Ontario is offering major financial incentives for nurses who choose to work in long-term care (LTC PROGRAM) homes, through the Jumpstart Opportunities in Nursing in Long-Term Care (JOIN LTC) program.
This initiative, now administered by Ontario Health, is designed to strengthen Ontario’s nursing workforce and improve care for residents in long-term care homes—especially in rural, remote, and Northern communities.
If you are a Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), or Nurse Practitioner (NP), this program could help you earn up to $25,000 while building stable Canadian nursing experience.
Why Ontario Is Investing in Long-Term Care Nurses
Nurses play a critical role in Ontario’s long-term care sector. With an aging population and growing care needs, the province is actively encouraging nurses to choose LTC careers by offering financial support, job stability, and long-term employment opportunities.
The JOIN LTC program supports:
- Workforce sustainability
- Improved resident care
- Recruitment in underserved communities
What Is the JOIN LTC Program?
The JOIN LTC program provides financial incentives to nurses who commit to working in a publicly funded Ontario long-term care home for two years.
✔ Available for full-time and part-time positions
✔ Extra incentives for rural, remote, and Northern Ontario
✔ Relocation bonuses for nurses moving long distances
Financial Incentives for Full-Time Nursing Positions
Nurses working full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) can receive:
- 💰 Up to $25,000 for a 24-month commitment
- 💰 Additional $10,000 for working in a rural, remote, or Northern community
- 💰 Additional $10,000 relocation incentive if you move at least 100 km
👉 Total possible incentive: up to $45,000
Financial Incentives for Part-Time Nursing Positions
Nurses working part-time (minimum 15 hours per week) are also eligible:
- 💰 Up to $12,500 for a 24-month commitment
- 💰 Additional $5,000 for rural or Northern communities
- 💰 Additional $5,000 relocation incentive
👉 Total possible incentive: up to $22,500
Who Qualifies as Rural, Remote, or Northern Ontario?
Extra incentives apply if you work in:
- Northern Ontario (North East or North West Ontario Health regions)
- Rural or remote communities with a Rurality Index for Ontario (RIO) score of 40 or higher
These areas face critical nursing shortages, and the province is prioritizing recruitment.
Payment Schedule: How and When You Get Paid
Incentives are paid in instalments, based on continued employment.
Standard Incentive Payments (Up to $25,000)
Paid over 24 months in six stages:
- After 4 months
- After 8 months
- After 12 months
- After 16 months
- After 20 months
- After 24 months
Rural & Northern Incentives
Paid in two instalments:
- After 4 months
- After 8 months
Relocation Incentives
Paid:
- At start of employment
- After 4 months
👉 Payments are made to employers, who then pay nurses.
Eligibility Requirements for Nurses
To qualify for the JOIN LTC program, you must:
- Hold active registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
- Be an RN, RPN, or NP
- Not have worked in an Ontario LTC home in the past 6 months
(Exception: nurses upgrading from RPN → RN or RN → NP) - Not have received funding from the Community Commitment Program for Nurses (CCPN)
- Start employment on or after December 1, 2025
- Commit to 2 years of employment in an eligible LTC home
- Receive JOIN LTC funding only once
Important Information for Internationally Educated Nurses
International nurses who:
- Hold CNO registration
- Have Canadian work authorization
- Are newly entering long-term care
👉 May be eligible, as long as the employer participates in JOIN LTC.
This makes JOIN LTC an excellent option for newly licensed nurses in Canada seeking stable employment and financial support.
How Nurses Can Apply for JOIN LTC
Nurses do not apply directly to Ontario Health.
Steps to Follow:
- Confirm your eligibility
- Apply to a publicly funded Ontario LTC home
- Ensure the employer is participating in JOIN LTC
- Sign a two-year employment commitment
- Employer submits documentation to Ontario Health
If you want help finding LTC jobs, you can submit an Expression of Interest Form through Ontario Health.
Information for Employers
Publicly funded Ontario long-term care licensees can apply to recruit nurses through JOIN LTC by submitting an online Employer Application.
⚠️ Employers must receive approval before offering incentives.
Why JOIN LTC Is a Smart Career Move for Nurses
✔ Stable Canadian nursing experience
✔ Strong financial support
✔ High job availability
✔ Pathway to leadership roles
✔ Ideal for PR and long-term settlement planning
For many nurses, long-term care provides consistent schedules, strong teamwork, and meaningful patient relationships.
Final Thoughts
The JOIN LTC program (2026) is one of Ontario’s most generous nursing incentive programs. Whether you are a new graduate, internationally educated nurse, or experienced professional looking for stability, this initiative offers financial security and long-term career growth.
If you are planning to work in Ontario as a nurse, long-term care is no longer just an option—it’s an opportunity.
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Jumpstart Opportunities in Nursing in Long-Term Care (JOIN LTC) | Ontario Health