Work in Canada
British Columbia Streamlines Nurse Credentialing to Attract More U.S. Health Workers
British Columbia has rolled out a faster and more efficient process to welcome U.S.-trained nurses into its healthcare system, slashing wait times from months to mere days. This bold move comes at a time when Canada needs more frontline professionals, and it’s already proving to be a magnet for qualified workers.
Premier David Eby announced that the province has seen a 127% jump in applications from U.S.-trained nurses since the streamlined registration process began. Previously, it could take up to four months for foreign nurses to get licensed in B.C. Now, thanks to the changes, qualified U.S. nurses can be ready to work in just days.
Why Are More U.S. Nurses Choosing British Columbia?
- Access to free and universal healthcare
- Protection of reproductive rights and science-based policies
- Opportunities to work in team-based care environments
- Faster pathways to credential recognition and job placements
The new policy simplifies the process by allowing nurses to apply directly to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, bypassing third-party assessments. The college now uses shared databases to verify education, licensing, and employment history directly with U.S. counterparts. This removes unnecessary delays while still maintaining rigorous standards.
Team BC Pushes Forward With U.S. Recruitment Drive
British Columbia’s “Team BC” approach has seen a full-scale recruitment effort in the U.S., beginning in March 2025. So far, nearly 1,200 health professionals have shown interest in relocating. This includes:
| Category | Number of Interested Professionals |
| Physicians | 573 |
| Registered Nurses | 413 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 133 |
| Allied Health Workers | 39 |
Recruiters are targeting high-need areas such as cancer care, rural clinics, and emergency departments. Health Match BC is also offering free support to candidates to ease their transition.
Expanded Healthcare Access Through Allied Health Centres
A major success story is the Victoria Primary Care Network Allied Health Centre, which reopened in April 2025 at 1025 Johnson St. The centre brings together family doctors, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals to deliver patient-focused care. Services now include mental health support, nutrition consulting, pharmacy, and Indigenous wellness care.
The government, along with Island Health and other local partners, is building more of these team-based centres across B.C. to ensure patients can get care quickly and closer to home. It’s part of a wider initiative to expand healthcare access and reduce wait times by building interdisciplinary teams.
The Future of U.S.-Trained Nurses in B.C. Healthcare
British Columbia is now leading by example in making its healthcare system more accessible to skilled workers from the United States. The fast-track registration for U.S. nurses not only eases workforce shortages but also ensures high standards of care continue to be met.
With the added appeal of progressive healthcare values and supportive work environments, B.C. is becoming a natural choice for many U.S. health professionals looking to make a move. As interest continues to grow, the province is poised to build a stronger, faster, and more inclusive public health system. In conclusion, the new system for U.S. nurse credentialing is a turning point in strengthening public healthcare in the province. British Columbia is sending a clear message: skilled professionals are welcome, and help is arriving faster than ever before. The streamlined process for U.S. nurses is a game-changer in addressing B.C.’s healthcare challenges.
