How to Get Travel Nursing Jobs in Canada
So you’re thinking about becoming a travel nurse in Canada. Maybe you want better pay. or you’re craving flexibility. Maybe you just want a change of scenery without leaving the country.
Whatever your reason, they are valid.
Getting travel nurse jobs in Canada is not complicated, but it does require preparation. If you follow the right steps, you would be on your way to getting one.
Speaking of right steps, I have done the research for you so you don’t have to. In this article, I shall be offloading them one after the other.
Let me walk you through it.
Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you start applying, you need to confirm you qualify.
Education and Licensing
You must:
- Be a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse in good standing
- Hold an active license in at least one Canadian province
- Meet provincial regulatory requirements for where you want to work
Each province has its own rules and regulations. So if you have a particular province in mind, be sure to get to be a Registered Nurse or at least get licensing to qualify.
Also, ensure you play by the rules of these provinces. Getting licensed is your first ticket to serving in any province of your choice.
The process is not hard, really.
Step 2: Gain Solid Clinical Experience
Travel nursing is not entry-level nursing. Therefore, hospitals hire travel nurses because they are short-staffed and need someone who can step in quickly. That means you need strong clinical confidence.
Most agencies prefer:
- At least 1–2 years of recent experience
- Experience in high-demand specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, or OR
- Ability to work independently with minimal orientation
If you’re still early in your career, focus on building strong foundational experience first.
Step 3: Research Travel Nursing Agencies
In Canada, most travel nursing jobs are arranged through staffing agencies.
These agencies connect you with hospitals, negotiate contracts, and often help with housing or travel arrangements.
One of such agencies is us at Goodwill Staffing & Recruitment. And it matters what agencies you’re signing up with. Some of them are devoid of excellence, therefore you need to look out for legit ones.
When choosing an agency, look for:
- Transparent pay structures
- Clear contract terms
- Strong communication
- Positive reviews from other nurses
Talk to recruiters. Ask questions. Compare offers. You are not obligated to sign with the first agency you speak to. You just need to find a legit one with credibility over the years. It’s safer that way.
Step 4: Prepare a Strong Travel Nurse Resume
Your resume is usually your first point of contact. Let it do the talking even behind your back. Your resume needs to show that you are adaptable, competent, and ready to hit the ground running. Take your time to curate and update it.
Here are what you should focus on:
Highlight:
- Years of clinical experience
- Specialized skills and certifications
- Experience in high-pressure environments
- Flexibility with shifts and locations
Don’t let it speak too much. I mean wordy. But ensure the strong message of your expertise is passed.
Sometimes, recruiters run your resumes through ATS before calling you up. Don’t get disqualified by a software.
Besides the ATS, you need to impress your recruiter with your best experiences and certifications.
Step 5: Get Licensed in Your Target Province
This is one of the most important steps. I mentioned earlier that each province runs on its own rules and regulations.
Here are licensing you need to get for the following respective province:
- College of Nurses of Ontario
- British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives
- College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
The application process usually includes:
- Verification of your current license
- Proof of education
- Criminal background checks
- Fees
Start early. Licensing delays are common and can push back your contract start date.
Step 6: Apply and Interview
Once your paperwork is ready and you’ve connected with an agency, it’s time to apply for contracts.
The interview process is usually straightforward. Facilities want to know:
- Can you work independently?
- Are you comfortable with their patient population?
- How quickly can you start?
Be honest about your experience. Confidence matters, but so does transparency.
Step 7: Review the Contract Carefully
Before signing, read everything.
Pay attention to:
- Hourly rate
- Overtime rules
- Housing support
- Travel reimbursement
- Contract length
- Cancellation policies
If something is unclear, ask. You are agreeing to work under these terms for weeks or months. Make sure you’re comfortable.
Step 8: Plan Housing and Logistics
Some contracts include housing. Others provide a housing stipend.
You will need to:
- Secure short-term accommodation
- Plan transportation
- Budget for deposits and utilities
Housing can be the most stressful part if you leave it too late. Plan ahead.
Step 9: Prepare Mentally for the Transition
Travel nursing is exciting, but it’s also a lifestyle shift.
You will:
- Enter new environments frequently
- Work with new teams
- Adapt to new workflows
The more flexible and organized you are, the smoother your experience will be. A wrong environment has a way of affecting your job and even your mental health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before you jump in, watch out for these common errors:
- Applying without enough clinical experience
- Underestimating licensing timelines
- Ignoring cost of living differences
- Failing to read contracts carefully
- Accepting assignments without researching the location
Preparation is what separates a stressful assignment from a successful one.
How Long Does It Take to Land Your First Travel Job?
If you already have experience and an active license, you could land a contract within a few weeks.
If you need provincial licensing, it may take several months depending on processing times.
The key is starting early and staying organized.
Final Thoughts
Getting a travel nursing job in Canada is absolutely achievable if you approach it strategically.
When you take these steps seriously, travel nursing can open doors to better pay, new experiences, and professional growth across the country.
But not without the support healthcare staffing, and there’s where we at Goodwill Staffing and recruitment come in.
We help match you with the most travel nurse jobs in Canada. We have done this over and again many travel nurses like you trust us.
