Licensing route

Credential assessment and CNO registration for internationally educated nurses

College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO); approved credential assessment providers

The route for nurses educated outside Canada to become registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Good for: I am already a nurse from another country. What should I do before paying for another degree?

Where do I start? ↓

Checked October 24, 2026 How we check information

At a glance

Delivery: Online
Cost: Confirm cost with provider
Who can access it: Credential assessment does not address immigration; check IRCC separately.
Intake: Ongoing enquiries or individual applications

You cannot practise as a nurse in Ontario until CNO registers you.

01 / Start here

Your first steps

Choose a provider from CNO's approved credential assessment list and request your documents from your school.
Once CNO has your assessment report, apply to CNO.

Individual applications; no cohort.

Visit provider ↗

02 / Check the fit

Requirements and limits

Have your nursing education verified by a CNO-approved credential assessment provider: WES, ICAS or ICES (BCIT). CNO also accepts NNAS expedited reports.
CNO must receive the assessment report before you apply.
Apply to CNO; CNO may direct you to the registration exam or to further education.
Language proficiency, jurisprudence and other assessments may apply.

Credential assessment does not address immigration; check IRCC separately.

Important limits and details to confirm

You cannot practise as a nurse in Ontario until CNO registers you.
CNO only accepts assessments from providers on its approved list.
CNO does not register Registered Psychiatric Nurses.

Location

Ontario; credential assessment can be started from abroad.

03 / Understand the commitment

Costs and possible funding

Each assessment provider sets its own fee; the NNAS main application is $750 CAD. The CNO application fee is separate. Exam, jurisprudence and language test fees may apply.

Ontario Health nursing registration fee reimbursement (reimbursement, conditional external lead).

04 / Check with the provider

Sources and where to get help

Use the provider’s official starting page to ask about your situation. Published information was checked on October 24, 2026; the provider must confirm current availability and personal eligibility.