College of Registered Nurse in Ontario-Canada-CNO-Licensure application process for Internationally Educated Nurses:

Your Complete Guide to CNO (Ontario) Nursing Registration – Updated for 2025

By Shincy George, Founder – NursingManthra

• Registered nurses
• Registered Practical nurse or Licensed Practical nurse

Steps of application:

1. Obtain NNAS advisory report/WES/ICAS
2. Identity -2
3. Nursing Education -Verification forms, transcripts, course description
4. Nursing Registration-Verification forms from all jurisdiction where you have been registered as a nurse.
5. Employment -Verification forms from organizations where you have worked or volunteered within the past 5 years
6. Language proficiency test results
7. NNAS will send completed file to CNO. Then you will receive mail for applying to CNO.
8. CNO application fee. CNO will review application and inform next steps
9. Within 15 working days will approve for NCLEX RN examination for RN, REX-PN-for practical nurse, Nurse practitioner (NP) exams, CNPE
10. Jurisprudence examination -written online within 24 hours
11. Next NCLEX examination (NGN) -5 days result will be uploaded in application, 15 days from another jurisdiction
12. Initial registration and first year member ship fee payment
13. Police criminal record check
14. Completing registration process can take around 3-18 months.
15. Police criminal record check –upto 5 days
16. CNO confirms applicant is eligible for registration , once all requirements met
17. Applicant becomes registered to practice in Ontario after fully completing the registration requirements and paying fees online.

If you’re an internationally educated nurse looking to practice in Ontario, Canada, understanding the registration process with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is crucial. Starting April 1, 2025, CNO has updated its education and registration requirements for Registered Nurses (RN) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPN). This blog breaks down everything you need to know in simple terms.

Step-by-Step Flow: Meeting the Education Requirement

To meet CNO’s education requirement, you need to show that within the last two years, you have completed:

1. A nursing education program (bachelor’s/diploma) in English or French with clinical practice, in any country; OR
2. Additional specialty courses or programs in English or French with clinical hours; OR
3. A health care/support program in English or French within Canada.

If you do not meet any of the above, CNO checks if you have:

• Recent nursing experience in English or French healthcare settings;
• OR support work experience in healthcare in Canada;
• OR recent registration within Canada;
• OR a valid language test (OET/IELTS etc.).

If any of these apply, you meet the requirement.

What Education Is Required?

For RN Applicants:

• A baccalaureate (Bachelor’s) degree in nursing.

For RPN Applicants:

• A diploma in nursing from a recognized institution.

CNO accepts:

• CNO-approved Ontario nursing programs.
• Programs from other countries if equivalent to Canadian standards.

If your program is not equivalent, CNO will offer options:

• Education Pathway (including 400-hour clinical + transition course).
• Competency Assessment (RN: OSCE / RPN: CAS).

You can begin the Transition to Practice Course immediately, and the other components will follow.

If you’re already doing gap-filler courses, you can use them until December 31, 2025.

Approved Credential Assessments (for Foreign Nurses)

Before applying, get your credentials verified through one of these providers:

• World Education Services (WES)
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)

CNO will start your application only after:

• Receiving your credential report from the ECA provider.
• Payment of the initial application fee.

Practice Requirement (Within 3 Years)

CNO needs proof of nursing practice within the past 3 years. This can include:

• Job roles (RN, instructor, researcher)
• Type of facility (hospital, long-term care)
• Population served (pediatrics, geriatrics)
• Proof of license in that country

If you haven’t practiced recently:

• 3-10 years ago: 400 clinical hours + refresher theory courses
• 10-15 years ago: 600 clinical hours + expanded course content

English or French Language Proficiency

You must provide proof of proficiency through:

• OET / IELTS / CELBAN exams (must meet CNO scores)
• Education or experience in English/French-speaking health systems

CNO accepts:

• Language test reports from the last two years.

Mandatory Exams

1. NCLEX-RN for RN applicants
2. REx-PN for RPN applicants
3. Jurisprudence Exam for all applicants (on laws, ethics, standards in Ontario)
   • Done online at your convenience

Timelines, Fees, and Important Tips

• Registration can take up to 12 months (depends on document speed)
• Criminal record check must be less than 6 months old
• Annual registration fee is not pro-rated (valid until Dec 31 each year)
• If your documents show a different name than your application, include legal proof

Note: If no progress is shown for 2 years, your application will be closed. You will need to start over with new fees and documents.

When Documents Cannot Be Obtained from Source

If you can’t get required documents due to closure, war, or refugee status:

• Contact CNO. They will guide you with alternate procedures.

FEES:

Registered Nurse-General:

We at NursingManthra are here to guide you through each step — credential assessment, document collection and application and NCLEX preparation. Let us simplify your journey to becoming a licensed nurse in Ontario.

Ready to practice in Ontario? Let’s make it happen together!

For further information or assistance with this process, please feel free to reach out to Nursing Manthra via WhatsApp (+971 502 515 717) or click the link below: