Funding and other support available for internationally educated nurses

The Government of B.C. has funding and other supports available to help you become a nurse in British Columbia. Visit www.nursingjobsbc.ca to find out more about supports and bursaries available to you.

On January 31, 2023, BCCNM launched a new application process for internationally educated nurses. Follow the steps below to apply. Questions? Visit the frequently asked questions page for more information.

Did you apply to BCCNM before January 31, 2023?

Do not reapply or cancel your current application. It will be managed with priority through the new registration process, and you will benefit from the same time-saving processes and lowered costs. BCCNM or NCAS will contact you with next steps as required.

Important information before you apply

Registration process costs

The majority of fees have either been waived due to government funding, or are available for reimbursement through the Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program.

Costs of applying for registration in B.C	Fees
Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) application	Free
Credential assessment	$120-$650 Eligible for reimbursement through IEN Bursary Program
English language proficiency (if needed)	$300-$395 Eligible for reimbursement through IEN Bursary Program
NCAS Competency assessment	Free for applicants enrolled in the IEN Bursary Program Or $3000
BCCNM registration application	Free
Transitional education (if needed)	Variable Eligible for reimbursement through IEN Bursary Program
Registration exam	REx-PN (LPN exam): $350+GST NCLEX (RN exam): $360+GST
BCCNM practising registration	$600.24

BCCNM assesses most IEN applications for licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) registration at the same time

In the majority of cases, BCCNM assesses internationally educated applicants to BCCNM for both registered nurse and licensed practical nurse registration through one application. Applicants also have the option of applying as a health care assistant through the Health Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry. Note: BCCNM does not regulate health care assistants.

Why we do this
The dual application enables applicants to enter the healthcare workforce sooner in the designation that matches their current nursing competence. Nursing education and practice differs around the world; if you do not meet the competencies required to practise as a registered nurse in British Columbia, you may meet the competencies required of a licensed practical nurse or health care assistant.

Nursing professions in British Columbia

The health care system in British Columbia is supported by a number of different nursing professions: licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs). Learn more about the types of nurses and the roles of each nursing profession.

How to apply

1. Apply to NCAS

Visit www.ncasbc.ca to get your application started. The Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) will confirm your identity and evaluate:

English language proficiency
Educational credentials; and
Nursing skills and knowledge through a competency assessment (if required)

Once you have your NCAS application underway, come back to BCCNM and start an application with us.
We recommend that you work toward completing the requirements for your NCAS and BCCNM applications at the same time to ensure you can move through the registration process as quickly as possible.

2. Apply to BCCNM

To apply to BCCNM, please send the following documents to IENapplications@bccnm.ca.

Application for Internationally Educated Nurse Registration
A copy of your resume or CV

You will not be charged an application fee. The cost is being waived through funding from the Government of British Columbia.

3. Employment and registration history

After you have submitted your application, a member of the Registration Services team will review your documents. You will be sent a detailed email with instructions on how to request information from your previous nursing employers and regulatory bodies.

4. BCCNM registration decision

BCCNM will make a registration decision on your application once:

We have received all outstanding documents and form for our BCCNM application.
BCCNM receives your NCAS applicant package.

BCCNM Registration Services will assess your application and determine your eligibility for registration. If any competency gaps are identified during the assessment, additional registration requirements - typically additional education - will be noted in your registration letter.

5. Provisional registration and registration exam

Once you have completed your additional education requirements (if required), please contact BCCNM Registration Services at IENapplications@bccnm.ca.

You will be eligible for provisional registration and will be given instructions on how to register for the relevant registration exam: the REx-PN (LPNs) or the NCLEX-RN (RNs).

If choose to hold provisional registration, we will send you another email with instructions on how to pay your registration fee through your BCCNM account. You will appear in the online directory once you are authorized to practice. Please note: you cannot legally practise until you have received an email from BCCNM confirming your provisional registration is granted. You can also check the online directory to make sure you are authorized to practice before you start working.

6. Practising registration granted

Once you have successfully completed the registration exam and any other requirements for registration, you will be granted practising registration. You will appear in the online directory once you are authorized to practice. If you held provisional registration, your status will automatically be updated to practising registration once you have met all registration requirements.

Please note: You cannot legally practise until you have received an email from BCCNM confirming your provisional registration is granted.

Assessing your application

When we assess your application for registration, we consider the following:

Nursing education

We review the NNAS advisory report, which provides information about the comparability of your nursing education to Canadian nursing education programs.

Good character

Good character refers to a combination of personal qualities and traits, such as

moral or ethical strength
Integrity, candour, empathy and honesty
An appreciation of the difference between right and wrong
The moral fibre to do that which is right and not to do that which is wrong

When determining whether you are of good character, we review:

The circumstances around any previous criminal charges and/or convictions, the results of your criminal record check, and any other information you wish to have considered related to the same, if applicable.
The completeness, correctness, and accuracy of the information you provided on the application form or in any communication with BCCNM.
Current or previous regulatory history, including any past investigation, resolution, and/or discipline.
Information related to current and/or previous employment.
Information from an educational institution, if applicable.
Any history of unethical or dishonest behaviour
A self-reflection of the circumstances, learnings, and growth since the events, or actions taken, that indicate a possible lack of good character.

Fitness to practice nursing

Fitness to practice refers to the absence of any physical or mental ailment, emotional disturbance, or addiction that may impair your ability to practise. When determining whether you are fit to engage in nursing practice, we review:

Self-disclosure of a physical or mental ailment, an emotional disturbance, or an addiction that could impair your ability to practise.
Information from previous employer(s).
Information regarding any previous registration cancellation or voluntary relinquishment of registration.
Any current or past regulatory investigations.
Information regarding any current or previous limits and/or conditions placed on your practice.
Information from treating physician(s) or specialist(s) who can provide an opinion as to your current health status, any recommendations for safe entrance into the profession, and your fitness to practise nursing (we only request this information in certain circumstances).

Competence

When determining whether you are competent to practise as a nurse in B.C., we review:

All relevant nursing practice experience
Results of the NCAS assessment report
Any other experience working in the Canadian health care system
Continuing education in nursing
Consolidation of knowledge
Any periods of non-practice

English language proficiency

If English is not the primary language you use for reading, writing, listening, and speaking, you will be required to demonstrate your English language proficiency. If there is any indication during the assessment of your application your proficiency is not conducive to safe practice, we may require an English language test. When assessing your English language proficiency, BCCNM reviews:

Your first language.
Language test results (if taken).
Information from your nursing education institution.
Information from your employer(s).
Additional evidence of English proficiency (i.e. references from regulated health professionals)

Internationally-educated nurse

​​​Funding and other support available for internationally educated nurses

Did you apply to BCCNM before January 31, 2023?

Important information before you apply

How to apply

​​​​Assessing your application

Funding and other support available for internationally educated nurses

Assessing your application