Internationally Educated Nurses
Colllege of Nurses Of The Northwest and Nunavut
Are you an internationally educated nurse (IEN) looking to become licensed in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut? Your registration pathway depends on your nursing education, practice history, and qualifications. Read carefully to determine which pathway applies to you before beginning your application. If you are unsure, contact CNNN before proceeding.
Which pathway applies to you?
There are three pathways to registration for internationally educated nurses. Select each to learn more.
1Practice CurrencyFor curses with recent practice in an approved jurisdiction
Practice CurrencyFor curses with recent practice in an approved jurisdiction
Requirements
- Minimum 1,125 hours of nursing practice in the past five years, or 450 hours in the past two years
- Practice must have occurred in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom
- You must meet all general registration requirements including English language proficiency, verification of registration, and criminal record check
Next Step
If you meet the practice hours requirement, contact CNNN to begin your Initial Registration application. You do not need to complete an Inspire assessment.
2Canadian Nursing Bridging ProgramFor nurses who have completed an approved bridging program
Canadian Nursing Bridging ProgramFor nurses who have completed an approved bridging program
Requirements
- You must have completed a Canadian nursing bridging program approved by the regulatory body in the province or territory where it is offered
- You must meet all general registration requirements
Next Step
Contact CNNN to confirm your bridging program qualifies and to begin your Initial Registration application.
3Inspire Global AssessmentFor nurses who do not meet practice hours or bridging program requirements
Inspire Global AssessmentFor nurses who do not meet practice hours or bridging program requirements
If you do not meet the practice hours requirement and have not completed an approved bridging program, you will be required to complete a competency assessment through Inspire Global Assessments before being eligible for registration. You must be referred by CNNN before contacting Inspire.
Step-by-Step Process
1
Apply to CNNN
You must be referred by CNNN before beginning the Inspire assessment. Submit the following to CNNN:
You must be referred by CNNN before beginning the Inspire assessment. Submit the following to CNNN:
- Complete the IEN – Inspire Global Assessment Application Form
- Upload valid government-issued photo ID (and legal name change documents if applicable)
- Complete the Inspire Application Payment Authorization Form and pay the application fee: $2,415.00 ($2,300.00 + $115.00 GST)
Once submitted, CNNN will review your documents and refer you to Inspire Global Assessments.
2
Assessment by Inspire Global Assessments
After referral, you will receive a welcome email from Inspire with login instructions. You will be guided through a three-stage assessment process:
After referral, you will receive a welcome email from Inspire with login instructions. You will be guided through a three-stage assessment process:
- Document Submission — Complete the Inspire application, submit notarized identity documents, educational credentials, and proof of English language proficiency, and pay the assessment fee
- Competency Assessment — Complete a Computer-Based Assessment (CBA) and Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA) through your Inspire account
- Reporting and Completion — Inspire creates a performance report based on your results and submits it to CNNN
Many steps can be completed simultaneously. Note: the assessment involves an in-person Simulation Lab component.
3
Decision Process
Inspire will send a completed report to CNNN. The Registration Committee will review it and make a recommendation to the Registrar on your eligibility for licensure.
Inspire will send a completed report to CNNN. The Registration Committee will review it and make a recommendation to the Registrar on your eligibility for licensure.
4
Final Steps for Licensure
If deemed eligible, you must:
If deemed eligible, you must:
- Submit a formal application for registration
- Provide any additional required documentation
- Pay the registration fee
Licensing typically takes 5–7 business days once all documents are received and approved.
⚠️ Important It is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate immigration status to complete any transitional education required and to work legally in Canada. CNNN cannot provide immigration advice.
Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Support — PASS Program
The PASS Program is a free national resource for internationally educated nurses preparing to work in Canada. It is not a requirement for registration with CNNN, but many IENs find it helpful for navigating the Canadian health care system and licensing process. It is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and administered by CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses.
The PASS Program can help you:
The PASS Program can help you:
- Understand nursing regulations across Canada
- Learn how the Canadian health care system works
- Develop nursing-specific language skills
- Connect with nurse mentors and build a professional network
- Understand the process of foreign credential recognition and licensing
- Find non-regulated health care roles while working toward your licence
Not sure which pathway applies to you?
Contact CNNN before beginning your application. We can help you determine the right pathway based on your qualifications and practice history.
