20/04/2023
Over the coming weeks, NSCN will implement a new ‘first in Canada’ approach to registration and licensure that will establish a fast and predictable pathway to licensure in Nova Scotia.
Registered nurses who demonstrate good standing and good character and are currently licensed in the Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand or a Canadian Province or Territory are eligible for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia immediately with no additional requirements other than passing the registration exam, if not already done so.
The changes take effect on:
March 29, 2023 for qualifying registered nurses holding current licensure in any Canadian province or territory; and
May 1, 2023, for qualifying registered nurses holding current licensure in Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Nurses licensed in these jurisdictions will be able to apply directly to NSCN for RN licensure without applying to NNAS.
Eligibility Criteria
Have current licensure in good standing as a registered nurse with one of the designated jurisdictions listed above.
Current licensure means you hold a practising licence that entitles you to practice as a registered nurse. If you are not currently licensed in one of the seven designated countries, you are not eligible for this process.
Good standing means you are not subject to any outstanding complaints with your current regulator; and there are no prohibitions, conditions, agreements or restrictions on your licence or registration with your current regulator that would prevent registration with NSCN.
Application Process
Complete an NSCN application. This will be available on May 1, 2023.
Submit two pieces of identification. Options include a birth certificate, passport, nexus card, driver’s license, Canadian government-issued ID, citizenship card (Canadian or International), etc. Notarization of these documents is not required.
Arrange for Verification of Registration (VOR) from your current regulatory body to be submitted directly to NSCN. We can use the VOR in your National Nursing Assessment Services (NNAS) Advisory Report if you have one with NSCN (port your report to NSCN if you have not already done so), or we can use an online search tool if your current regulatory body has one available. We will advise you if these are not available, and you will be required to arrange for your current regulatory body to submit a Registration/Licensure Verification form directly to NSCN.
Submit proof of English Language Proficiency, if required
For nurses from outside of Canada, arrange for a criminal record check(s) (CRC) to be submitted directly to NSCN. We will advise you if you need a Canadian CRC, International CRC, or both.
All applicants must successfully take the NCLEX-RN (if not already done so), however, they may also be eligible to enter practice with conditional licence (CL) while attempting the exam.
Fee
Fees are under review.
