Immigration Consultants..
Canada’s healthcare system is in critical need of skilled professionals—and the government has stepped up with new initiatives to attract and support qualified individuals. One such initiative is the PASS (Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services) program for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). This federally funded program offers comprehensive support to help nurses trained outside Canada transition into the Canadian workforce with confidence.
As a leading immigration consultant in British Columbia, White Swan Immigration Consultant, based in Richmond, BC, provides expert guidance for internationally educated nurses who want to start their Canadian journey the right way.
Canada’s aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services have left provinces struggling to fill nursing positions. British Columbia, in particular, has introduced incentives and fast-tracked licensing opportunities to address the shortages.
With the PASS program, eligible internationally educated nurses now have a government-supported roadmap for success.
PASS stands for Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services, a federally funded initiative run by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses.
It includes:
Pre-Arrival Services – For nurses located outside Canada who already hold their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Post-Arrival Services – For newly arrived permanent residents already in Canada.
Both programs are completely free and offer hands-on support to help nurses obtain licensure, improve communication skills, and connect with job opportunities.
To qualify, you must:
Have completed a recognized nursing education program in your home country (with a diploma, certificate, or degree).
Have received confirmation of permanent residence from IRCC.
If you meet these conditions, you can begin accessing the full range of support offered by the PASS program.
PASS isn’t just a generic program; it is tailored specifically for international nurses. Some of the standout offerings include:
Language barriers are often the biggest hurdle for new nurses in Canada. This course helps bridge that gap:
Verbal & non-verbal communication in cross-cultural settings
Canadian medical vocabulary and abbreviations
Documentation & reporting standards
Therapeutic communication & conflict resolution
Inter-professional practice communication
Each participant is paired with a CNA-certified mentor who:
Has 3+ years of experience in their field
Is based in your destination province
Provides practical, localized insight into licensure and clinical expectations
Covering:
Provincial registration processes
Overview of the Canadian healthcare system
Labour market trends
Alternative career paths while awaiting licensure
Every nurse gets a dedicated case manager for:
Personalized arrival and licensure timeline support
Access to provincial resources
Referrals to job readiness programs and peer groups
Visit: https://pass4nurses.org
Create an account and select Pre-Arrival or Post-Arrival
Fill out the intake form with:
Your education and training documents
Confirmation of PR or PR-related correspondence (COPR, medical letter, PR visa, etc.)
Wait for a PASS case manager to contact you
Begin your tailored support journey toward full licensure
Navigating immigration policies and healthcare regulations can be overwhelming. At White Swan Immigration Consultant, we don’t just file your paperwork—we provide end-to-end guidance to help you integrate and thrive in Canada.
Our services include:
✅ Application support for Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs
✅ Personalized support for PR confirmation and document submission
✅ Province-specific insights for British Columbia’s healthcare licensing
✅ One-on-one consultations for new immigrants navigating job opportunities
✅ Help with alternative job placements in healthcare while awaiting licensure
British Columbia (BC) is not only stunning in landscape—it’s also one of the most nurse-friendly provinces in Canada. Health authorities across BC actively recruit IENs, and many offer return-of-service agreements, bursaries, and career bridging programs.
In Richmond and the Lower Mainland:
Hospitals like Richmond General and Vancouver Coastal Health welcome IENs
There are growing opportunities in long-term care, community health, and private practice
BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) supports internationally trained applicants
Maria, a pediatric nurse from the Philippines, received her COPR in January 2024. Before moving to Canada, she registered for the PASS Pre-Arrival program. Within 6 months, she:
Completed her communication course
Connected with a nurse mentor in BC
Prepared for her NCLEX exam
Applied for a supervised nursing role in Surrey, BC
With the support of PASS and guidance from her immigration consultant in British Columbia (White Swan Immigration), she’s now well on her way to becoming a registered nurse in Canada.
Q: Do I need to pass the NCLEX before applying to PASS?
A: No. PASS helps prepare you for the exam after arrival.
Q: Can I apply to PASS while I’m still overseas?
A: Yes, as long as you’ve received your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Q: Is there a deadline to join PASS after receiving PR?
A: There’s no formal deadline, but earlier participation increases your chances of early employment and faster licensure.
Q: Do I need an immigration consultant to apply?
A: No, but partnering with White Swan Immigration Consultant ensures you meet provincial and federal compliance correctly and quickly.
Canada is welcoming skilled nurses with open arms—and the PASS program is proof. But to truly make the most of this opportunity, you need a knowledgeable partner by your side.
At White Swan Immigration Consultant, we specialize in helping internationally educated nurses successfully immigrate and integrate into British Columbia’s healthcare system. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already in Canada, our Richmond-based team is here to help.
📍 White Swan Immigration Consultant
Richmond, BC, V7A 1N8, Canada
📧 info@wsic.ca
📞 +1 778 772 7865
🌐 www.wsic.ca
