First Stop Guide for Internationally Educated Nurses in Canada

Steps to Licensure

**Click on each step to view detailed information.**

Find the nursing licence that fits your background: RN, LPN (RPN in Ontario), Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), or NP.

Find your regulator and confirm your pathway (NNAS, Ontario ECA, or another provincial/territorial route).

Start document verification so your education and registration can be assessed (route depends on where you apply).

Show proof of English or French proficiency using the tests or documents your regulator accepts.

Submit your official application, pay fees, and follow your regulator’s checklist until your file is marked complete.

Complete jurisprudence and submit your criminal record check.

If gaps are found, complete an assessment or bridging.

Write your exam and complete final licensing steps.