• Can I receive reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs to visit an eligible community in Ontario to assess practice opportunities?
• Which communities can I travel to?
• How many trips can I be reimbursed for through the Community Assessment Visit Program for Nurses?
• Which expenses are covered under this program?
• Will my spouse’s travel expenses be covered?
• Which expenses are not covered under this program?
• How can I receive reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs through the Nursing Community Assessment Visit Program ?
• Can I use my own vehicle to travel?
• Can I use this program to assess a community that I am considering for a clinical placement?

Can I receive reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs to visit an eligible community in Ontario to assess practice opportunities?

Yes, you can receive financial assistance if you apply to an eligible community with a permanent nursing position funded by the MOHLTC. You must receive prior approval from the organization to assess practice opportunities and meet with the recruitment officials before traveling to the eligible community.

Which communities can I travel to?

Any community or facility in a community with a RIO score of 40 or greater* is eligible.  If possible, you are encouraged to visit more than one designated community during each trip, or assessment visit.

* Please note that the RIO scores are reviewed periodically and this may have implications for the administration of the program in future years.

How many trips can I be reimbursed for through the Community Assessment Visit Program for Nurses?

Funds will be provided for a return trip from the applicant’s place of residence in Ontario.  A second trip to the same area(s) will not be approved or funded.

Which expenses are covered under this program?

Travel costs from the applicant’s place of residence in Ontario.  Travel costs from one community to another for the purpose of attending meetings and touring facilities are also covered, should an applicant receive approval for visiting several communities in one trip.  Travel expenses are calculated on the least possible expensive mode of travel (economy airfare, or use of a personal vehicle or car rental). Expenses incurred for the nurse’s accommodations (single occupancy costs if the nurse travels alone or double occupancy costs if spouse accompanies) are covered.

Will my spouse’s travel expenses be covered?

Yes, this program will cover travel costs for a spouse.

Which expenses are not covered under this program?

Travel to Ontario from other provinces or countries, meals, personal long distance telephone calls, relocation costs and expenses for children are not covered.

How can I receive reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs through the Nursing Community Assessment Visit Program ?

1. Contact the UAP to find out if a community is eligible, i.e. has a Rurality Index of Ontario (RIO) score of 40 or greater.
2. Contact organizations/community contacts and set up meetings and interviews.
3. Employer must receive written approval from UAP before you can travel.
4. For reimbursement, original receipts must be provided to the organization.  Copies of credit card vouchers are not acceptable receipts.  Airfare is based on economy class.  The receipt is the last page(s) of the airline ticket or a copy of the e-ticket.
5. The organization will reimburse the nurse directly.
6. Claims for reimbursement from organizations must be received by UAP within 90 days of completing the trip.  Claims received after 90 days will not be paid.

Can I use my own vehicle to travel?

If approved, the use of a personal vehicle within Ontario is allowed.  Only travel costs within Ontario are covered.  The kilometre rate for use of a personal vehicle is 41¢/km.

Can I use this program to assess a community that I am considering for a clinical placement?

No. The Nursing Community Assessment Visit Program is for nursing professionals and nursing students in the last year of their program who are considering permanent relocations to eligible communities in Ontario, and is not meant to be used for the purpose of assessing a clinical placement.