BCNU respectfully acknowledges its offices are located on the traditional, unceded and ancestral lands of Indigenous communities across the lands now known as British Columbia.
The BCNU Victoria office is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ (Songhees and Esquimalt)andW̱SÁNEĆ nations whose historical relationships to the land continue to this day.
The BCNU Okanagan Office is situated on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation whose historical relationships to the land continue to this day.
Internationally Educated Nurses - Getting Your Licence in BC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I apply to the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) directly?
No. You must set up an account with NNAS first if you want to work as a nurse in Canada.
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Why do I need to apply to NNAS?
NNAS will assess your nursing credentials that were obtained outside of Canada and compare them to Canadian standards. They will determine if you need to supplement your education/training before becoming licensed in Canada.
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Will my documents be returned to me?
No. All documents submitted to NNAS become property of NNAS. Only submit copies of your documents, not originals.
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Is the NCAS my only option for competency assessment?
Yes. BCCNM requires that you complete the NCAS to demonstrate your competency.
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Can I complete a language proficiency test in French to get licensed in BC?
No. You need to demonstrate language proficiency in English to get licensed as a nurse in BC.
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My IELTS results will expire soon; do I have enough time to have testing done?
Yes. IELTS has multiple testing dates at various locations during the year.
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Will I need to take the full re-entry program, refresher program, or general practical nurse program to become registered?
Not necessarily. BCCNM will determine how much extra education, if any, is required based on multiple factors. Extra education can range from single courses to full programs.
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If a post-secondary institution requires that I have a Criminal Record Check conducted, can my regulatory body send them the one from my application?
No. Regulatory bodies are not permitted to share this information with other agencies. However, if your Criminal Record Check is less than six months old, the Ministry of Justice will send the post-secondary institution a copy at your request.
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When does my NNAS advisory report expire?
Your advisory report is easily accessible to your designated regulatory body for up to one year. The advisory report exists on your NNAS account for up to two years, but after the first year it is more difficult for the regulatory body to access. Please contact your regulatory body or NNAS if you have any more questions regarding advisory report expiration.
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Is there anything I could do to avoid delays in the process?
Get your documents notarized (and translated if they are not in English) before you apply so you can upload them when you complete your application.
Have your language proficiency test done immediately prior to starting your application.
Make sure all identity copies clearly show your face, name, and signature, all other information is clear and visible, and it is still valid (not expired).
Keep original copies of all documents in case they are required throughout the process.
Do not submit copies of your credit card or Social Insurance Number.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Human Rights and Equity and Health Policy Officer Hanif Karim
UPDATED:
Getting Your Licence in BC
Review the step-by-step process for internationally educated nurses looking to get licensed in BC.