Registration Pathway for International Nurses
Internationally educated nurses (IENs) looking to practice in Canada must navigate specific registration pathways. While many IENs are required to apply through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), nurses from certain countries with comparable nursing standards may be exempt from this requirement. This guide explains the detailed steps for both paths.
Pathway 1: NNAS Required
Who Needs to Apply through NNAS?
Most IENs from countries that do not have Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with Canada will need to 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, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, and several European and African countries.
Steps for NNAS Application
- Create an NNAS Account:
Register on the NNAS portal and fill out your personal, educational, and professional information. - 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. - Pay NNAS Fees:
The evaluation costs $845 CAD or $650 USD. Choose between regular or expedited service for credential evaluation. - Receive the NNAS Advisory Report:
This report compares your credentials to Canadian standards and is sent to your chosen provincial regulatory body.
Pathway 2: NNAS Not Required (Direct Application)
Who is Exempt from NNAS?
Nurses from countries with Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) or comparable nursing education systems, such as:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
Steps for Direct Application:
1. Apply to the Provincial Regulatory Body
IENs from exempt countries (e.g., the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand) should apply directly to their chosen provincial regulatory body. In British Columbia, nurses must first apply through Inspire Global Assessments (IGA) to assess their credentials and English language proficiency before submitting an application to the BCCNM.
For nurses from these exempt countries applying in British Columbia: They may not need to complete a competency assessment but must still submit all required documents, including proof of language proficiency through Inspire Global Assessments
2. Submit Required Documents
Educational Transcripts
Your nursing school must send official transcripts directly to the provincial regulatory body. These transcripts should include details of your clinical hours and the theoretical content covered during your studies.
Example (Ontario):
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) requires transcripts that demonstrate education in areas such as critical care, pharmacology, and patient safety to meet Canadian standards.
Proof of Licensure
A Verification of Registration from your home country’s nursing regulatory authority is required to confirm your current standing as a licensed nurse. This document must detail your registration history.
Example (U.S.):
Nurses from the U.S. can request verification from their State Nursing Board, while nurses from the U.K. should obtain it from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Work Experience
Some provinces, like British Columbia, require proof of recent work experience in nursing. Employment verification forms, signed by your previous employers, must confirm your roles, responsibilities, and areas of expertise. Documentation may include time spent in critical care, primary care, or other specialized roles.
Note:
Employers must send these forms directly to the provincial regulatory body, ensuring all required details are captured.
Language Proficiency
Even for nurses from English-speaking countries, some provinces may require proof of language proficiency, typically demonstrated through:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 7.0
- CELBAN: For nurses from non-English-speaking countries
How to Submit Documents
- Transcripts: Nursing schools send transcripts directly to the regulatory body.
- Proof of Licensure: Contact your home country’s regulatory authority to send the verification directly.
- Work Experience: Employers submit verification forms directly to the regulatory body.
- Language Proficiency: Test results (IELTS or CELBAN) must be sent from the testing organization.
3. Language Proficiency Requirements
Nurses from non-English-speaking countries must provide proof of language proficiency. For most provinces, the IELTS Academic is required, with an overall score of 7.0 (Ontario, BC, and others). Alternatively, work experience in an English-speaking country, participation in the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP), or bridging programs may fulfill this requirement
4. Pass Licensing Exams:
Depending on your nursing role, you may need to pass the NCLEX-RN or CPNRE (for LPNs). For NPs, the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Examination (CNPE) is required, and in some cases, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is needed for Adult and Pediatric streams (BCCNM).
Provincial Regulatory Bodies for Direct Applications
IENs must apply through their province or territory’s regulatory body. Here’s a complete list:
- Ontario: College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- British Columbia: British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
- Alberta: College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)
- Saskatchewan: College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS)
- Manitoba: College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM)
- New Brunswick: Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB)
- Newfoundland and Labrador: College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL)
- Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN)
- Prince Edward Island: College of Registered Nurses of Prince Edward Island (CRNPEI)
- Quebec: Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
- Yukon: Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA)
- Northwest Territories & Nunavut: Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (RNANT/NU)
Special Considerations for U.S. Nurses
1. Licensure Verification
U.S.-licensed nurses must provide proof of licensure through their State Nursing Board. This document confirms that the nurse is in good standing and ensures that no disciplinary actions have been taken against them. The verification process is typically managed by the Nursys system, which allows for electronic license verification in participating states. If your state does not participate in Nursys, the verification must be requested directly from the state’s nursing board
2. NCLEX-RN
If you have already passed the NCLEX-RN in the U.S., most Canadian provinces will accept this as proof of meeting the licensure exam requirement, eliminating the need to retake it. However, requirements can vary by province, and some provinces may require additional assessments depending on specific provincial regulations
3. Reciprocity
While reciprocity agreements do not exist in the same way they do between U.S. states, Canada recognizes the NCLEX-RN and U.S. nursing education standards. Some provinces may streamline the application process for U.S. nurses based on the similarity of training and exam requirements. However, certain provinces may still require a competency assessment to ensure that nurses meet Canadian standards. This assessment may depend on the province’s specific regulations
Mutual Recognition Agreements (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
- 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. - 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.
Direct Application Process
- Direct Application to the Provincial Regulatory Body:
Nurses from MRA countries should apply directly to their province’s regulatory body, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Required documents include:- Educational Transcripts: Sent directly from your educational institution.
- Proof of Licensure: Verification from your country’s regulatory body.
- Proof of Good Standing: Confirming that no active disciplinary actions exist.
- Language Proficiency Requirements:
Depending on the province, some applicants may still need to demonstrate language proficiency through tests like IELTS Academic or CELBAN, especially if they were not educated in English or French. Provincial Specifics:
Each province may have additional requirements. For example, even MRA applicants might need to meet certain continuing education standards or submit additional documentation. Always check with the specific regulatory body for full details.
3. Provincial Specifics:
Each province may have additional requirements. For example, even MRA applicants might need to meet certain continuing education standards or submit additional documentation. Always check with the specific regulatory body for full details.
Financial Assistance for IENs
Several financial aid programs are available to help IENs cover the costs of credential evaluation, language tests, and licensing exams. Here are some key programs across different provinces:
Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) Scholarships:
Provides financial support to nurses pursuing further education or completing credential assessments. These scholarships help with tuition fees, exam preparation, and additional training costs. More information can be found on the ONA website.
Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program (British Columbia):
Offered through Health Match BC, this bursary helps cover costs such as credential assessments, language tests, and professional development fees for IENs applying for registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Bursaries can also offset costs related to upgrading educational qualifications. You can learn more from the BC Nurses‘ Union
Bursary for Internationally Educated Nurses (Alberta):
This program provides up to $30,000 in support over five years for IENs enrolled in bridging programs. The bursary covers tuition, assessments, licensing fees, and living expenses. In exchange, recipients must work in rural Alberta for a specified time after completing their training. More details are available through Alberta Student Aid.
Provincial Bursaries and Other Support:
Programs like Windmill Microlending provide low-interest loans to help IENs cover credentialing costs. Provincial bursaries across Canada, such as in Manitoba, assist with exam fees and training upgrades. Visit the National Newcomer Navigation Network for more information.