Canada has many Filipino nurses in its hospitals and care homes, and many of them started by registering in one province. There is no national nursing licence. Each province has its own regulator, and each sets its own steps. Immigration is a separate process run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This guide follows the common route in order. Every fee and rule below comes from an official page named next to it, and was checked on 31 Oct 2026. Some official pages did not open for us when we checked. Where that happened, we used the same official sources that our Canada guide for Indian nurses checked on the same day, and we say so. Open the link before you pay anything.
Quick summary
| Stage | Who runs it | What it costs (official source) |
|---|---|---|
| Credential review | NNAS Expedited Service | CAD 750 main application for RN and LPN, with CAD 115 per page for document translation (NNAS fees) |
| Provincial registration | Your chosen regulator | Fees differ by province. Check your regulator's fee page |
| English test | Test provider, chosen by your regulator | Minimum scores depend on the test (CNO language tests) |
| NCLEX-RN | NCSBN and Pearson VUE | CAD 360 plus local taxes in Canada; CAD 150 extra for testing outside Canada (NCLEX fees). From 1 February 2027 the Canadian fee rises to CAD 570 (NCSBN, via Pulse) |
| Express Entry | IRCC | Check the current fee list before you pay (IRCC fee list) |
Step 1: Choose your province
Pick the province before you pay for anything, because each one has its own route. Think about where you have family, which job market suits you and which regulator's steps fit your training. NNAS lists the regulators that use its Expedited Service: Alberta, British Columbia (RN and LPN only), Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan (NNAS Expedited Service).
Step 2: Get your credentials assessed
NNAS Expedited Service. You apply once and choose one or more participating regulators. NNAS checks your documents and releases an Advisory Report within five business days of receiving all of them. Most documents must come directly from third parties, such as your school and your licensing body, not from you. Start those requests early (NNAS process).
Watch this notice. On 30 October 2026, NNAS posted an update about a "CES wind-down" that may affect some applications. It says NNAS is working on an alternative for affected applicants (NNAS update). If you have an open file, read this notice and contact NNAS before you pay for anything new.
Other routes. Some regulators, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), use approved credential assessment providers instead of NNAS. Check your regulator's own page for the route it accepts.
Step 3: Meet your regulator's requirements
Each regulator has its own list. The Ontario list is a useful example. CNO asks RN applicants for a nursing baccalaureate, evidence of nursing practice within the past three years, the NCLEX-RN, the RN jurisprudence exam, English or French proficiency, proof of the right to work in Canada, a declaration of past offences and a police check (CNO next steps).
Before you pay for a full assessment, check that your degree and years of study match the regulator's requirement. CNO accepts nursing education recognised in any jurisdiction, but says RN applicants need a bachelor degree (CNO news).
Step 4: Pass your English test
CNO accepts these tests, with these minimum scores (CNO language tests):
| Test | Writing | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELBAN | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | n/a |
| IELTS (General Training or Academic) | 6.5 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 | 7 |
| OET | C+ (320) | B (350) | B (350) | C+ (330) | n/a |
| PTE Academic | 68 | 75 | 73 | 66 | n/a |
You must meet every score in one complete attempt, except an IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days. Results must be recent (CNO's rule is within two years). CELBAN is a nursing-specific English test. Check which tests your chosen regulator accepts before you book.
Tip: Express Entry accepts only IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core for English (IRCC language tests). If you plan to use Express Entry, one IELTS General Training sitting that meets your regulator's scores can serve both purposes.
Step 5: Write the NCLEX-RN
Your regulator tells you when you can register. The NCLEX-RN fee in Canada is CAD 360 plus local taxes. Testing outside Canada adds a CAD 150 international scheduling fee. Fees are non-refundable (NCLEX fees). Confirm with your regulator when you are eligible to register.
Step 6: Immigration
Registration in Canada needs the right to work there, either as a citizen, a permanent resident or someone with authorisation under Canada's immigration law. One common route is Express Entry. Its category-based draws include a healthcare category, and registered nurses are on its list. You need at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or the equal in part-time work, in one listed occupation within the past three years (IRCC category-based selection).
From 3 November 2026, Express Entry gives extra points for some Canadian work experience and for qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations. A qualifying job offer no longer needs a labour market impact assessment (LMIA). IRCC says it will publish the list of high-wage occupations (IRCC news, October 2026). The release does not mention nurses by name, so check the list when it is published.
If you are invited, you have 60 days to apply, with police certificates, proof of funds and a medical exam by an approved panel physician (IRCC apply for PR).
Typical timeline
| Stage | What the official source says | Planning range |
|---|---|---|
| NNAS Expedited Service | Advisory Report within 5 business days of all documents | Weeks to months, mostly waiting for documents |
| Provincial registration | Ontario: about 12 months (CNO estimate) | 1 year or more |
| NCLEX-RN preparation and pass | No official figure | 2 to 6 months of study |
| Express Entry | 60 days to apply after an invitation | Depends on draws |
Common mistakes and scams to avoid
- Paying before choosing a province. The routes differ, and some fees cannot be refunded.
- Sending documents yourself when a school or the PRC must send them. NNAS needs most records sent direct from the source.
- Mixing up IELTS versions. Express Entry wants IELTS General Training. Your regulator may accept Academic.
- Letting someone else use your portal. Never give a consultant or prep service your login or let them submit for you.
- Buying a "guaranteed" job or Express Entry invitation. Nobody can sell you an invitation.
- Unregistered agents. Ask any agency for its licence and check it with the Department of Migrant Workers. You can also run it through our fake-agent checker.
Practise free
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FAQ
Is NNAS needed in every province? No. Ontario uses approved credential assessment providers. Some other regulators use NNAS. Check your regulator's page first.
Can I write the NCLEX-RN from the Philippines? Testing outside Canada adds a CAD 150 international scheduling fee. Check the testing locations on the NCLEX website before you book.
Which English test should I take? Take the test your regulator accepts. If you plan to use Express Entry, one IELTS General Training sitting that meets your regulator's scores can cover both.
Does Express Entry still include nurses? IRCC's category-based selection page lists registered nurses (NOC 31301) under healthcare. The November 2026 changes do not name nurses, so check IRCC's published lists.