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: Credential Assessment via NNAS (Nursing-Focused Route)

Who Needs to Apply through NNAS?

Most Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) from countries that do not have Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with Canada are required to undergo a credential assessment before applying to a provincial regulatory body.

As of April 1, 2025, the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and other Canadian regulators accept credential assessment reports from multiple approved organizations:

  • National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)

  • World Education Services (WES)

  • International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)

This section focuses on the NNAS process, which is often the most suitable and widely used route for applicants from non-designated countries.

Countries that typically use the NNAS route 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: Credential Assessment via WES, ICAS, or Provincial Evaluation Direct Application

Who Uses This Pathway?

In some provinces, Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) may complete credential assessment through approved providers other than NNAS, or via provincial-level assessment services. This pathway reflects the expanded options available under the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and other provincial regulators as of April 1, 2025.

Approved credential assessment providers now include:

  • National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)

  • World Education Services (WES)

  • International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)

In addition, some provinces (such as British Columbia) use specialized provincial pathways, such as Inspire Global Assessments, to evaluate qualifications before registration.

This route is most commonly available to:

  • IENs from designated countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand

  • Nurses applying to provinces that support direct evaluation options or use WES/ICAS instead of NNAS

  • Applicants with previous licensure or education in jurisdictions with comparable nursing standards

Important: All IENs must complete credential assessment through an approved provider. This pathway offers flexibility, not exemption from assessment.

Steps for Credential Assessment and Application:

1. Apply to the Provincial Regulatory Body

Depending on the province, you may be required to first undergo credential assessment through a provider like WES, ICAS, or a provincial evaluation service such as Inspire Global Assessments (used in British Columbia).
After assessment, you then proceed with an application to the provincial regulatory body (e.g., BCCNM in BC).

2. Submit Required Documents

  • Educational Transcripts: Must be sent directly by the nursing school.

  • Proof of Licensure: Sent by your home country’s nursing regulatory authority.

  • Work Experience (if required): Submitted directly by past employers.

  • Language Proficiency: Results must come from the testing organization.

3. Language Proficiency Requirements

Accepted tests may include:

  • IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall

  • CELBAN

  • OET

  • PTE Academic

Other accepted proofs may include:

  • Completion of nursing education in English

  • Past licensure in an English-speaking jurisdiction

  • Employer verification of English-language proficiency

4. Pass Licensing Exams:

  • Registered Nurses (RNs): Must pass the NCLEX-RN (Next Gen NCLEX in provinces like Ontario and Nova Scotia).

  • Licensed/Registered Practical Nurses (LPNs/RPNs): Must pass the REx-PN in Ontario and British Columbia; other provinces may still use the CPNRE.

  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Must pass the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Examination (CNPE) or an OSCE, depending on the specialization and province.

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: