Registration Pathway for International Nurses

Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) seeking to practice in Canada must follow specific registration pathways. The process varies based on the nurse’s country of education, the registration class, and the province or territory of intended practice. This guide outlines the available pathways and key steps involved.

Pathway 1: NNAS Required (Traditional pathway)

Who Needs to Apply through NNAS?

Most IENs from countries that do not have Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with Canada must apply through the NNAS. This process evaluates the nurse’s education, work experience, and licensure to ensure they meet Canadian standards.

Countries that typically require NNAS include:

  • India

  • Philippines

  • Pakistan

  • Nigeria

  • Several European and African countries

Steps for NNAS Application

  1. Create an NNAS Account:
    Register on the NNAS portal and fill out your personal, educational, and professional information.
  2. Submit Required Documents:
    Your nursing school must send transcripts and other documents directly to NNAS. Additionally, proof of identity must be submitted by the applicant, while licensure verification is sent directly by the issuing institution.
  3. Pay NNAS Fees:
    The evaluation costs $845 CAD or $650 USD. Choose between regular or expedited service for credential evaluation.
  4. Receive the NNAS Advisory Report:
    This report compares your credentials to Canadian standards and is sent to your chosen provincial regulatory body.
For a full breakdown of NNAS , Click Here

Pathway 2: NNAS Not Required (Direct Application)

Who is Exempt from NNAS?

IENs from designated countries may apply through Inspire Global Assessments (IGA), NNAS, or directly to the regulator, depending on the province and registration class. Not all provinces have designated/select countries.

Examples of Designated Countries:

  • United States

  • United Kingdom

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

Steps for Direct Application:

1. Apply to the Provincial Regulatory Body

In some provinces, such as British Columbia, nurses must apply through Inspire Global Assessments (IGA) for credential assessment before proceeding to their respective provincial regulatory body (e.g., British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives – BCCNM). Requirements vary by province, so applicants should check with their specific regulator.

2. Submit Required Documents

  • Educational Transcripts: Sent directly by the nursing school.
  • Proof of Licensure: Verification from the home country’s nursing regulatory authority.
  • Work Experience (if required): Employers submit verification forms directly.
  • Language Proficiency: Test results sent from the testing organization.

    3. Language Proficiency Requirements

    • Accepted tests: IELTS Academic (7.0 overall), CELBAN, OET, or Pearson (PTE) Academic.

    • Other options: English-language nursing education, past registration in an English-speaking jurisdiction, or employer verification.

    4. Pass Licensing Exams:

    • Registered Nurses (RNs): NCLEX-RN (Nova Scotia and Ontario use NGN NCLEX as of April 2023).

    • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): CPNRE.

    • Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Canadian Nurse Practitioner Examination (CNPE) or OSCE for some specializations.

    Note: Expedited Pathway (Currently Paused in Nova Scotia)

    Nova Scotia previously offered an Expedited Registration Pathway for IENs from designated countries. However, as of January 20, 2025, this program is under review.

    Provincial Regulatory Bodies for Direct Applications

    IENs must apply through their province or territory’s regulatory body. Here’s a complete list:

    Licensing Outcomes for IENs

    • Nursing Re-Entry Program: Required for some IENs who do not meet practice currency requirements.
    • Additional Competency Assessments: In some cases, Inspire Global Assessments (IGA) or other province-specific evaluations may be required to determine eligibility for licensure.
    • Competency-Based Assessment (CBA): Evaluates skills and knowledge through structured assessments.
    • Bridging Program: For IENs with educational gaps, bridging courses help meet Canadian standards.

     

    Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)

    What Are MRAs? Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) exist between Canada and certain countries, streamlining the process for internationally educated nurses (IENs) applying to practice in Canada. These agreements recognize the equivalency of nursing education, clinical training, and licensure exams between participating countries.

    Benefits of MRAs

    1. Streamlined Application Process:
      Nurses from MRA countries can apply directly to their provincial regulatory bodies without going through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). This significantly reduces the processing time and avoids redundant evaluations.
    2. Recognition of Credentials and Exams:
      Countries with MRAs have educational and professional standards equivalent to Canada’s. For instance, nurses who have passed the NCLEX-RN in the U.S. can have their exam results recognized by Canadian provinces, eliminating the need to retake it.

    Provincial Specifics

    Each province may have additional requirements. Even MRA applicants may need to meet continuing education standards, language proficiency, or additional documentation requirements. Always check with the specific regulatory body for full details.

    Financial Assistance for IENs

    Scholarships, bursaries, and low-interest loans are available to assist IENs with licensing costs. Programs vary by province, including:

    Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) Scholarships: Supports credential assessments, tuition, and exam preparation. More information can be found on the ONA website.

    Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program (British Columbia): Helps cover assessment and professional development costs through Health Match BC. You can learn more from the BC Nurses‘ Union

    Bursary for Internationally Educated Nurses (Alberta): Offers up to $30,000 for bridging programs (must commit to working in rural Alberta). More details are available through Alberta Student Aid.

    Windmill Microlending – Provides low-interest loans for credentialing costs. Visit the National Newcomer Navigation Network for more information.

    Nova Scotia-Specific Considerations

    • Expedited pathway is paused.

    • Licensing exams: Nova Scotia and Ontario now use NGN NCLEX (since April 2023).

    • Conditional License: IENs who do not meet practice currency requirements are ineligible for conditional licensure.

    • Competency Assessment Gaps: Can be addressed through IGA or bridging education.

    • English Language Proficiency (ELP) Options: Includes alternative proofs such as employer assessments, education in English-speaking countries, or past licensure in an English-speaking jurisdiction.

    Requirements for registration may vary, select your province or territory from the map for details: