International Nurse Not Currently Licensed in Canada

You have reached this page because you are an international nurse not currently licensed in Canada and are seeking registration and licensure in Nova Scotia. 

Step One:

Before you begin the application process, on behalf of our provincial partners, you are invited to participate in a survey to help match you to comprehensive immigration, settlement, and employment supports in Nova Scotia that are tailored to your specific needs.

The survey is managed by Nova Scotia’s International Community of Health Workers Engagement (NICHE) program at Nova Scotia Health and is intended to collect information about the type of support you may need. 

Your information will remain confidential and used by provincial partners to inform a personalized support plan for you.

NSCN is providing you with this information on behalf of NICHE. Please contact the NICHE team at niche@nshealth.ca with any questions or if you require any assistance with the survey.

Click this link to start the survey: Nova Scotia's New Application Pathway for Nurses from Seven Countries.

Once you complete the survey, please see step two to begin the NSCN application process.

Step Two: 

There are two licensure pathways available:

  • The expedited pathway: You are an international nurse who is registered and holds a current licence that entitles you to practice as an RN in the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Australia, US, UK or New Zealand
  • The non-expedited pathway: You are an international nurse who does not hold a current licence to practice as an RN in Canada or the seven designated countries 

​​​​​​​Please note: NSCN is not affiliated with any international nurse recruitment agency or people offering expedited licensing for an additional fee. Nova Scotia Health (NSH) is also not working with any international nurse recruitment agency or people offering expedited licensing or employment pathway into NSH for an additional fee. Please know that you are working directly with NSCN or NSH and there are no charges or fees to be paid to any external agencies or person.

 To apply for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia, please answer the below question to determine what pathway you are eligible for. 

Are you currently registered and licensed in good standing as an RN in the Philippines, Nigeria, India, USA, UK, Australia, or New Zealand?

YES NO