Frequently asked questions

Apply

Do I need to apply to Inspire Global Assessments before I apply to BCCNM?

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• To work through the registration process as quickly as possible, we recommend that you apply and complete the requirements for BCCNM and Inspire at the same time.

I'm not currently living in Canada. Can I apply?

We strongly recommend that you have the permits required to legally work in Canada before you apply to BCCNM to avoid delays in processing your application.

I have/will have an NNAS report. Can I still apply?

Yes. NNAS advisory reports are no longer required, but they will continue to be accepted.

Costs and financial support

How much can I expect the registration process to cost?

• There is a full list of estimated registration process costs on the IEN application page under "Important information before you apply".
• The Inspire Global Assessments application and BCCNM application have no cost for applicants due to funding from the Government of B.C.
  
• ​If you sign up for the B.C. government's Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program, the NCAS competency assessment fee will be paid by the Government of B.C. Other fees will be paid back to you.

What is the Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program? 

The Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program provides financial support to offset the costs of becoming registered as a nurse in British Columbia. Visit www.nursingjobsbc.ca ​to apply for the Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program, and learn about other services and supports available to you through Health Match BC​.

Do I have to apply to the Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program in order to go through the new registration process? 

You do not have to apply to the bursary program in order to apply for registration in B.C. However, you do need to sign a return of service form with the Government of B.C. in order to have the competency assessment costs removed and to have other fees related to the registration process returned to you. Visit www.nursingjobsbc.ca​ for more information. 

The registration process

Will my nursing employment still need to be verified?

Yes. Your current and previous employers will need to provide information about your employment history directly to BCCNM. When it is time to collect this information, we will send you the forms that need to be completed by the employers.

Will I have to do a competency assessment?

Competency assessments will continue to be used to review your current nursing skills against the competencies  needed for nursing practice in B.C. Inspire Global Assessments (formerly NCAS) will review your application and documents and decide if a competency assessment is required. Most internationally educated nurses will need to complete a competency assessment. Learn more about the competency assessment on Inspire's website. 

​How is English language proficiency assessed​?

Please visit Inspire Gobal Assessment's website for more information on English language proficiency requirements.​
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