Nurse Your Way South: How Canadian RNs Are Living the Good Life in the U.S.

Beaches in winter, mountains in spring - work where you want, live how you love.

Trade Snow for Sun - and Earn More While You’re At It

You're a skilled nurse. You work long shifts, care for people with heart and hustle, and you’ve earned every ounce of your clinical experience. But what if the same job - the same nursing license - could take you to the sandy shores of Florida this winter? Or the green hills of Northern California in the spring?

Thousands of Canadian nurses are discovering a new kind of freedom: living and working in the United States as travel nurses. The job stays the same - patients, care, healing - but the lifestyle is completely different. You choose the setting. You control the pace. You take your career on the road.

What’s So Great About Travel Nursing in the U.S.?

Let’s start with the obvious:

• Sunshine in January Want to walk your dog in the sun after work instead of scraping ice off your windshield in the dark? U.S. travel assignments let you pick locations based on weather, vibe, or even a bucket-list city.

• Higher Pay The average Canadian RN earns around $75,000-$90,000 CAD annually. In contrast, U.S. travel nurses are commonly offered $2,500-$3,500 USD per week, which can total over $130,000 USD per year. In crisis regions or high-demand roles, that can exceed $10,000/month. Housing stipends and tax advantages often make take-home pay even better.

• Adventure + Flexibility Assignments typically last 8-13 weeks. That means you can work hard for a few months, then take a break in the Rockies or fly home to visit family, no questions asked. Some nurses work two contracts, then take the summer off.

• Your Career, Elevated U.S. hospitals vary from world-class urban trauma centers to boutique rural facilities. You can gain rare experience, build a diverse resume, and return to Canada years later with unmatched credentials.

• Autonomy and Empowerment You’ll have recruiters vying to place you. You can negotiate rates, pick facilities, and choose your terms. It’s a kind of career independence many nurses never imagine possible.

Who Is This For?

This path is perfect for:

• Nurses who want more variety in their work settings.

• Adventurous souls ready for new cities and new climates.

• Women who want to feel empowered, mobile, and in control of their careers.

• RNs seeking higher income without the long-term commitment of permanent relocation.

Whether you're single, partnered, traveling solo, or with a friend - you write the rules.

What You’ll Need to Qualify

Here’s what you’ll need to start working legally as a Canadian nurse in the U.S.:

1. An Active Canadian RN License Your professional foundation. Most U.S. hospitals accept it, pending certification steps.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN This U.S. licensing exam is required. You can take it in Canada or the U.S.

3. VisaScreen Certificate This verifies your education and credentials for U.S. immigration and licensing purposes.

4. TN Visa (Under USMCA) Thanks to the USMCA (formerly NAFTA), Canadian RNs can get a TN visa in as little as a few days. It’s fast, renewable, and doesn't require a green card or sponsorship.

5. A U.S. Nursing License (Endorsement) Once you pass the NCLEX, you’ll apply for licensing in the U.S. state where you want to work.

6. A Travel Nurse Agency or Direct Facility Offer Many staffing agencies specialize in Canadian-to-U.S. placements. They often help with paperwork, licensing, and logistics.

Lifestyle Snapshots: Where Will You Go First?

• Scottsdale, Arizona: Soak up desert sunsets and luxury hiking trails between shifts.

• Honolulu, Hawaii: Work your contract while sipping coconut water under a palm tree.

• Austin, Texas: Live in a city bursting with culture, food, and music.

• Denver, Colorado: Ski in the winter, hike in the summer - all on your days off.

• New York City: Join a world-class hospital system and live at the heart of the action.

What About the “Scary” Parts?

You’re crossing a border, but not into the unknown. Most agencies offer housing stipends, insurance, and travel support. You won’t be alone. There’s a thriving community of Canadian nurses already living this life - and many are eager to help newcomers make the leap.

And if you’re worried about security or family back home? Remember: travel nursing doesn’t mean “forever.” It’s a lifestyle option, not a permanent move - unless you want it to be.

Nurses Who’ve Made the Move Say This:

“I’ve never felt more in control of my life.” - Tina M., RN from Ontario, now working in San Diego

“I worked in Maui for 12 weeks, then Florida for another. I’m doing what I love - and seeing the world.” -Amara R., RN from Alberta

Your License Can Take You Places. Are You Ready?

Being a nurse is already a superpower. But when you realize it can also fund your freedom, feed your wanderlust, and multiply your income - it starts to feel like a secret weapon.

So the question is simple: What are you waiting for?

Let Us Help You Cross the Border With Confidence

Whether you're just curious or ready to pack your bags, our team at USAVISA.ca specializes in helping Canadian nurses secure TN visas quickly and stress-free. We’ll guide you through the process, help you gather the right documents, and make sure your application meets all U.S. requirements.

Not sure where to start?We offer a free consultation to assess your eligibility and walk you through your options.

Contact us today and let's turn your nursing license into your next big adventure.