Updated 2021
Dear Friends,
For the past few days I have been scouring the internet and the 22 nursing licensure bodies websites and Facebook pages looking for information for you. Today I found a post by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia, (Now BCCNM as of 2020), posted July 15, 2014. Although some of the information has already been given on this blog, there is additional information provided, and a wonderful graphic on the IEN registration pathway with both NNAS and CRNBC/BCCNM.
NOTE
When it comes to the graphic:
- The NNAS process, in blue, is universal, but
- The process of each individual provincial college of nursing is different.
- Thus, your application may or may not be to BCCNM, in green, but even if you are applying to CARNA, CNO or another provincial college of nursing this pathway will be the same.
What will be different is the follow up steps required of the provincial college to which you are applying. (These processes have not changed with the opening of NNAS.)
Here is their post from 2014. With the recent changes in 2020, this post is no longer available online but the information is still sound.
Kim
New application process for Internationally Educated Nurses
On Aug. 12, 2014 the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) will begin reviewing initial applications, by IENs, for registration.
What Does This Mean To Internationally Educated Nurses?
If you are an internationally educated nurse and you want to apply to CRNBC on or after August 12th, you will be directed to the NNAS. After your file is complete with NNAS, you will apply to CRNBC. Your next steps will then include the Substantially Equivalent Competency Assessment and national nursing exam (as needed).
Apply To The National Nursing Assessment Service If You:
- graduated from a nursing education program outside of Canada; and
- are not registered to practise anywhere in Canada as a registered nurse (RN).
Apply For Registration In 6 Steps (Enlarge for a better view)
Dear Kim 
Hi Kim. Do you think it would be wiser to take the CELBAN or IELTS-AV? And take it before or during the NNAS application process? Thanks.
Dear B,
It has been some time since you asked.
What did you decide?
Did you read the posts to discover that yes, it is best to get your English score before applying to NNAS? That way you will save money and have more time. If you apply to NNAS, you will have to pay a fee, and submit your results within the year. But if you do not get the required score, in that time, you will need to pay another fee to keep your file open. https://www.nnas.ca/?s=fees
Kim
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