Last Updated on April 22, 2022
Do you wish to register for a Nursing certificate and license in Canada? NNAS Online is a secure service that allows you to manage your registration online.


The National Nursing Assessment Service NNAS offers an easy way for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) to submit documents that allow them to register as nurses in Canada. NNAS has a contract with the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Their role is to:
- Receive and store all documents submitted by IENs.
- Ensure they are real.
- Make sure that they meet Canadian standards.
- Certify that each nurse’s file has all of the documents needed before they are sent to the Canadian nursing regulatory bodies.
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Who must apply to NNAS?
Any IEN who wishes to work as a nurse in Canada must set up an account with NNAS before submitting an application.
- You are eligible if you:
- Wish to work as a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or RegisteredPsychiatric Nurse (RPN) in Canada.
- Have received college or university nursing education outside of Canada.
- Have never registered to work as a nurse in Canada before.
There are two exceptions. You do not have to set up an account with NNAS if:
- You have already worked as a nurse in Canada.
- You completed your nursing education at a Canadian school.
NNAS Online Application Procedure
There are six steps that must be followed in order:
1. Set up an online account with NNAS.
2. Complete the online application.
3. Pay the required fee.
4. Follow the instructions regarding which documents to submit for verification.
5. Once you complete your file, NNAS will evaluate it and give you access to an Advisory Report which contains your evaluation. A copy of the report will be sent to the appropriate regulatory body.
6. Apply to the regulatory body of your choice and pay their application fee from your NNAS online account.
Note: The regulatory body, not NNAS, will determine if you are eligible to register. The regulatory body will also decide if you need additional assessments or will have to take additional courses. The regulatory body makes the final decision about your registration or licensure. If you need to pay additional fees, contact the regulatory body to find out the amount.
How long does the application process take?
The application process may take up to 12 months to complete. How long it will take depends on:
1. When NNAS receives all of your required information and acceptable documents.
2. When you have successfully completed a language proficiency test (if required).
3. When your documents have been translated (if needed).
Note: Your application will be active for up to 12 months. Once you receive your Advisory Report, you can apply to the regulatory body in the province of your choice. You may require more assessments and courses depending on the regulatory body you choose as they each have their own requirements and timelines for registration. It could take up to another 12 months for a decision to be made.
How to Check NNAS Application Status
There are two ways to check on your application status.
1. Log in to your NNAS online account.
2. Call NNAS Customer Care toll-free at 1-855-977-1898. If the toll-free number doesn’t work in your area, call 1-215-329-9340. You will be able to speak with a representative in either English or French.
Note: When you learn that your Advisory Report is complete, you can you use your online account to apply to the regulatory body in the province of your choice. For further questions, you can contact that regulatory body directly.