Canadian RNs

Requirements for Licensure

• If English is not your primary language, proof of English language proficiency is required.
• Completed an approved nursing education program in Canada or approved by another Canadian jurisdiction.
• Official proof of most recent RN registration in Canada
• Reference from the most recent nurse manager or supervisor who is familiar with your practice
• Proof of legal name (original or certified copy of birth certificate, government-issued photo ID and marriage certificate, if applicable)
• Demonstrate evidence of practice in the last 3 years
  • Recent graduate from an approved nursing program or,
  • Wrote and passed the NCLEX-RN, or
  • Worked in approved nursing activities
• Current Canadian Criminal Record Check
• Submit your application for RN eligibility along with applicable fees

As we assess your application, we will send you updates through the application in your Applicant Portal and will let you know if we need more information to complete the assessment. Check your Applicant Portal regularly to view what documents are required and/or outstanding

Licensure Process

Complete the Online Assessment for RN Eligibility with the CRNS.

Upload a clear copy of your birth certificate and current government-issued photo ID (and any applicable name change documents).

Obtain a current Canadian Criminal Record Check (issued withing six months of application) from the local police force where you live.

• If your local authorities require a signed and dated letter from the CRNS, contact register@crns.ca to request this. Please include your name and application number.

Obtain a current International Criminal Records Check if you have worked outside the country in the last 10 years. You can use an online service such as CSISCREENING.COM

If English is not your first language, you can demonstrate English proficiency by:

• Successful completion of one of the following approved tests of English within the last two years: Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) or International English Language System (IELTS  ) Academic Version. Or,
• If you have been employed in an English-speaking role (Care Aide, Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse) for at least one (1) year, Complete the Consent for Employer Attestation of English Language Proficiency Form and upload it into your application under English Proficiency Exam Result. The CRNS will process this form on your behalf.
• Provide evidence of successful completion of a Canadian RN re-entry program.

If you are educated internationally or educated in Canada and currently licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction, you will need to verify your current/most recent registration and licensure from the province in Canada where you now hold RN registration and licensure.

• Please Complete the Verification of Current or Most Recent Registration/Licensure Form and send it to the registration body of the province or country where you have most recently registered as an RN. You may have to submit verification(s) of registration(s) from jurisdictions where you have previously been registered if we require this information to establish a complete registration history.

Complete the Consent Form to Obtain Employment Verification Information and upload it to your Applicant Portal. You must provide an employer reference from your most recent nursing employment. The CRNS will process this requirement on your behalf.

Next Steps

CRNS will begin assessing your application once we have received your application fees and all required documents.

As we assess your application, we will send you updates through the Application Portal and let you know if we need more information to complete the assessment. Check your applicant portal regularly to view the required and/or outstanding documents.

Once your application for RN Eligibility has been approved, you will be sent a link to pay for the annual RN licensure fees  .

Regulations and entry requirements are subject to bylaw and policy changes.

If you have questions, contact register@crns.ca.