NNAS Pathways Project

IEN Pathways to Nursing Licensure

Answer a few questions to see your tailored registration journey by province.

1Licence Type 2Destination →Results
Step 1: What nursing designation are you applying for? Click on the registration type you are pursuing to get started.
Select one to continue
Step 2: Which province(s) are you considering? Click on each province you want to explore. Select multiple to compare pathways side by side, then click Next.
Select at least one province
Step 3: Where did you complete your nursing education or most recent practice? Click on the country that applies to you. This determines whether you qualify for an expedited registration pathway in BC or Manitoba. For Alberta RPN, both the Expedited and NNAS pathways are shown on your results — use the self-assessment questionnaire on the CRPNA website to confirm which applies to you.
Select one to continue

Your Pathways

IEN Support Resources Near You Settlement, bridging, and navigation supports — filtered to your selected province(s)
TermWhat it means
IENInternationally Educated Nurse — a nurse who completed their training outside Canada.
NNASNational Nursing Assessment Service — Canada’s main credential assessment body for IENs. Produces an Advisory Report sent to your chosen regulator.
ECAEducational Credential Assessment — a formal evaluation comparing your nursing education to Canadian standards. Required to open a file in some provinces (e.g., CRNM in Manitoba).
CCAClinical Competence Assessment — a practical skills evaluation used to assess readiness for Canadian practice. Required in BC (via Inspire) and in Manitoba by the CRNM (for RNs) and the CLPNM (for LPNs, delivered at Université de Saint-Boniface).
SLASimulation Lab Assessment — a hands-on competency test delivered by Inspire Global Assessments in BC.
CBAComputer-Based Assessment — a written knowledge test delivered by Inspire Global Assessments in BC.
TPETransitional Practice Experience — a supervised 250-hour clinical placement required in BC for some IENs after the BCCNM review.
SPEPSupervised Practice Experience Partnership — approximately 140 hours of supervised clinical practice in Ontario for nurses who lack recent Evidence of Practice. Supported by Ontario Health.
TTPTransition to Practice — an Ontario CNO requirement; met through recent Canadian nursing education, registration, or practice, or a CNO-approved TTP course.
NREPNurse Re-entry Program — a bridging program at RRC Polytechnic in Manitoba for RNs whose education is found comparable by CRNM.
EOPEvidence of Practice — proof of recent nursing work, typically within the past 3 years, required by Ontario CNO before registration.
ATTAuthorization to Test — a document from Pearson VUE permitting you to book your NCLEX-RN or REx-PN exam.
VSSVulnerable Sector Search — a type of criminal record check required for roles working with vulnerable persons (children, elderly). Required by CRNM, CRPNM, CLPNM, and others.
NCLEX-RNNational Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses — the mandatory entry-to-practice exam for RN registration across Canada, administered via Pearson VUE.
REx-PNRegistered Practical Nurse Regulatory Examination — the mandatory exam for LPN (BC) and RPN (Ontario) registration, administered via Pearson VUE.
RPNCERegistered Psychiatric Nurses Canadian Examination — the mandatory entry-to-practice exam for RPN registration in BC and Manitoba.
CPNRECanadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination — the entry-to-practice exam for LPN/practical nurse registration in most provinces (e.g., Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan), administered via Yardstick/ASI.
BCCNMBC College of Nurses and Midwives — regulates RNs, RPNs, and LPNs in British Columbia.
InspireInspire Global Assessments — BC’s independent credential and competency assessment body for IENs applying through BCCNM.
CRNMCollege of Registered Nurses of Manitoba — regulates RNs in Manitoba.
CRNSCollege of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan — regulates RNs in Saskatchewan.
CRPNSCollege of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Saskatchewan — regulates RPNs in Saskatchewan.
CLPNSCollege of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan — regulates LPNs in Saskatchewan.
CRPNMCollege of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba — regulates RPNs in Manitoba.
CLPNMCollege of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba — regulates LPNs in Manitoba.
CNOCollege of Nurses of Ontario — regulates both RNs and RPNs (the Ontario equivalent of LPN) in Ontario.
NSNMRNova Scotia College of Nursing — regulates RNs, LPNs, and NPs in Nova Scotia.
CNNBCollege of Nursing of New Brunswick (formerly NANB) — regulates RNs in New Brunswick using a 5-zone IEN system based on country of education.
PEICNMPrince Edward Island College of Nursing & Midwifery — regulates RNs and LPNs in PEI.
NLCNCollege of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland & Labrador — regulates RNs, LPNs, and NPs in Newfoundland & Labrador.
ECAEducational Credential Assessment — a course-by-course evaluation of your nursing education by an approved provider (WES, ICAS, ICES, IQAS, CES, or NNAS), used in some provinces (e.g., NL) in place of, or alongside, an NNAS report.
SPEPPSupervised Practice Experience Partnership Program — supervised nursing practice with a Newfoundland & Labrador employer for applicants who meet education but not currency-of-practice requirements.
TRPTemporary Registration Permit — a time-limited permit (used in New Brunswick) that lets you work under conditions while completing registration requirements.
CNPSCanadian Nurses Protective Society — provides the professional liability protection required for licensure in several provinces.
Support programs for internationally educated nurses across Canada, grouped by province or territory. These are settlement, bridging, financial, and career supports that complement the regulator pathways above.
Ontario
Regulatory bodyCollege of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
What it gives youOversees licensing and learning opportunities.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me understand the licensing requirements.
Extra details / hidden benefitsProvides practice support and IEN education pathways.
Personal guidanceCARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
What it gives youA case manager, workshops, and job help.
How it helps me as an IENSomeone walks me through every step, explains regulator emails and instructions, and helps me plan what to do next.
Extra details / hidden benefitsAlso helps with resumes, interview prep, and employer connections — saving a lot of time and stress.
Canadian work experienceUniversity Health Network – Supervised Practice Experience Partnership Program (SPEP)
What it gives youSupervised hospital placements and training.
How it helps me as an IENI can work in a real hospital setting and learn charting, teamwork, and patient-care standards.
Extra details / hidden benefitsBuilds confidence and references, which matter when applying for jobs.
Paid training + jobsSEIU Healthcare Training Centre
What it gives youTraining programs that may include financial support and job connections.
How it helps me as an IENI can earn money or get funded training while improving my skills.
Extra details / hidden benefitsSome programs lead directly to employment.
Financial supportOntario Bridging Participant Assistance Program
What it gives youA one-time bursary of up to ~$5,000 for education costs.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me pay for courses, textbooks, and fees.
Extra details / hidden benefitsReduces financial pressure so I can focus on studying.
Education upgradingHumber Polytechnic (IEN programs)
What it gives youCourses to fill specific gaps (not a full degree).
How it helps me as an IENI can fix only what I am missing instead of restarting.
Extra details / hidden benefitsFaster and cheaper than redoing nursing school.
Job search + careerHealthForceOntario
What it gives youJob listings, career advice, and resume help.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me understand the job market and where I fit.
Extra details / hidden benefitsCan connect me directly with employers.
Settlement + daily lifeImmigrant Services Association of Ontario
What it gives youHelp with housing, childcare, language, and daily life.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me settle so I can focus on my career.
Extra details / hidden benefitsSupport with resumes, transportation, and childcare in some cases.
Mental healthCanadian Mental Health Association
What it gives youCounselling and mental-health resources.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me manage stress and stay well.
Extra details / hidden benefitsOften free or low-cost, with culturally sensitive services.
Networking + communityRegistered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
What it gives youNetworking events, learning resources, and career development.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me meet nurses, mentors, and employers.
Extra details / hidden benefitsCan lead to hidden job opportunities and mentorship.
British Columbia
Licensing bodyBC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
What it gives youOversees licensing and learning opportunities.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me understand the licensing requirements.
Extra details / hidden benefitsProvides consultation and standards support.
IEN assessmentsInspire Global Assessment
What it gives youAssesses your competencies and tells you exactly what to improve.
How it helps me as an IENI get a clear plan instead of guessing what I am missing — this is BC’s IEN pathway.
Extra details / hidden benefitsGives personalized results and next steps, saving time.
Education upgradingThompson Rivers University
What it gives youIEN transition courses to support Canadian licensure.
How it helps me as an IENI can upgrade only what I need.
Extra details / hidden benefitsFlexible learning options.
Job search + recruitmentHealth Match BC
What it gives youConnects healthcare workers with jobs across BC; services for immigration, licensing, employment, and financial support.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me find jobs faster, especially in high-demand areas.
Extra details / hidden benefitsCan assist with relocation too.
Mental health + settlementMOSAIC
What it gives youSettlement help, counselling, and employment language support.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me settle so I can focus on work.
Extra details / hidden benefitsCommunity programs and support groups.
Networking + growthBritish Columbia Nurses’ Union (BCNU)
What it gives youAdvocacy, support, and connections; associate membership lets IENs apply for the IEN Bursary.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me understand my rights and build connections.
Extra details / hidden benefitsA strong support system once employed.
Alberta
Licensing bodyCollege of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)
What it gives youInfo and guidance through licensing.
How it helps me as an IENGives me direction on requirements.
Extra details / hidden benefitsClear requirements and communication.
Bridging + trainingMount Royal University
What it gives youIEN bridging programs.
How it helps me as an IENI can meet Alberta standards faster.
Extra details / hidden benefitsPractical training included.
Work experience (paid)Alberta Health Services – IEN Program
What it gives youSupervised work and training.
How it helps me as an IENI gain clinical experience toward certification requirements.
Extra details / hidden benefitsAccess to employment opportunities.
Financial supportAlberta government bursaries for IENs
What it gives youFunding for education/training (up to $30,000).
How it helps me as an IENHelps me afford programs.
Extra details / hidden benefitsMakes upgrading realistic.
Job searchAlberta Health Services
What it gives youJob postings and hiring programs for health professionals, including IENs.
How it helps me as an IENEasier to find work and other resources.
Extra details / hidden benefitsDirect employer access.
Settlement supportCalgary Immigrant Women’s Association
What it gives youCareer and settlement services.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me balance life and career.
Extra details / hidden benefitsMentorship and job readiness.
Manitoba
Licensing bodiesCRNM · CLPNM · CRPNM
What it gives youInfo and guidance through licensing.
Extra details / hidden benefitsA centralized IEN support hub.
Recruitment + retentionManitoba Nurses Recruitment and Retention
What it gives youFinancial incentives and support for nurses entering the workforce.
Extra details / hidden benefitsShows the province is actively investing in IEN success.
Bridging + fast-trackRed River College Polytechnic
What it gives youIEN-specific programs to upgrade skills quickly.
Extra details / hidden benefitsPrograms are often shorter and more practical.
Financial supportManitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs)
What it gives youCovers costs related to training or relocation.
Extra details / hidden benefitsSome programs include relocation support.
Settlement + careerManitoba Start
What it gives youJob-search help, resume building, and career planning.
Extra details / hidden benefitsStrong employer connections mean better job chances.
Saskatchewan
Licensing bodiesCRNS · CLPNS · CRPNS
What it gives youInfo and guidance through licensing.
How it helps me as an IENGives me clear requirements for licensing.
Extra details / hidden benefitsAn information hub for IENs.
Information hubSaskatchewan Health Authority
What it gives youGeneral licensing-related information for IENs.
Extra details / hidden benefitsBetter access to a range of IEN resources.
Bridging + educationSaskatchewan Polytechnic
What it gives youPrograms designed specifically for IENs.
How it helps me as an IENI can upgrade my skills quickly and locally.
Extra details / hidden benefitsPrograms are aligned with employer needs.
Financial incentivesSaskatchewan Incentives for Health Care Professionals
What it gives youBonuses or support for working in certain areas.
How it helps me as an IENI can earn extra money while gaining experience.
Extra details / hidden benefitsRural placements often come with higher incentives.
Settlement + communitySaskatoon Open Door Society
What it gives youSettlement services, employment help, and language support.
How it helps me as an IENSupports my life outside of work so I can succeed overall.
Extra details / hidden benefitsCommunity-based support makes integration easier.
Nova Scotia
Licensing bodyNova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator (NSNMR)
What it gives youInfo and guidance through licensing.
How it helps me as an IENGives me clear requirements for licensing.
Fast-track licensingNova Scotia Health – Support for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals
What it gives youAccelerated pathways into the workforce.
How it helps me as an IENI can start working sooner than in many provinces.
Extra details / hidden benefitsSpeeds up the transition from arrival to employment.
Financial + relocationNova Scotia’s International Community of Healthcare Workers Engagement Program
What it gives youGuidance and case-by-case career support.
How it helps me as an IENRemoves barriers by connecting me with support services.
Extra details / hidden benefitsIncludes financial support.
Settlement supportImmigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
What it gives youHelp with housing, jobs, language, and daily life.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me adjust faster so I can focus on my career.
Extra details / hidden benefitsOne of the most well-known newcomer support organizations.
Peer supportNova Scotia Internationally Educated Nurses Network
What it gives youPeer support across pre-registration, post-registration, and workforce integration for LPNs, RNs, and NPs.
How it helps me as an IENEasier to integrate and feel supported.
Extra details / hidden benefitsStrong community support.
New Brunswick
Licensing bodyCollege of Nursing of New Brunswick (CNNB)
What it gives youInfo and guidance through licensing.
How it helps me as an IENGives me a clear understanding of the licensing requirements.
Recruitment + supportNew Brunswick Nurses Union
What it gives youSupports nursing practice and integration.
How it helps me as an IENGives me clear rules and guidance for working as a nurse.
Extra details / hidden benefitsEducation opportunities.
Fast employmentHorizon Health Network
What it gives youJob opportunities and onboarding support for nurses.
How it helps me as an IENI can get hired faster than in larger provinces.
Extra details / hidden benefitsLess competition increases my chances of placement.
Bridging + orientationNew Brunswick Community College
What it gives youTraining programs tailored for IENs.
How it helps me as an IENI can adjust to Canadian nursing expectations faster.
Extra details / hidden benefitsPractical, job-focused training instead of long theory.
Settlement servicesNew Brunswick immigration programs
What it gives youPre- and post-arrival settlement services.
How it helps me as an IENHelps with housing, childcare, healthcare, and other settlement needs.
Extra details / hidden benefitsBoth English and French agencies exist.
Prince Edward Island
Licensing bodyPEI College of Nursing & Midwifery (PEICNM)
What it gives youInfo and guidance through licensing.
How it helps me as an IENGives me a clear understanding of the licensing requirements.
Health system entryHealth PEI
What it gives youJob opportunities.
How it helps me as an IENWhere I look for jobs after being licensed.
Settlement + communityImmigrant and Refugee Services Association PEI
What it gives youHousing help, job search, and language support.
How it helps me as an IENMakes settling easier in a smaller province.
Extra details / hidden benefitsStrong community-based support system.
Financial supportInternationally Educated Nurses Bursary Program
What it gives youReimburses fees related to licensing and immigration after you are licensed (up to $10,000).
How it helps me as an IENRelieves some of the financial pressure of immigration and licensing.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Health system supportNL Health Services
What it gives youJob opportunities and onboarding for nurses.
How it helps me as an IENI can enter the workforce faster after arrival.
Extra details / hidden benefitsStrong demand means more job openings (the province faces ongoing shortages).
Licensing + guidanceNL College of Nurses (NLCN)
What it gives youLicensing support and practice standards.
How it helps me as an IENI get structured steps for working legally.
Extra details / hidden benefitsClear expectations reduce confusion.
Settlement supportAssociation for New Canadians
What it gives youHousing help, job search, and settlement services.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me stabilize life outside of work.
Extra details / hidden benefitsStrong support for language and employment integration.
Yukon
Licensing bodyYukon Registered Nurses Association
What it gives youLicensing guidance and practice standards.
How it helps me as an IENI get clear, simple steps for working as a nurse.
Extra details / hidden benefitsMore personal communication than in big provinces.
Work experienceYukon government health services
What it gives youCareer opportunities after being licensed.
How it helps me as an IENAccess to job opportunities.
Northwest Territories
Licensing + practiceRegistered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut
What it gives youLicensing and professional standards.
How it helps me as an IENI get clear direction on practice expectations.
Extra details / hidden benefitsOne regulator covers multiple territories.
Settlement supportNorthwest Territories community services
What it gives youHousing and community-integration support.
How it helps me as an IENHelps me adjust to lifestyle and isolation challenges.
Extra details / hidden benefitsStrong focus on community support networks.
Nunavut
Licensing bodyCollege of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut
What it gives youLicensing and professional standards.
How it helps me as an IENClear licensing expectations.
Extra details / hidden benefitsOne body regulates multiple territories.
Job opportunitiesNunavut Nurses
What it gives youJob openings.
How it helps me as an IENWhere I look for a nursing job after being licensed.
Disclaimer: General overview only — not legal or regulatory advice. Requirements, fees, and timelines are subject to change. Always confirm current information directly with the relevant provincial regulatory body before making decisions. Data last reviewed: August 2026  |  nnas.ca