Initial Registration Application
Colllege of Nurses Of The Northwest and Nunavut
Internationally educated nurse (IEN)? Your registration pathway is different. Please visit the IEN page for details on the Inspire Global Assessments process.
Who is this for?
This application is for registered nurses registering with CNNN for the first time, including nurses currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction and graduates of a Canadian nursing program.
Who is this for?
This application is for licensed practical nurses registering with CNNN for the first time, including nurses currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction and graduates of a Canadian LPN program.
Who is this for?
This application is for nurse practitioners registering with CNNN for the first time, including nurses currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction, CNNN-registered RNs adding an NP designation, and graduates of a Canadian NP program.
Who is this for?
This application is for registered psychiatric nurses registering with CNNN for the first time, including nurses currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction and graduates of a Canadian RPN program.
Initial registration applications are completed through CNNN’s registration system. To begin your application, contact us at info@cannn.ca. We will create your account and guide you through the process.
Processing Time
10–15 business days once all requirements are received
Application Valid For
Six months from the date of initial application
Portal Access
Sign in through the Member Login to access your account. Computer required; phones and tablets not supported.
Requirements
1
Two pieces of government-issued ID in colour with a signature. At least one must include a photo.
2
Legal name change documentation, if applicable — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or notarized statutory declaration of legal name change.
3
Verification of Registration from all nursing jurisdictions where you are currently or were formerly registered, in any designation of nursing.
You are responsible for requesting this directly from each jurisdiction. CNNN does not request forms on your behalf.
You are responsible for requesting this directly from each jurisdiction. CNNN does not request forms on your behalf.
4
Form A2 – Evidence of Practice Hours, confirming a minimum of 1,125 hours in the past five years or 450 hours in the past two years.
Must be sent directly from your employer to CNNN. CNNN does not accept forms forwarded by applicants.
Must be sent directly from your employer to CNNN. CNNN does not accept forms forwarded by applicants.
5
Information Sharing Consent Form — grants permission to share registration status updates with your NT and/or NU employer.
Recommended but optional.
6
Criminal record check dated within the past six months.
English Language Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of the following:
- Graduation from an approved Canadian nursing program where theory and clinical instruction was delivered in English. Online or distance education programs are not accepted as evidence of fluency.
- Form D - Employer Confirmation of English Language Proficiency. Demonstrating safe practice in an English-speaking environment for the previous two years as a nurse in Canada.
- Previous registration with another Canadian jurisdiction where English language proficiency was confirmed, with continued practice in an English-speaking environment since that time.
- Successful completion within the past two years of one of the following approved tests — minimum scores below.
OET uses letter grades; C and C+ are distinct grades.
Additional Requirements for New Graduates
1
Evidence of successfully passing an entry-to-practice exam accepted by CNNN.
2
Transcript Request Form.
3
Form C – Instructor Reference Form, completed and submitted directly to CNNN by a nursing faculty member from your school of nursing.
Must come directly from the referee — not forwarded by the applicant.
Must come directly from the referee — not forwarded by the applicant.
Registration Manual
Review the Registration Manual for complete details on requirements, processes, and policies before applying.
New graduate waiting for exam results?
You may be eligible for a Graduate Nurse License to practise while you wait. Learn about eligibility, duration, and how to apply.
Waiting to write your exam?
A Temporary Nursing License may allow you to practise under certain conditions while completing your registration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the application process — from submitting documents to what happens after approval.
I submitted my application but can't sign in to view it — what's wrong?
Sign in to your account through the Member Login to view and track your application.
Ensure you are using a computer. Phones and tablets are not fully compatible with the registration system.
Ensure you are using a computer. Phones and tablets are not fully compatible with the registration system.
Can I send my completed forms directly to CNNN myself?
No. All forms must come directly from the source — your employer, nursing faculty member, or other regulatory body — to CNNN by email or fax. CNNN does not accept forms forwarded by applicants. This applies to Form A2, Form C, and Verifications of Registration.
Who can complete my employer forms?
Employer forms can be completed by your supervisor, manager, a nurse in charge, or a representative from human resources. If you worked through an agency, forms completed by the agency are accepted.
How long is my application valid?
Your application remains active for six months from the date you initially apply. Documents expire after six months and cannot be reused — CNNN requires current documentation to ensure an accurate picture of your practice.
How do I know what documents have been received?
Sign in to your account through the Member Login to track your application. As forms and documents are received, they are added to your file and marked as received. If you have questions about the status of a specific document, contact info@cannn.ca.
Once approved, do I have to pay my registration fee right away?
No — as long as your application is still valid (within six months of your initial application date), you can wait to pay. However, your registration will not become active until payment is received. You cannot practise until your registration is active.
Who requests my Verification of Registration from other jurisdictions?
You are responsible for requesting Verifications of Registration from all jurisdictions where you are currently or were formerly registered. CNNN does not request these on your behalf. Contact each jurisdiction directly and ask them to send the verification to CNNN.
How long does the application process take?
Once all requirements have been received and your application is complete, processing typically takes 10–15 business days. Incomplete applications cannot be processed — ensure all documents are in before expecting a decision.
