Nurses Registration Process in Ontario

For all Internationally Educated Nurses, the first step to register with the CNO is through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). NNAS is responsible for evaluating your nursing education, qualifications, and experience to ensure they meet Canadian standards.

1. Create an Online Accountkc

• Go to the NNAS website: www.nnas.ca and create an account by filling in your personal details and choosing Ontario as your intended province for practice.

2. Pay Fees and Submit Documents

• The standard fee for NNAS is approximately $845 CAD (check the fees).                                                                                                                   Required documents include:
  • Nursing transcripts: Must be sent directly by your educational institution.
  • Verification of registration/licensure: From your home country’s regulatory authority.
  • Employment verification forms: Submitted by previous employers.
  • Proof of identity: Notarized copies of passport or ID.
    All documents must be submitted by the issuing authority—NNAS does not accept applicant-submitted documents.

3. Application Timeline

• It takes approximately 12 weeks for NNAS to process your application once all documents are received.

After reviewing your documents, NNAS issues an Advisory Report that compares your nursing education, work experience, and qualifications to Canadian standards. This report is then sent directly to the CNO.

• Educational Assessment: Compares your nursing curriculum against Canadian standards, including clinical hours and theoretical knowledge.
• Work Experience Evaluation: Evaluates your previous roles and nursing practice.
• Language Proficiency: Assesses your English or French proficiency.

After receiving your NNAS Advisory Report, the next step is to apply to the CNO.

1. Create an Account on the CNO Portal

• Go to the CNO website: Visit CNO and create an account to start your application process.

2. Application Fee

• Pay the required application fee, which is typically $339 CAD. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable.

3. Submit Required Documents

• Submit any additional documentation requested by the CNO. This could include:
  • Additional Verification of Good Standing: If requested, you may need to provide confirmation from your previous licensing body that you were in good standing with no active disciplinary actions.
  • Language Proficiency Tests: If not already submitted to NNAS, provide proof of language proficiency via IELTS Academic (minimum score of 6.5 with no individual score lower than 7.0) or CELBAN for nurses.

After applying to CNO, you will receive a letter with specific instructions on the next steps. These steps may include:

1. Competency Assessments

• If there are identified gaps in your education or experience, the CNO may require you to complete a Competency-Based Assessment (CBA). This evaluation typically includes both written and practical components to test your nursing skills, clinical judgment, and decision-making.

2. Additional Education

• If your nursing education is determined to be somewhat comparable, you may be required to complete a bridging program. These programs are designed to help you meet Canadian nursing education standards and typically focus on gaps in clinical skills, patient safety, and healthcare systems.

3. Exams

• You will be required to complete either the:
  • NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses, which is the Canadian standard for assessing clinical decision-making and patient care abilities.
  • CPNRE for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), which assesses practical nursing knowledge necessary for safe and effective nursing practice.

You must pass the relevant exam to move forward with your application.

4. Final Review and Licensing

• Once all assessments and exams are completed, the CNO will conduct a final review of your application. Upon successful completion, you will receive your nursing license to practice in Ontario.