Expedited Licensing Process for Nurses Licensed in Designated Jurisdictions

Over the coming weeks, NSCN will implement a new ‘first in Canada’ approach to registration and licensure that will establish a fast and predictable pathway to licensure in Nova Scotia.

Registered nurses who demonstrate good standing and good character and are currently licensed in the Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand or a Canadian Province or Territory are eligible for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia immediately with no additional requirements other than passing the registration exam, if not already done so.

The changes take effect on:

• March 29, 2023 for qualifying registered nurses holding current licensure in any Canadian province or territory; and
• May 1, 2023, for qualifying registered nurses holding current licensure in Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Nurses licensed in these jurisdictions will be able to apply directly to NSCN for RN licensure without applying to NNAS.

Eligibility Criteria

• Have current licensure in good standing with one of the designated jurisdictions listed above.

Application Process

1. Complete an NSCN application.
2. Submit two pieces of identification.
3. Arrange for Verification of Registration (VOR) from your current regulatory body to be submitted directly to NSCN.
4. Submit proof of English Language Proficiency, if required
5. For nurses from outside of Canada, arrange for a criminal record check(s) (CRC) to be submitted directly to NSCN.

All applicants must successfully take the NCLEX-RN (if not already done so), however they may also be eligible to enter practice with conditional licence (CL) while attempting the exam.

Current Applicants

If you have already started applications with NSCN, we will reach out to you individually over the next three to four weeks and provide you an update on your application. We know this is important to you and thank you for your patience.

More Information

Details about the process will be added to the website over the coming weeks. In addition to adding information to the website, we have created a newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter in the space down below.