Why More Canadian Nurses Are Heading South: The Benefits of Working in the U.S.

By Vasco Lopes da Silva, EVP of International Operations, Conexus MedStaff

Are you a Canadian nurse wondering if the grass really is greener on the other side of the border? You’re not the only one. Increasingly, nurses from across Canada are exploring the opportunity to take their skills and passion for care to the U.S.

And the best part? It’s easier than you might think.

Thanks to the TN (Trade NAFTA) visa, Canadian registered nurses have a clear, direct pathway to work in the U.S., one that doesn’t involve any complicated immigration hoops or permanent commitments, unless they choose to make one. Whether you’re looking for better pay, broader experience or just a fresh start in a new place, heading south could be the move that changes everything.

Here’s why so many Canadian nurses are saying yes to U.S. opportunities.

It’s flexible, not forever

Let’s start with one of the biggest myths, that moving to the U.S. means packing up your life permanently. This is not true.

The TN visa allows Canadian RNs to work in the U.S. on a renewable basis, usually for up to three years at a time. That means you can try it out without cutting ties to home.

Want to take a two-year assignment in Texas, then head back to Ontario? You can. Need to stay close enough to visit family every few months? You can do that too.

This is your journey, and the TN visa gives you the freedom to make it fit your life.

Your paycheck? A whole lot better

Let’s talk dollars and we mean U.S. dollars. Say you’re currently earning $35/hour CAD. In the U.S., that could easily translate to $40–$50+ hour USD, depending on location and specialty. Even after taxes, the bump in take-home pay can be significant.

And with relocation support and housing assistance from Conexus MedStaff, that stronger paycheck doesn’t get swallowed up by moving costs or short-term expenses. You’ll be set up to earn more and save more.

Lower cost of living in many U.S. states

Not all U.S. cities come with sky-high living costs. In fact, many of the locations where Conexus MedStaff places TN nurses offer a significantly lower cost of living than major Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary, without sacrificing lifestyle or professional opportunity.

For example:

• Texas (e.g. Abilene) – No state income tax, strong healthcare job market, and lower housing costs
• North Carolina (e.g. Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia) – Growing hospital systems, beautiful scenery, and affordable rent
• West Virginia (e.g. Morgantown, Huntington, Weston) – Tight-knit communities, lower living costs, and access to nature
• Virginia (e.g. Winchester, Luray, Abingdon) – Family-friendly towns with access to both urban amenities and rural charm
• Iowa (e.g. Des Moines, Dubuque, Waterloo) – Great quality of life, low cost housing, and strong local healthcare networks
• New Jersey (e.g. Morristown, Summit) – Proximity to New York City with more affordable suburban living

You don’t have to sacrifice lifestyle for opportunity. With the right location, you can have both — a fulfilling U.S. nursing assignment and a better cost of living.

You don’t have to sacrifice lifestyle for opportunity. With the right location, you can have both.

New clinical challenges

Working in the U.S. means stepping into bigger hospitals, broader specialties and more advanced tech in many cases.

You might move from a smaller unit in Canada to a Magnet-designated hospital in the U.S., where there are more chances to specialize in your area of expertise, whether it’s CVICU, oncology, medical surgical or operating room.

You’ll learn new systems, work with international teams and develop your clinical confidence in ways that can fast-track your future, whether you stay long-term or bring that experience back to Canada.

We’ll support you every step of the way

Yes, moving can be daunting. But when you work with Conexus MedStaff, you’re not doing it alone.

We’re more than a recruiter; we’re a long-term partner. We help Canadian nurses like you:

• Navigate licensing, credentialing and the TN visa immigration process
• Find safe housing and make the relocation process smooth
• Get settled with cultural transition support
• Advance your career with ongoing clinical education
• Feel at home with a built-in community of international nurses

Thinking about what’s next?

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try something new, this is it.

With the TN visa, you don’t need to uproot your life forever. You just need to take the first step. Whether it’s for more experience, more freedom or more financial security, working in the U.S. can open doors you didn’t know existed.

Ready to explore the U.S. as a Canadian registered nurse?

Visit our website to learn more about our TN visa opportunities and speak to a Conexus advisor today.