse
| Role | Expected Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (General RN) | $60,000 – $75,000 |
| Pediatric Nurse | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Oncology Nurse | $75,000 – $90,000 |
| Critical Care Nurse | $80,000 – $95,000 |
| Mental Health Nurse | $70,000 – $88,000 |
Additional Benefits: Health insurance, pension plans, paid leave, tuition support, and professional development opportunities.
Job Responsibilities of Registered Nurse in Toronto
- Conduct patient assessments and monitor vital signs.
- Administer medications and treatments.
- Develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educate patients and families on health management.
- Assist physicians in medical procedures and surgeries.
- Maintain patient safety and adhere to infection control protocols.
Mandatory Requirements
- Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or equivalent.
- Licensing: Successful registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), which includes passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Experience: Previous clinical experience is highly valued, especially in specialized areas.
- Language: Proficiency in English (and French as an asset).
- Certifications: Specialized certifications like ACLS or PALS are advantageous.
Requirements for Registered Nurse Jobs in Toronto
- Valid Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
You need a concrete job offer in a RN role from a health facility, hospital, clinic, or similar licensed employer in Ontario. Employers often need to provide details such as job duties, hours, wages, etc - Nursing Education Credentials
You must have completed a nursing degree or diploma from a recognized institution. The educational credential needs to be comparable to the Canadian standard for RNs - Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your education is from outside Canada, you must have your credentials assessed (and declared equivalent) by an approved body (e.g. via World Education Services (WES) or through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)) - Registration with the Provincial Regulatory Body
For Ontario, that means registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This includes:- Submitting your NNAS assessment/advisory report
- Possibly completing additional bridging, competency, or orientation programs if required
- Passing required licensing/competency exams (e.g., NCLEX‑RN or other provincial equivalent).
- Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate proficiency in English (or French, depending on where you’ll work). Usually through recognized tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF for French. A minimum level (often around Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7) is common. - Work Permit / Visa
After you have job offer and registration/license, you need a work permit. For sponsored roles, this often means:- Employer applies through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), including a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required
- Sometimes other immigration or permit pathways (e.g., Provincial Nominee Programs, Express Entry) may apply
- Relevant Work Experience
Employers often prefer candidates with a certain amount of clinical experience—e.g., 1‑2 years working as a nurse, possibly in a hospital or relevant care setting. Specialized areas (ICU, emergency, etc.) may have additional experience requirements. - Criminal Record Check & Health Screening
As with most health worker roles, you will be required to provide a clean criminal record (police clearance) and often undergo health checks (immunizations, etc.) to be cleared to practice in healthcare settings - Proof of Identity / Valid Passport
You’ll need a valid passport and possibly other identification documents. Also, you might need to provide transcripts, letters verifying previous employment, licenses from your home country, etc. - Fulfilling Immigration / Visa Sponsor Conditions
- The employer must show that there is a need (i.e., a shortage, or they could not fill locally) so that immigration authorities accept the sponsorship.
- You must satisfy any additional conditions set by the government (e.g. financial capacity, admissibility).
- If applying under a permanent residency stream rather than just a work permit, you’ll need to meet that program’s criteria (points, etc.).
Visa Requirements
Valid Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
You must receive a genuine job offer from a healthcare facility (hospital, clinic, long‑term care, etc.) in Toronto willing to sponsor you and assist with your work permit application under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Certificate of Sponsorship / LMIA (if needed)
Your employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) showing there’s no qualified Canadian available before your work permit is approved this is often part of the sponsorship process.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Your nursing degree or diploma must be assessed by a recognized body (like World Education Services or the National Nursing Assessment Service NNAS) to confirm it’s equivalent to Canadian standards.
Registration with Provincial Nursing Regulatory Body
You must be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to practice in Toronto. This includes submitting your foreign credentials and meeting provincial requirements.
Pass the Canadian Nursing Licensing Exam (NCLEX‑RN)
Most provinces, including Ontario, require internationally educated RNs to pass the NCLEX‑RN exam or equivalent regulatory assessments.
Language Proficiency Proof
You must show English (or French) ability through an approved test (usually IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) and meet the minimum benchmark (typically CLB 7 or higher for professional practice).
Work Experience Documentation
Provide evidence of your nursing work history (letters from employers, job descriptions) to support your application and sometimes to meet provincial requirements.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for travel and for the expected duration of your visa/work permit. (General immigration standard)
Medical Exam (if required)
You may have to undergo a medical examination as part of the work permit process to show you’re fit for work and won’t pose a public health risk.
Police Clearance / Criminal Record Check
A background check showing a clean record is often required, especially for regulated healthcare roles. (Typical for work permits)
Work Permit Application Submission
After receiving sponsorship documents (LMIA/offer), you must apply for a work permit through IRCC, pay fees, provide biometrics, and await approval before traveling to Canada.
Optional: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Nomination
Many nurses also apply through Ontario’s PNP healthcare streams which can provide nomination support and faster pathways to a work permit and permanent residence.
How to Apply for Registered Nurse Jobs in Toronto
- Research Employers: Target major networks like University Health Network (Toronto General), Mount Sinai, and Sunnybrook.
- Use Specialized Job Portals: Search on HealthForceOntario, Indeed Canada, and LinkedIn.
- Prepare Your Application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and your CNO registration status.
- Engage Recruitment Agencies: Utilize agencies that specialize in healthcare placement, such as TravelNurse.
- Secure Your CNO License: Begin this process immediately, as it is the most critical step for both domestically and internationally educated nurses.
Conclusion
Securing a registered nurse position in Toronto is a strategic step toward a rewarding and stable career. The city’s robust healthcare system, competitive compensation, and high demand for both general and specialized nursing skills make it an ideal destination for domestic and international nurses.
By methodically meeting the licensing requirements, tailoring your application, and leveraging specialized job portals, you can successfully integrate into Toronto’s vibrant medical community. This is more than a job it’s a chance to build a meaningful life in one of Canada’s most exciting cities while doing what you do best: caring for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a registered nurse in Toronto?
Salaries vary by experience and specialty. Entry-level nurses can expect CAD 60,000 – CAD 75,000, while experienced or specialized nurses (e.g., in critical care or oncology) can earn CAD 80,000 – CAD 95,000 or more.
Is there really a high demand for nurses in Toronto?
Yes. The demand is driven by an aging population, the expansion of healthcare facilities, and a nationwide shortage of skilled nurses, particularly in specialized field






