By Medical Solutions

February 12, 2025

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U.S. Opportunities for Canadian Travel Nurses: A Quick Guide

Medical Solutions provided this article.

Hello, Canadian travel nurses! Curious about boosting your career and exploring new places? U.S. travel nursing offers a fantastic pathway for both professional and personal growth. It’s not just a job change; it’s a lifestyle change that introduces you to varied cultures, technologies, and healthcare settings. If you’re considering stepping into the exciting world of U.S. travel nursing, here’s a comprehensive guide on why it’s worth the leap.

U.S. Opportunities for Canadian Travel Nurses: A Quick Guide

Why Opt for U.S. Travel Nursing?

canadian travel nurses

Picture this: gaining the opportunity to earn more than you currently do in Canada, with added benefits like housing stipends and bonuses. Plus, travel nursing in the states offers more than just financial perks; working across the U.S., you’ll encounter advanced medical technology while serving a wide range of communities with varying patient needs, enriching your experience and expanding your skills. So, if you’re seeking a dynamic way to enhance your career while enjoying a flexible work-life balance, U.S. travel nursing might just be what you need. Ready to explore more and see where your nursing skills can take you? Let’s make it happen!

Licensing and Credentialing for Canadian Travel Nurses in the U.S.

To start your journey as a travel nurse in the U.S., there are a few key licensing and credentialing steps you’ll need to follow. First, you’ll verify your educational qualifications and ensure your language skills meet U.S. standards. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is crucial in this process, as they provide a VisaScreen certification that you’ll need for your U.S. nursing license.

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is an essential step, whether you’ve previously taken it in Canada or not. Each state in the U.S. has its own Board of Nursing, so you’ll need to apply for licensure specifically in the state where you plan to work. Keep in mind, some states may require a Social Security Number before you start working, which you can secure once you’re in the U.S.

Securing a TN Visa and Social Security Number

For legal employment in the U.S., Canadian travel nurses need a TN Visa under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This visa allows you to work for up to three years with the option to renew, providing long-term employment possibilities. You’ll apply for your TN Visa after receiving a job offer and your VisaScreen certificate. Following this, you can obtain a Social Security Number at a local office in the state you’ll be working in.

Top U.S. Cities for Canadian Travel Nurses in 2025

Choosing the right U.S. city can significantly impact both your career growth and your personal experiences. Here’s a look at some traveler-favorite U.S. destinations renowned for their vibrant cultures, excellent healthcare facilities, and superb travel nursing opportunities, making them standout choices for Canadian travel nurses in 2025:

  • Austin, Texas: Has a vibrant music scene and excellent healthcare jobs.
  • Boise, Idaho: Affordable living and a booming healthcare market.
  • Boston, Massachusetts: Known for its rich history with top healthcare facilities.
  • Chicago, Illinois: Features world-class medical centers in a cultural hub.
  • Denver, Colorado: Great for outdoor enthusiasts and healthcare professionals.
  • Hartford, Connecticut: New England charm with solid healthcare opportunities.
  • New York City, New York: Iconic, bustling, and rich in medical innovation.
  • Portland, Oregon: Known for its quirky culture and strong healthcare sector.
  • Rochester, Minnesota: Renowned for the Mayo Clinic and medical excellence.
  • Seattle, Washington: Has stunning scenery and leading healthcare facilities.

Find the Right Agency Fit

Embarking on a travel nursing journey from Canada to the U.S. isn’t just about advancing your career—it’s also an opportunity to experience life in new and exciting ways. With the right planning and a bit of guidance, you can smoothly manage the licensure requirements and find a U.S. city that’s a perfect match for both your professional aspirations and personal lifestyle.

If you’re ready to embark on this adventure, connect with a reputable, dedicated agency, such as Medical Solutions. The right recruiter can simplify the process by guiding you every step of the way.

Start your U.S. travel nursing journey today—apply with Medical Solutions and see where your nursing skills can take you!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

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By Laura Zurczak

April 10, 2022

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Canadian Travel Nurse Working in the U.S.

So, you think we’re just neighbors, eh? 

I, myself, a Canadian travel nurse RN, BSN with over five years of nursing experience, started as a traveling RN well over two years ago (time flies when you’re having the time of your life!). It was the biggest decision I have made to date. Even though I am ‘just’ a country over, it’s far more complicated than I anticipated. I am considered an Alien here. I’m not even kidding. I have a travel nurse work visa that requires renewal every couple of years. That’s the easy part of it all even if it means renewing it at a Canadian-USA international border.

Personal Canadian Car

I have traveled cross country multiple times with my Canadian-insured car and plate. Now, this is where it gets tricky. The car can only be out of the country for a few months at a time for my insurance company anyways. This had never been a problem because I often drove to my home county between assignments to unload and reload based on the state and weather. But I’m loving the West Coast way too much (isn’t the West Coast the best coast?) and have no immediate intentions of driving cross country any time soon. So, the question is, do I ship my car home just so that it’s back in the country for insurance purposes, then ship it back over, or simply sell it to make my life a whole lot easier and use public transit? I’m still trying to make the decision. 

State Licenses

Secondly, believe it or not, I have to go through vigorous paperwork for all of my single-state nursing licenses. No compact licenses for me. Not only do I have to submit my university transcripts, but I also have to pay a couple of hundred dollars (that doesn’t get reimbursed) and get my Canadian nursing degree verified through the CGFNS. This can take several weeks, even months. 

Now for the Fun Stuff

canadian travel nurse

I get asked all the time what the main differences are in working as a travel nurse in the US in comparison to Canada. When a co-worker hears that I’m from Canada, I immediately get responses like, “Oh, I have cousins that live in Vancouver. Would you know them?” or “I’ve visited the city of Ontario but not the province of Toronto.” I mean, I get it. Not all Americans are educated in Canadian geography. I myself wasn’t familiar with the locations of states until I started driving cross country. I had a map in my hand, anticipating the next state with the fun-looking “Welcome to…” signs.

Private Hospitals Verse Not-for-Profit, What the Heck?

Back when I first started traveling, that was the first time I had ever heard such a thing. Now, I know the differences, and I can for sure say we do not have that in the province of Ontario. Free healthcare for everyone. This brings on the next topic. Yes, healthcare is free, but keep in mind we do pay for it in sales tax, for example, and in other ways that I probably have no idea. This topic can get tricky, but I can say it’s nice knowing I can go to the ED and not be scared if I have to be admitted. Yes, hospital stays are all covered, and no bills are sent in the mail. I can only imagine the headache that causes…

Working in Canada or U.S.?

Lastly, I get asked a lot, which do you like better, working in Canada or the U.S.? I have only worked at one hospital in Ontario and seven in the US. I really do like the way the system is over here. Mainly because patients are getting treated quicker, with the huge one being that there are no long waits for specialist appointments! Patients are getting the proper care sooner rather than later.

Keep this in mind. This is in relation to my experience at one hospital in a small town in Ontario. I cannot account for other hospitals within the province, but from what I heard, it’s pretty much the same. 

Why do I do it?

Some of you may think, why on earth do I put myself through this stress and headache every three months? To me, it’s only temporary. Once that is all out of the way, it’s smooth sailing, and that is the best part. I can enjoy myself at my new location and start my new journey. I love my home country, but I also have gotten a liking to working in US hospitals. For now, the US is my home. I am still Canadian, obviously- I’ve gotten asked that question before! 

Want more information on being a Canadian travel nurse? These articles will provide more Canadian travel nurse information and views:

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