How the Application Process Works
If you are an internationally educated nurse (IEN) and you wish to work as a nurse in Canada (except for Quebec and the Territories), you must complete an application with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).
You may apply if
You may apply for a license in the province of your choice to be either:
- A Registered Nurse (RN)
- A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Or, a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)
NNAS partners Canada’s nursing regulatory bodies and offers a simple and secure way to review and store the documents you are required to submit in order for you to work in Canada.
The role of NNAS in your application process
NNAS has three roles:
- To verify your credentials
- To compare your credentials to Canadian standards
- To provide secure, online storage for your education and registration credential
NNAS has a legal contract with CGFNS International, Inc. (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) in Pennsylvania; U.S.A. They have five roles:
- To review and store your documents
- To verify that your documents are authentic
- To ensure each nurse’s files have all required documents
- To determine if your documents meet Canadian standards
- To send completed files to the correct regulatory body/bodies so they can make the final decisions about your eligibility to work as a nurse in Canada.
