NNAS Service Interruptions page

Active Service Notice — Applicants from certain regions may be affected. Please read below.

Temporary Service Interruption for Applicants from Certain Regions

Last updated: March 10, 2026  |  This page is updated as the situation evolves.

What Has Happened

Effective March 10, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET, the United States Administration introduced new sanctions affecting certain countries and regions. One of NNAS’s third-party subprocessors is a US-based organization and is legally required to comply with these sanctions. As a result, applicants connected to the regions listed below are temporarily unable to make payments or advance their applications through that subprocessor’s platform.

The following countries and regions are currently affected:

Cuba Iran North Korea Venezuela Crimea (Ukraine) Donetsk People’s Republic Luhansk People’s Republic

This restriction applies to applicants whose residential address, educational institution, registration authority, or issuing bank is located in one of these regions. We understand this is unwelcome news for many nurses working hard toward their goal of practising in Canada.

What NNAS Is Doing

NNAS operates under Canadian law, which does not impose the same restrictions. We are actively working to ensure all eligible applicants can continue their credential assessment journey.

We have engaged CES (Comparative Education Service, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies) as an alternative assessment pathway for applicants from affected regions. CES will process both new applications and, where legally permissible, in-progress applications that can be transferred.

A waitlist queue is being established so that no applicant loses their place in the process during this transition period.

Please check with your destination Regulatory Body for alternative pathways if applicable.

Timeline and What to Expect

NOW
March 10, 2026 – Sanctions take effect Affected accounts have been suspended. NNAS is contacting affected applicants directly. New applicants from affected regions are asked to complete the waitlist registration form below while the CES pathway is finalized.
1
Within approximately 2 weeks – CES portal opens for new applicants We anticipate new applicants will be directed to a dedicated NNAS portal through CES within less than two weeks. Once open, you will be able to proceed with your application as normal. Registered applicants will be contacted directly when access is available.
2
In-progress applications – Transfer confirmation pending We are working to confirm the legal pathway for transferring open applications to CES. Applicants with in-progress files will be contacted individually as soon as that is confirmed. If you have an in-progress application, please register on the waitlist below so we can reach you directly.
3
Ongoing – Updates posted here This page will be updated as the situation develops, including if additional countries are affected. Registered applicants will be contacted directly when changes occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

My account has been suspended. What should I do?
Your application information is safe. Please register on the waitlist using the form below and contact our Applicant Navigation Services team. We will work with you individually to determine the best path forward.
I have not started my application yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. While we finalize the CES pathway, please complete the waitlist registration form below. We anticipate the alternative portal will be available within approximately two weeks, at which point you will be directed to proceed with your application as normal.
Will I lose my application fees or my place in the queue?
NNAS is committed to protecting your interests. We are assessing all options regarding fees and application continuity and will communicate directly with each affected applicant as information becomes available. Registering on the waitlist ensures we can reach you as soon as a pathway is confirmed.
Why is this happening?
A subprocessor that NNAS uses for application management is a US-based organization and is legally required to comply with sanctions introduced by the United States Administration on March 10, 2026. NNAS itself operates under Canadian law and is not subject to the same restrictions, which is why we are able to offer an alternative pathway through CES.
Could more countries be added to this list?
We recognize the situation may evolve. This page will be updated promptly if additional regions are affected, and registered applicants will be contacted directly if their status changes.
I am currently outside the affected regions but trained or registered there. Am I affected?
The restriction applies to applicants whose residential address, educational institution, registration authority, or issuing bank is located in an affected region. If you are unsure whether this applies to your situation, please contact Applicant Navigation Services directly.

A Note from NNAS Leadership

“We recognize that this situation is entirely outside of your control, and we are deeply committed to advocating for every nurse who has worked hard to reach this stage in their journey. NNAS will continue to explore every available option to support your application, and we will keep you informed every step of the way.” Penni Caron, RPN, BHA
Chief Executive Officer, National Nursing Assessment Service

Please complete the form below. A member of our Applicant Navigation Services team will contact you using your preferred contact method as soon as a pathway is confirmed for your application.

NNAS service interruption form
First
Last
Address
Address
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State/Province
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I consent to NNAS contacting me via my preferred contact method regarding my application and updates to this situation.
I consent to NNAS sharing my information with CES (Comparative Education Service) for the purpose of application processing.
I have read and understood the information on the NNAS Service Interruption page.