Applicants from the United States

• Evidence shows that nursing education and practice in the US is largely comparable to RN practice in Canada.
• Common systems (NURSYS) enable more efficient confirmation of registration history.
• US and Canadian jurisdictions both use the NCLEX-RN as the regulatory exam for RNs.

Important information before you apply​​

Immigration, visas + work permits

We strongly recommend that you start the immigration process before you apply to BCCNM to avoid delays once you are granted regsitration in British Columbia. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website or the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program ​for more information.​

​​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.

REGISTRATION Costs	Fees
BCCNM registration application	No cost to applicant Fee paid by Government of British Columbia
Competency assessment (if needed)	$3000 Eligible for reimbursement through IEN Bursary Program
BCCNM practising registration	$​737.30​
Professional liability protection	$123.00 or $55.00 Learn more​

How to apply

​​​​​1. Appl​y to BC​CNM

Create a BCCNM account (if you haven't already) and apply for practising registration​. US applicants do not need to apply to Inspire Global Assessments.

2. Confirmation of identify, employment, and registration

We will review your identification documents and confirm your registration history through NURSYS. We will also need your most recent employer(s) to confirm information about your practice. Registration Services will provide instructions and forms to send to employers. Forms must be sent to BCCNM directly from the employer or regulator and must be completed in English.

3. Competency assessment (if needed)

While most applicants from the United States will not have to complete a competency assessment, we will require an assessment if:

• You have not practiced at least 1,125 hours in the last five years as an RN in the United States; OR
• You have not completed an approved US RN nursing program in the last five years.
  

4. Practising registration + fees 

If you meet all requirements, you will be eligible for practising registration.  We will send you instructions to pay your registration fee. You are not authorized to practice as a nurse until you are listed in the online directory.

5. Familarize yourself with nursing practice in British Columbia

Nursing Scope, Professional Standards, and Practice Standards are slightly different in every Canadian jurisdiction. Please familiarize yourself with the following to ensure you understand the expectations related nursing practice is B.C.:

• Scope of Practice for Registered Nurses: Standards, Limits, Conditions
  
• Practice Standards for registered nurses. In particular, please ensure you review the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility and Anti-racism Practice Standard, which outlines how BCCNM registrants are to provide culturally safe and anti-racist care for Indigenous clients. 
  
• Professional Standards for registered nurses
  

Optional: To learn about the Canadian context of practice and health system, we recommend completion of one of the following online courses:

• Introduction to the Canadian Healthcare System & Nursing in Canada at Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Nursing in Canada: Legal, Ethical, and Equity Perspectives​ at the British Columbia Institute of Technology
  
  
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