Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to NNAS’s most frequently asked questions on this page.
Q: What is the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)?
A: The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is a Canadian non-profit organization responsible for the credential assessments for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) interested in practising nursing in Canada. NNAS was established by the nursing regulatory bodies in Canada in 2012 and began issuing reports in 2015. NNAS is the first step in the process for IENs, and is responsible for collecting and verifying documentation related to IENs’ education and professional experience. The Advisory Reports that NNAS issues are accepted by all nursing regulatory bodies in Canada (except Quebec and the Territories).
Q: Who processes NNAS applications?
A: NNAS works with two credentialing vendors to process applications and issue Advisory Reports on behalf of NNAS:
– TruMerit (formerly known as CGFNS International Inc.), based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
– Comparative Education Service (CES), based in Toronto, Ontario
Both vendors collect information and documents, review and verify submissions, and issue Advisory Reports according to NNAS’s policies and standards. When you submit your application through the NNAS portal, your file will be assigned to one of these vendors for processing. Regardless of which vendor handles your application, the standards, policies, and quality of the Advisory Report remain the same.
Q: What is NNAS’s relationship to TruMerit?
A: TruMerit, formerly known as CGFNS International Inc., is one of NNAS’s two credentialing vendors. TruMerit is also the parent organization of NNAS. TruMerit processes NNAS applications, collects and verifies documentation, and issues Advisory Reports according to NNAS’s policies and standards.
Q: What is NNAS’s relationship to Comparative Education Service (CES)?
A: Comparative Education Service (CES) is one of NNAS’s two credentialing vendors. CES processes NNAS applications, performs credentialing reviews, and issues Advisory Reports according to NNAS’s policies and standards. CES also serves as an IRCC-approved organization that provides Course-by-Course Assessment Reports, which are a required document for the Expedited Service.
Q: Does NNAS determine if I am able to register as a nurse in Canada?
A: No. NNAS does not grant licences to practice nursing in Canada. NNAS does not have a role in making decisions about licences, nor can NNAS advocate on behalf of any applicant. Only nursing regulatory bodies in Canada have the authority to decide whether an application is successful.
Q: What are the three nursing professions in Canada?
A: Canada has three nursing professions:
– Registered Nurse (RN)
– Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), referred to as Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Ontario
– Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), a separate nursing profession regulated in some provinces in Canada
(British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan)
Education and experience in any of these roles can lead to a rewarding career in Canadian healthcare, including administration and management.
Q: Does NNAS offer its services in French?
A: Yes. NNAS provides information in French through its main website at nnas.ca, and applicants may communicate with NNAS in either English or French. The NNAS portal and phone support are available in both official languages.
Q: What is the Expedited Service?
A: NNAS launched the Expedited Service to provide applicants with a streamlined process to have their nursing credentials verified and their nursing education assessed. It is available to IENs who are interested in becoming licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The Advisory Reports are accepted by most nursing regulatory bodies in Canada that license RNs and LPNs. Reports are issued within five business days of documents being received. NNAS has also been able to reduce the application fee. The process is fast, simple and safe.
Please review the Expedited Service and Registered Psychiatric Pathway webpages for more information.
Q: What is the NNAS Registered Psychiatric Nurse Pathway?
A: The NNAS Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) Pathway is designed for Internationally Educated Nurses who wish to pursue registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in one of the Canadian provinces that regulate psychiatric nursing as a distinct profession. The Registered Psychiatric Nurse designation is a separate nursing pathway with its own regulatory bodies, distinct from the Registered Practical Nurse designation used in Ontario. Through this pathway, NNAS conducts a credential assessment of your psychiatric nursing education, training, and registration history, and produces an Advisory Report that is sent to the psychiatric nursing regulatory body you have selected.
Q: What is the difference between the Expedited Service and Registered Psychiatric Pathway?
A: Both the Expedited Service and Registered Psychiatric Pathway applicants complete a process to have their nursing credentials verified and their nursing education assessed. Both result in the issuance of an Advisory Report which is accepted by most nursing regulatory bodies in Canada.
Please see the table below which further explains the two services:
| Expedited Service | Registered Psychiatric Pathway | |
| Required Documents | 2 forms of identification; Course-by-Course Assessment Report; First and current nursing registration/licence | 2 forms of identification; Nursing education form, official transcript and syllabus/course description; All nursing licences/registrations held; Nursing practice/employment form |
| Curriculum Assessment | International nursing education assessed at a country level. Regulatory bodies have access to the country level reports. | Individual curriculum assessment completed and included in the Advisory Report. |
| Advisory Report | Issued within five business days of all documentation being received provided no additional clarification is required. | Issued within 12 weeks of all documentation being received provided no additional clarification is required. |
| Fees | Single RN/LPN Advisory Report issued for a single fee to multiple regulatory bodies for $750 CAD. | Main application order for one profession and one regulator for $650 USD. Any subsequent costs will depend on additional orders/services requested. |
Q: Can I use the Expedited Service if I want to become a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)?
A: No. The Expedited Service is only available for the Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) professions only as there are differences in the assessments. If you are interested in becoming a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), you must apply through the Regular Service.
Q: Who should apply to NNAS?
A: NNAS is the starting point for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who are interested in becoming registered or licensed as a nurse in Canada. For the regulatory bodies in most Canadian provinces, NNAS is the first stop if you are an IEN who has completed your nursing education outside of Canada and are seeking registration to practise as a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).
Q: Who is eligible to apply to NNAS?
A: You are eligible to apply to NNAS’s Expedited Service if you have:
- Completed a post-secondary nursing education program (university or college) outside of Canada.
- Have been licensed as a nurse outside of Canada.
You are eligible to apply to NNAS’s Regular Service if you have:
- Completed a post-secondary nursing education program (university or college) outside of Canada.
- Never been licensed as a nurse in Canada in the profession to which you are applying.
Q: When should I apply to NNAS?
A: You can begin the NNAS application process at any time. It is recommended you begin the process before you immigrate to Canada, or at the same time as starting the immigration process.
Q: Can I apply to NNAS while my immigration application is still in progress?
A: Yes. You do not need to be in Canada or have permanent residency to apply to NNAS or open a file with most provincial regulators. Starting early is strongly recommended, as credential assessment often takes longer than immigration processing.
Q: I completed part of my nursing degree outside of Canada. Can I have my nursing courses evaluated by NNAS?
A: No. NNAS only assesses the education of IENs who completed all their nursing education outside of Canada.
Q: I completed my education as a midwife outside of Canada. Should I apply to NNAS?
A: No. In Canada, nursing and midwifery are separate regulated health professions. NNAS only assesses the documents of IENs who completed nursing education outside of Canada. If you are seeking registration as a midwife in Canada, you should contact the Canadian Midwifery Regulators Council for further instructions.
Q: I am a Canadian citizen who was educated as a nurse outside of Canada. Can I apply to NNAS?
A: Yes. If you completed your nursing education outside of Canada, you are eligible to apply to NNAS regardless of your citizenship status. Please visit the Eligibility page on the NNAS website for additional details.
Q: Does NNAS require a language assessment?
A: No. Effective October 14, 2022, NNAS will no longer collect language proficiency test scores. Instead, all applicants will submit proof of language proficiency directly to regulatory bodies as part the regulator’s review process. This change is part of NNAS’s initiative to streamline its processes. This change:
- Provides applicants with more time to meet the nursing regulator’s language proficiency requirements.
- Aligns NNAS’s requirements across all NNAS regulatory body members.
- Provides greater flexibility to nursing regulatory body members.
Please also check the website for the nursing regulator in the province where you intend to practice for information about their specific language requirements.
Q: How do I apply to NNAS?
A: Go to nnas.ca and select the Apply/Login link, then click Create an Account and follow the instructions.
Please review the NNAS Applicant Handbooks for the Expedited Service and the Regular Service for further instructions.
Q: Can I apply to more than one province or nursing profession (i.e., RN, LPN, RPN)?
A: Yes. Once you open a NNAS account, you may apply to more than one province or nursing profession.
In NNAS’s Expedited Service, a single Advisory Report is now issued for both the Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed/Registered Practical Nurse (LPN/RPN) professions for a single fee. In the Regular Service, you will be charged a fee for each additional profession and each additional regulator.
Q: Do I need to disclose all information?
A: Yes. You must disclose all information that is required and submit all documentation that is required. When you apply to NNAS you will be asked to agree to NNAS’s Terms and Conditions. Please read these carefully. When you sign the Terms and Conditions you are agreeing that you have disclosed all information, and that the information you submit or will be submitted on your behalf are true and complete to the best of your knowledge. To review NNAS’s Assessment Policies, click here.
Q: How do I edit information in my online application?
A: If you haven’t submitted and paid for your application yet, log in to your NNAS account to edit your information.
If you have submitted and paid for your application, log in to your NNAS account and click on your application’s blue number. It is located on the dashboard. Make your edits and save. If you need to delete your entry, call us toll free at 1-877-215-9989.
If NNAS has already issued your Advisory Report, you cannot make any changes to your application.
Q: After I submit my online application to NNAS, can I change my original requested province or nursing profession to a different province or nursing profession?
A: Yes. If your file review has not started, you may contact NNAS to request the change. It may take longer to process your application if you request a change. NNAS may need more information, documents and proof of education from you.
Q: Do I need an immigration consultant/agency to complete my application?
A: No. NNAS’ application is designed to be completed by applicants. The application process is simple and easy to understand. There is also an Applicant Support Team available to help you along the way.
Should you decide to use an immigration consultant/agency to help complete your application, make sure you are seeking services from a credible, trustworthy source. Visit the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultant to learn more at https://college-ic.ca. You are still responsible for all information submitted by an immigration consultant/agency. All of NNAS’s policies and procedures still apply.
Q: Does NNAS have a relationship or work with any immigration consultants?
A: No. NNAS does not have working relationship with any immigration consultants.
NNAS’ application is designed to be completed by applicants. The application process is simple and easy to understand. There is also an Applicant Support Team available to help you along the way.
Q: How can I find out about the status of my application?
A: There are two ways to check on your application status.
- Log in to your NNAS online account.
- Call NNAS Customer Care toll-free at 1-855-977-1898 or email support@nnas.ca. You will be able to speak with a representative in either English or French.
Q: How long is my application active with NNAS?
A: Your Main Application Order remains active for 12 months from the date you submit the application. If we do not receive all your required documents within the 12-month period, your application will expire (including requests for Advisory Reports for additional professions and provinces made after you opened your Main Application Order).
Q: Will NNAS protect my personal information?
A. Yes. NNAS is committed to maintaining the accuracy, confidentiality, and security of the personal information it receives. Personal information will be protected by security safeguards that are appropriate to the sensitivity level of the information. NNAS takes reasonable precautions to protect all personal information from any loss or unauthorized use, access or disclosure. For more information please review our Assessment Policies.
Q: What documents should I submit with my application?
A: To complete the NNAS application process, you are required to submit a set of documents. Some of the documents will need to come directly from you, while other documents will have to be sent directly from Third Parties. Please refer to the following table for more information:
| Expedited Service | Registered Psychiatric Nurse Pathway | |
| Identification | Two forms of notarized identification – Upload this directly in your in Applicant Portal. | Two forms of notarized identification – Upload this directly in your Applicant Portal. |
| Education | Course-by-Course Assessment Report – Sent to NNAS by an official authorized to provide the report. Applicants are responsible for costs. •Comparative Education Services (CES) •International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS) •International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES) •World Education Services (WES) Course-by-Course reports are valid for 5 years from date of issue. *Educational transcripts will be accepted for existing NNAS applicants who have already submitted or requested educational transcripts be sent to NNAS from their educational institution. | Nursing education form, official transcript, and syllabus/course description – Sent to NNAS by your educational institution. |
| Licence | First and current nursing registration/licence – Sent to NNAS by an official authorized to provide registration/licensing information. *Applicants must disclose all nursing licences/registrations held | All nursing licences/registrations held – Sent to NNAS by an official authorized to provide registration/licensing information. |
| Employment | Documentation not required. *Applicants must still disclose employment from last five years. | Nursing practice/employment form – Sent to NNAS by your employers for all nursing positions held during the last five years. |
More information on these documents can be found here.
Q: Where do I get a Course-by-Course Assessment Report?
A: The Expedited Service requires applicants to submit a Course-by-Course Assessment Report (may also be referred to as a Postsecondary Comprehensive Assessment Report or Specialized Assessment Report) from an organization approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Once you have completed your Course-by-Course Assessment Report you will need to request it be sent directly to NNAS from the relevant Third Party either by mail or digitally. Instructions on how to request the Course-by-Course Assessment Report are found in the Applicant Portal.
NNAS applicants can choose to have a Course-by-Course Assessment Report completed from one of the following IRCC-approved organizations:
- Comparative Education Service (CES)
- International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES)
- World Education Services (WES)
Applicants are responsible for the cost of the Course-by-Course Assessment Report. Please visit these organizations’ websites for more information.
Q: Can I use a Course-by-Course Assessment Report I previously had completed?
A: If you previously completed a course-by-course assessment report it may be considered acceptable for NNAS’s Expedited Service if it was issued within the last five years.
Q: What should I do if my documents are not in English or French?
A: All Documents for your NNAS application must be written or translated into English or French. You can have your documents translated one of three ways:
- By an approved institution (for example, your college, university
,or licensing authority) - By a certified translator
- By NNAS (for a fee)
Note: If your identity documents are not in English or French, your original identity documents must be notarized as certified true copies before the translations are done.
Q: How will I know when NNAS has received all the required documents from my Third Parties?
A: Log in to your online account to keep track of your application status. When NNAS receives your documents, your online account will be updated.
Q: Will my documents be returned to me?
A: No. All documents that are submitted to NNAS become the property of NNAS. Please do not submit any original documents. Only submit certified true copies of your identity documents.
Q: What happens to the documents I submitted to NNAS if my application expires?
A: If your application expires all the documents you submitted to NNAS will remain secure in your NNAS portal. When you are ready to resume with your NNAS application you can purchase a Reactivation of Expired Application order to continue with your application.
Q: I may be unable to provide certain required third-party documents due to refugee, displacement, conflict, or similar circumstances. What should I do?
A: NNAS has a policy related to providing an alternative process for applicants that may not be able to access some or all their documents because they are a refugee or faced refugee-like circumstances. This process takes time and should be considered carefully. To find out if you are eligible to be considered under this policy, please contact applicantnavigator@nnas.ca.
Q: Can I use a Third-Party Agency?
A: Yes, applicants may choose to use a third-party representative. However, NNAS requires formal consent from the applicant. This is provided by completing and submitting the Third-Party Authorization Form to the Support Team. Please note that consent may be withdrawn at any time by notifying NNAS directly.
Q: How long does it take to get an Advisory Report?
A: If you are applying to NNAS’s Expedited Service, your Advisory Report will be issued within 5 days of all documentation being received provided no additional clarification is required.
If you are applying to NNAS’s Regular Service, your Advisory Report will be issued within 12 weeks of all documentation being received provided no additional clarification is required.
Q: What is included in the NNAS Advisory Report?
A: The Advisory Report includes all the documents that have been submitted to NNAS and copies of any correspondence (emails and letters) you have had with NNAS.
The Advisory Report under the Regular Service also includes an individual curriculum assessment. This is not necessary in the Expedited Service as a report describing the nursing education in the country where you were educated is sent separately to the regulator.
Q: How will my curriculum be assessed?
A: NNAS’s Expedited Service reviews international curriculums in depth at a country level. You do not need to submit your curriculum from the nursing education program you completed. The country level educational reviews are completed by nursing experts who are familiar with Canadian Entry to Practice Competencies. The experts are also familiar with internationally educated nurses and the value they bring to Canadian nursing. The regulators who joined NNAS’s Expedited Service understand the new educational review process and accept it. They use the country level curriculum reviews, along with information in the NNAS Advisory Reports, to inform their licensing decisions.
NNAS’s Regular Service compares the curriculum submitted by the nursing education program you completed to Canadian Entry to Practise Competencies. This is done using a process called content analysis. This process helps us identify the differences and gaps in your education. Your curriculum will be described as either “Comparable,” “Somewhat Comparable,” or “Not Comparable” to Canadian Entry to Practise Competencies. Whatever determination you receive on your Advisory Report, you should proceed with your application to the regulatory body(ies) you identified.
Q: Will I receive a copy of the Advisory Report?
A: Yes. NNAS will send you an email when the Advisory Report is issued. You will then be able to download and save a copy of your report by visiting your online NNAS account. NNAS will keep your Advisory Report in your online account for one year from the date it is issued.
Q: Can I appeal the contents of my Advisory Report?
A: Yes. You may submit an appeal through a written request to NNAS if you believe that your assessment was inaccurate. NNAS will review your case and send you a written response.
The appeal fee is $500 CAD for the Expedited Service and $500 USD for the Registered Psychiatric Nurse
A: There are several ways to contact NNAS (English and French):
- Log in to your online NNAS account at any time to view the status of your application and to obtain the information of your assigned evaluator/vendor.
- Call NNAS Customer Care toll-free (in North America) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday at 1-855-215-9889.
- Email applicantnavigator@nnas.ca anytime. NNAS will respond to your email within 2 business days.
- Visit the Contact Us page on the NNAS website.
For more detailed information, please refer to the NNAS Applicant Handbook.
The appeal fee is refundable if the appeal is successful. A Notice of Appeal must be filed within sixty (60) calendar days after the date of the Notification Letter from NNAS. For the full Appeals Procedure, please visit the NNAS website.
Q: What should I do after I receive my Advisory Report?
A: Once you receive your Advisory Report, you should:
- Download a copy of your Advisory Report for your records.
- Apply to the nursing regulatory body in the province where you wish to practise. Your Advisory Report will be automatically sent to the regulatory body or bodies you selected.
- Review the requirements of the regulatory body you are applying to, as each has its own additional requirements and timelines for registration.
Begin meeting any additional requirements set by the regulatory body, such as language proficiency testing, competency assessments, or entry-to-practice examinations.
Q: How long is an Advisory Report valid?
A: The regulatory body that you apply to will determine how long the Advisory Report is valid for. Usually, it is valid for two years.
NNAS will keep your Advisory Report in your online account for one year from the date it is issued.
Q: How do I contact NNAS?
A: There are several ways to contact NNAS:
- Log in to your online NNAS account at any time to view the status of your application and to obtain the information of your assigned evaluator/vendor.
- Call NNAS Customer Care toll-free (in North America) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday at 1-855-215-9889.
- Email applicantnavigator@nnas.ca anytime.
- You can visit the Contact Us page on the NNAS website.
Q: I have contacted NNAS several times but am not satisfied with the service. How do I issue a complaint?
A: NNAS is committed to providing excellent customer service. If you have questions or concerns about the service you have received, we would like to hear about it. Please email applicantnavigator@nnas.ca with the details of your concern.
Q: How much does the application cost?
A: NNAS is pleased to offer a reduced fee for the Expedited Service of $750 CAD for a single RN and LPN application. You can select any nursing regulatory body participating in the Expedited Service at no additional cost. Additional regulatory bodies must be selected while your main application order is open and before an Advisory Report is issued.
NNAS’s Regular Service begins with a main application order of $650 USD. Any subsequent costs after this will depend on the services needed to process your application, and any additional orders you request.
See the Fee Schedule for details.
Q: Can I get a refund if I decide to cancel my application?
A: No. NNAS has a No Refund of Application Fees Policy.