Travel Nursing from Canada to the U.S.: What You Need to Know

If you’re a Canadian nurse considering a new adventure in your career, travel nursing in the United States offers exciting opportunities and experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the chance to explore new locations or financial perks, travel nursing from Canada to the U.S.  requires careful planning. At Medical Solutions our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way on your journey, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in your new role!

Steps & Requirements for Travel Nursing from Canada to the U.S.

Becoming a travel nurse in the U.S. from Canada is more than just accepting a job offer and packing your bags. There are a few steps and requirements you must complete before hitting the road.

Verify Credentials through CGFNS

Before you can start travel nursing from Canada to the U.S., you’ll first need to complete a VisaScreen through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to verify all your credentials. This process takes around 3 to 6 months to complete and ensures your education and experience meet U.S. standards and requirements.

Pass the N-CLEX Exam

To work in the U.S., you’ll also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is required for licensure in the United States. If you’ve already taken the NCLEX-RN in Canada, this step may be complete, but you’ll need to verify that your results are accepted by the state board of nursing where you plan to take a travel nurse job.

Get a State-Specific License

Just like you need different licenses in Canada, you need to obtain a nursing license for every state you take an assignment. In the U.S., each state has its own nursing board and licensure requirements that you’ll need to complete. You might notice some states participate in a Nurse License Compact—unfortunately, Canadian nurses are not eligible for a multistate license as your primary residence needs to be in one of the compact states.

Find the Right Travel Nursing Job

Once you’ve decided what state you’d like to work in, your next step is to work with a recruiter to find the best travel nursing job for you. As a first-time travel nurse in the U.S., you’ll want to make sure you work with a travel nurse agency that you can trust. When looking for an agency, you’ll want to look at their accreditation, job opportunities, communication style, and whether their support teams will have your back like recruiters at Medical Solutions will. It’s your career, and you should work with an agency that will help you reach your professional and personal goals.

Get a Passport & Receive Your TN Visa

To work legally in the U.S. as a Canadian nurse, you’ll need to get a valid passport and appropriate visa. Many travel nurses from Canada apply for a TN visa, which allows people from Canada or Mexico to work in the United States. Once you’ve accepted a job offer, there are three different ways you can receive your TN visa: through the travel nurse agency, by mail-in/online, or at the border. The great thing is that your visa is renewable and valid for up to three years with employment.

Obtain a Social Security Card

While some states don’t require an SSN before your assignment, Canadian travel nurses will need to obtain one as soon as possible upon entering the U.S. You’re able to enter the U.S. 10 days prior to the start date of your assignment, so work with your recruiter to make sure you have all the documentation you need to apply. Once you have your SSN, you can get licensure in other states and have even more opportunities to choose from!

Benefits of Travel Nursing in the U.S.

Being a Canadian travel nurse in the U.S. opens up a whole new world of opportunities, offering you perks and opportunities you might not experience as a staff nurse.

Competitive Pay

Travel nurses in the U.S. often earn higher salaries compared to staff nurses due to the high demand for their skills and flexibility of filling staffing gaps on short notice.

Flexibility & Freedom

One of the greatest benefits of travel nursing is having the flexibility to choose where and when you want to work. Whether you prefer the sunny beaches of California, the hustle and bustle of New York, or scenic mountain views in Montana, there’s a destination for you to plant temporary roots.

Diverse Clinical Experience

Travel nursing allows you to work in a variety of healthcare settings, from trauma centers in bustling cities to rural community hospitals. This diversity can enhance your professional skills and make you more versatile in your nursing career.

Comprehensive Benefits

Not only does travel nursing offer you great pay and the ability to cross off some locations on your bucket list, but it also offers additional perks, such as medical insurance, free housing, travel reimbursements, and stipends for food and transportation—especially when you work with an agency like Medical Solutions. These benefits can significantly reduce your cost of living, allowing you to save more of your earnings.

Job Stability

With the nursing shortage in the U.S., travel nurses are in high demand. This means job security and many opportunities for new assignments or contract extensions.

Ready to Work with the Best Travel Nurse Agency?

At Medical Solutions, our priority is making sure your experience travel nursing from Canada to the U.S. is seamless and stress-free. Our recruiters and support teams are the best in the industry and will be your co-pilot through every step of your journey, whether it’s navigating visa applications or finding exclusive assignments at top healthcare facilities in the U.S. We ensure your travel nursing experience is nothing short of amazing—it’s why Canadian travel nurses love being a part of Medical Solutions! Connect with us today to start your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the NCLEX to work as a travel nurse in the U.S.?

Yes, Canadian nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain U.S. nursing licensure.

Do I need a social security number (SSN) to work as a travel nurse in the U.S.?

Yes, an SSN is required for employment in the U.S., which you can obtain after securing a work visa.

How long does it take to get a U.S. nursing license as a Canadian?

It can take 6-12 weeks or longer, depending on the state and application process.

Do I need additional certifications to work in the U.S.?

Depending on the specialty, certifications like ACLS, BLS, or PALS may be required, but it’s best to connect with your recruiter to understand which certifications are needed.

Is pay different for Canadian nurses working in the U.S.?

Pay is competitive and often higher than in Canada, with additional perks like housing stipends.

What should I know about housing as a travel nurse in the U.S.?

If you work with an agency like Medical Solutions, you will receive free housing or a stipend to cover housing that you choose on your own.