How Long Does It Take to Become an LPN in Canada for International Nurses?

Overview

For most Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs), the full process takes 12 to 24 months. While some “Expedited Pathways” can shorten this to under a year, factors like credential gaps, language testing, and visa processing often extend the journey.

Step 1: NNAS Credential Verification (2–6 Months)

The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is the first stop for almost all IENs. They verify that your international education and license are authentic.

• Expedited Service: Launched recently, this service can provide an Advisory Report in as little as 5 business days once all documents are received.
• Regular Service: Can still take 3–6 months if your school or past employers are slow to send documents.
• Key Fact: You do not send documents yourself; they must come directly from your school, licensing body, and employers.

Step 2: Provincial Regulatory Application (2–4 Months)

Once NNAS issues your Advisory Report, you apply to a provincial regulator (e.g., BCCNM in BC, CNO in Ontario, or CLPNS in Saskatchewan).

• Assessment: The regulator decides if your education is “substantially equivalent” to a Canadian LPN program.
• The “Gap” Factor: If they find gaps, you may be required to complete bridging courses or a competency assessment (NCAS/IARC). This can add 6–12 months to your timeline.

Step 3: Proving Language Proficiency (1–3 Months)

Unless you were educated in a country where English or French is the primary language of instruction and native tongue, you must pass an approved test (like IELTS Academic, CELBAN, or TEF).

Pro-Tip: Many provinces now allow you to start your application before submitting language scores, but you cannot be licensed without them.

Step 4: The Licensing Exam (Dates Vary)

The exam you take depends on where you want to work:

• REx-PN: Required for Ontario and British Columbia. This is a “Computer Adaptive Test” available year-round with no attempt limits.
• CPNRE: Required for most other provinces (e.g., Alberta, Manitoba, NB). This is a fixed-window exam offered several times a year.

Step 5: Jurisprudence Exam & Final Registration (2–4 Weeks)

Before the final license is issued, you must pass a short, open-book “Jurisprudence Exam” regarding the laws and ethics of nursing in that specific province.

Total Estimated Timeline

Stage	Estimated Time
Document Gathering & NNAS	3–6 Months
Provincial Review & Language Testing	3–6 Months
Bridging/Competency Assessment (If required)	6–12 Months
Exam Prep & Writing	2–4 Months
Total	12–24 Months

What Can Delay Your Progress?

• Document Delays: Waiting for your home country’s nursing board to verify your license is the #1 cause of delays.
• The “Currency of Practice” Rule: If you haven’t practiced as a nurse in the last 3–5 years, you will almost certainly be required to take additional schooling.
• Translation Needs: If your documents aren’t in English or French, certified translation adds cost and time.

How to Move Faster

1. Use the NNAS Expedited Service: If you are eligible, it cuts months off the initial verification.
2. Apply for a “Conditional License”: Some provinces (like Nova Scotia) allow you to work under supervision as a “Graduate Practical Nurse” while you wait to write your final exam.
3. Start Language Prep Early: Don’t wait until the end to take your IELTS/CELBAN; these slots fill up fast.