What is the usual order of steps for a nurse who wants to work in Canada?

The order is set by each body, not by an agency. Start with the provincial regulator you want to join, because its application list shows which assessments, exams and documents apply to you. Credential assessment services may be part of the route, so confirm with the regulator whether it needs an assessment report before you submit anything. Work through any licensing exams, such as NCLEX-RN and a jurisprudence exam, in the sequence the regulator sets. Treat any work permit or working holiday visa as a separate immigration question, not a licensing one, and check it against the immigration rules. You do not need to pay an agency to send your documents to a regulator. If an agency asks for money before you have a written offer, stop and check the warning signs first. Our Canada guides list each step with its source, so use them to build your own timeline.