✅ Higher Pay: Many states offer salaries 20–40% higher than provincial averages.
✅ Career Growth: Access to world-class hospitals and professional development programs.
✅ Flexibility: Choose from major cities, coastal communities, or quieter regions — whatever fits your lifestyle.
✅ Support: Visa sponsorship, relocation help, and continued career advancement through NurseMatch.

But before we begin diving in to more, let’s answer the two biggest questions Canadian nurses have before taking the leap:

1. Can Canadian nurses really work in the U.S.?

Yes — and thousands already do. Thanks to the TN Visa, qualified Canadian RNs can work legally in U.S. hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems. This visa was created specifically under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) to make cross-border professional employment seamless for nurses and other designated occupations.

2. What does it take to get started?

The process begins with three essentials:

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam (the universal U.S. nursing license exam)
Completing your VisaScreen® certification to verify your credentials and English proficiency
Securing a U.S. job offer from a hospital or healthcare employer qualified to hire TN Visa nurses

Once those steps are complete, you’ll be ready to apply for your visa, finalize state licensure, and prepare for relocation — with guidance from experts who’ve helped thousands of Canadian nurses make the move successfully.

(Photo of NurseMatch RNs in Toronto with the NurseMatch Team, excited about there U.S. Job offers!)

Let’s Take a Closer Look

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at what each of these steps actually means — and how to move through them with confidence.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or already dreaming of your first U.S. nursing role, this guide will walk you through the entire journey from start to finish — from eligibility and licensing to relocation and settling into your new home.

Step 1: Understand Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the TN Visa, you must:

Be a Canadian citizen, U.S. CItizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Canadian Permanent Residents do not qualify under this visa type).
Hold a degree in nursing from an accredited institution.
Have a valid and active nursing license from your Canadian province.
Be offered a full-time or long-term RN position in the U.S.

While one year of bedside experience isn’t always mandatory, most U.S. hospitals prefer nurses with at least 12 months of acute-care experience.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Before applying for any U.S. license, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
This ensures your qualifications meet the standards of practice for U.S. nurses.

Tips:

You can take the NCLEX in Canada at approved testing centers.
Once you’ve passed, your results can be sent directly to your chosen U.S. state board of nursing.
This exam only needs to be passed once — it’s recognized nationwide.

Step 3: Complete Your VisaScreen® Certification

The VisaScreen® Certificate (issued by CGFNS International) confirms that your nursing education and credentials meet U.S. standards. It’s required for all foreign-educated nurses seeking work authorization in the U.S.

You’ll need to submit:

Proof of your nursing education
Canadian license verification
NCLEX-RN results
English language test results (if your program was not in English)

Once issued, your VisaScreen® Certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed easily.

Step 4: Secure a Job Offer

A valid employment offer from a U.S. healthcare facility is essential for your TN Visa application.
Many hospitals partner with international nurse recruitment agencies like NurseMatch, which connects Canadian RNs directly to verified U.S. employers offering full visa and relocation support.

Most hospitals provide:

Offer letters detailing your title, pay, and employment period
Support with visa documentation
Relocation or housing assistance during your transition

Step 5: Apply for the TN Visa

Once you have your job offer and VisaScreen®, you’re ready to apply.

You can apply for your TN Visa:

At a U.S. port of entry or airport pre-clearance (most common option, often same-day approval)
Through a mail-in application (Form I-129) if you’re already in the U.S.

Documents to bring:

Canadian passport
Original job offer letter
VisaScreen® certificate
NCLEX-RN results and proof of licensure

Most approvals happen the same day — allowing you to begin your U.S. role almost immediately.

Step 6: Apply for State Licensure

Each U.S. state has its own Board of Nursing (BON) and licensure process.
After visa approval, apply to the state where your employer is located.

You’ll typically need to:

Submit your NCLEX results and credentials
Provide your VisaScreen® certificate
Complete fingerprinting or background checks
Pay state-specific application fees

You can find each state’s requirements on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.

Step 7: Relocate and Begin Your New Career

Now comes the exciting part — preparing for your move!
Many Canadian RNs choose the U.S. for its professional growth, cultural diversity, and career flexibility.

What to expect:

Healthcare differences: Electronic charting systems, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and larger patient ratios.
Lifestyle shifts: A variety of climates, lower taxes in some states, and new community opportunities.
Support: NurseMatch offers step-by-step assistance, from housing and travel logistics to ongoing placement support once you arrive.

Real Nurse Story: From Toronto to Charlottesville

“It was challenging but incredibly rewarding. NurseMatch assisted with every part of the TN visa process and helped find housing resources. I felt seen, heard, and supported every step of the way. I’m so happy I chose NurseMatch to help me!”
— NurseMatch, RN

Recap of Why So Many Canadian Nurses Choose the U.S.

NurseMatch Takeaway

Moving from Canada to the U.S. as a Registered Nurse is not only possible — it’s a clear, achievable path when guided the right way.
We specialize in helping Canadian RNs with licensing, visa processing, and relocation every step of the journey — so you can focus on building a career and life you love.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now to find your U.S. nursing match.