During the last round of NBA bargaining, the union was successful in negotiating a partial reimbursement of nurses’ college and licensing fees from employers. As part of the agreement, the union will be administering the reimbursement. BCNU members covered by the NBA collective agreement will be eligible for a $215 reimbursement for the 2022/2023 licence year.
Applications now closed
Key Dates
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Thursday, March 31: Registration renewal with the
BC College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM) closes at 4:30 p.m.
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Monday, April 4: BCNU's online applications for reimbursement opens at noon
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Monday, April 11: Reimbursement payouts begin
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Thursday, June 30: Reimbursement application closes
Note: Members who indicated they are on leave on their 2022/2023 reimbursement application have until
Feb. 28, 2023 to submit their renewal receipt.
New for 2022: Reimbursement Dashboard
NBA members applying for reimbursement will have access to a new dashboard that will allow them to check the status of their application and upload any required supporting documentation. Members can access this dashboard by logging into the BCNU Member Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to apply to receive the reimbursement?
BCNU is administering the college fee partial reimbursement as agreed upon in the
Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA) collective agreement per Appendix GG. Eligible members are asked to apply so that we may verify your eligibility, and obtain your consent to receiving reimbursement, which may have tax implications.
I provided consent on the BCCNM website. Do I still have to apply?
Yes. The consent is only to share license renewal information. Members will still need to apply online through the BCNU Member Portal to confirm bank information and obtain your consent to receiving reimbursement, which may have tax implications.
Who is eligible?
Nurses from other provinces who are working in British Columbia are also eligible as long as they meet all the above criteria AND they complete the online application form for reimbursement.
Please note that Employed Student Nurses and Employed Student Psychiatric Nurses are not eligible for reimbursement.
Retired BCNU members who are no longer working are ineligible for the reimbursement.
Student members are not eligible for the reimbursement until they become full BCNU members and meet the above criteria.
If I am terminated but currently exercising my right under the grievance/arbitration process, am I still eligible?
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility above, if you have paid BCNU dues in the last 12 months or have an active grievance, you can log into the BCNU Member Portal and apply for the reimbursement.
What if I am currently on leave (maternity, WCB, LTD, other)?
Members currently on leave and returning to work at a later date during the 2022/2023 licensing year will still need to apply for reimbursement by the deadline of June 30, 2022. Members will need to provide BCNU with a copy of their practising registration renewal from the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) before Feb. 28, 2023. Members on leave will receive the full partial reimbursement upon their return to practicing status (the amount is not pro-rated based on return-to-work date).
How much is being reimbursed to each member?
BCNU NBA members will be reimbursed $215.
How will I be reimbursed?
You will be reimbursed by direct deposit only. Members will receive an email notification prior to the money being deposited.
Why do I need to provide BCNU with my banking information?
Due to the high volume of reimbursements, BCNU will only be offering reimbursements by direct deposit. In order to do this, we will require your banking information.
When will I receive my reimbursement?
Reimbursement will begin Monday, April 11, 2022. Members can expect to receive payment within 45 days of successfully submitting the online application. Members should receive a Payment Notification by email from BCNU Finance staff when direct deposit payment is being send.
How do I apply for reimbursement?
Beginning Monday, April 4, BCNU NBA members can log in to the Member Portal and complete the online application form. You may need the following information to successfully apply for your reimbursement:
- Official payment receipt from BC College of Nurses and Midwives for the renewal of your practice license for the 2022/2023 year*
- Your banking information for direct deposit (found on your personal cheque or obtained from your bank). All reimbursements will be paid by direct deposit only.
* BCNU NBA members who applied for reimbursement last year AND consented to BCCNM sharing their licence renewal confirmation with BCNU during the registration process will not need to provide BCNU with registration proof of payment. This is intended to streamline the application and reimbursement process for members.
Will my information be secure?
Yes. BCNU has taken all the necessary security precautions to ensure that any information entered online is encrypted and secure. Access to the information will be limited to a select few number of staff who will be responsibile for processing reimbursements.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for members to apply is June 30, 2022.
Can I apply for the reimbursement by mail or in-person?
No. BCNU is only accepting applications online.
What if I work at an independent worksite?
Members working at independent worksites are not eligible for reimbursement. Current reimbursement is negotiated under the NBA provincial collective agreement and is only available to nurses covered by this contract.
I pay my annual college licence and registration fees monthly. Will I be eligible to receive the $215 reimbursement?
Yes. The payment option you select for your BCCNM renewal will not matter as long as you are eligible for reimbursement.
Will BCNU be issuing tax receipts or slips for the reimbursements?
No. Members are responsible for the tax reporting of the reimbursement received. We recommend you seek the advice of a tax professional if you have questions on how to report the reimbursement on your tax return.
What if I am an Employed Student Nurse or Employed Student Psychiatric Nurse?
Nurses that hold Employed Student Nurse or Employed Student Psychiatric Nurse registrations are not eligible for reimbursement.
What if I am a new graduate?
New graduate nurses who are BCNU members are eligible for the reimbursement as long as their practising registration is completed before the June 30, 2022 reimbursement deadline.
What if I am a new member starting in May or June 2022?
New members who start working in May or June 2022 may not have immediate access to the BCNU Member Portal. If you are a new member in May or June and do not have access yet, please contact
reimbursement@bcnu.org with your paystub including your full name, worksite, and employee ID by the deadline of June 30, 2022. Members will need to hold a practising license (not provisional) by the deadline to be eligible.
What if I have two practice licenses?
Each member will receive reimbursement for one practice licence only. Members can indicate on the online application form for which license (e.g. LPN, RN, RPN) they are requesting their reimbursement.
Where can I find my BCNU member ID to log in to the Portal?
Members who receive the print copy of Update Magazine can find their member ID on the address label of the mailing envelope. If you do not receive a print copy of the magazine you can call BCNU’s Membership Department during business hours at 604-433-2268 or email membership@bcnu.org.
My question has not been addressed above. Who can I contact?
Please email reimbursement@bcnu.org and include your full name and BCNU member ID.