Canada is facing a healthcare worker shortage, leading to longer wait times and staff burnout. To address this, Canada has made it easier for internationally educated nurses (IENs) to get accredited. IENs must be licensed by a provincial nursing college, which varies by province.
The process starts with an assessment by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), except in Quebec and the territories. Nova Scotia has streamlined the accreditation for nurses from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
Alberta is investing in training for IENs, and British Columbia is covering assessment fees. Ontario has eased registration rules. A new expedited service by NNAS now promises faster credential reports to help IENs begin work sooner.
