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Last updated on : 09/03/2026

Canada continues to recruit internationally educated nurses (IENs) to address healthcare workforce shortages. One of the provinces actively welcoming foreign-trained nurses is Newfoundland and Labrador.

International nurses can apply for licensure as:

Registered Nurse (RN) through the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) through the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CLPNNL)

This guide explains the complete RN and LPN registration process, eligibility requirements, documents required, application steps, exams, fees, salary, and immigration pathways for internationally educated nurses.

Official authority websites:

CRNNL–https://crnnl.ca/registration-renewal/registration/internationally-educated-nurse-ien/

CLPNNL–https://clpnnl.ca

Overview of Nursing Licensure in Newfoundland and Labrador
RN and LPN Registration Process – Quick Summary
Eligibility Requirements for Internationally Educated Nurses
Documents Required for RN and LPN Applications
Step-by-Step RN Registration Process (CRNNL)
Step-by-Step LPN Registration Process (CLPNNL)
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Nursing Registration Exams (NCLEX-RN and CPNRE)
Criminal Record Check Requirements
Temporary License for LPN Applicants
Total Fees for the Entire Process
RN and LPN Salary in Newfoundland and Labrador
Immigration Pathways for Nurses
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
About the Author

Overview of Nursing Licensure in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, nursing practice is regulated by two professional authorities.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Regulatory body
College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL)

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Regulatory body
College of Licensed Practical Nurses Newfoundland & Labrador (CLPNNL)

Authority contact information:

College of Licensed Practical Nurses Newfoundland & Labrador
209 Blackmarsh Road
St. John’s, NL A1E 1T1

Phone: 709-579-3843
Email: [email protected]

RN and LPN Registration Process – At a Glance

Stage	Process
Step 1	Apply through NNAS
Step 2	Credential verification and advisory report
Step 3	Apply to CRNNL (RN) or CLPNNL (LPN)
Step 4	Submit documents and identification
Step 5	Competency assessment
Step 6	English language verification
Step 7	Criminal record check
Step 8	Write licensing exam (NCLEX-RN or CPNRE)
Step 9	Receive license and begin practice

Eligibility Requirements for Internationally Educated Nurses

International applicants must meet the following criteria.

Nursing Education

Applicants must complete a recognized nursing education program equivalent to Canadian nursing education.

Current Nursing License

Applicants must hold a valid nursing license in their home country or another jurisdiction.

Good Standing

The regulatory body must confirm that the applicant has no disciplinary restrictions.

Nursing Practice Experience

Applicants may need to demonstrate recent nursing practice within the last five years.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate English language ability through education, experience, or approved language tests.

Criminal Record Check

Applicants must provide a Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Check.

Documents Required for RN and LPN Applications

Internationally educated nurses must submit several documents during the application process.

Identification Documents

Two government-issued identification documents must be submitted.

One must include:

• Photo
• Signature

Accepted identification examples:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Driver’s license
• Citizenship card
• Permanent resident card
• Immigration card

Important notes:

• Documents must be clear color copies
• Each identification document must be uploaded separately
• Poor-quality documents may require resubmission

Education Documents

• Nursing diploma or degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Program completion verification

Professional Documents

• Nursing license verification
• Certificate of good standing
• Employment history and nursing practice hours for the past five years

Criminal Record Check

Applicants must submit:

• Criminal Record Check (CRC)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

Requirements:

• Must be issued within the last six months
• Must be obtained from local police or RCMP
• Original document may need to be mailed to the College

Step-by-Step RN Registration Process (CRNNL)

Step 1 – Apply Through NNAS

International applicants must first apply through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).

NNAS evaluates:

• Nursing education
• Professional registration
• Work experience

Official website:—-https://www.nnas.ca

After assessment, NNAS sends an Advisory Report to the nursing regulatory body.

Step 2 – Apply to CRNNL

Once the NNAS report is received, applicants can submit their CRNNL RN registration application.

Applicants must create an online account and upload required documents.

Step 3 – Competency Assessment

CRNNL will assess the applicant’s:

• Education
• Clinical competencies
• Professional practice

If competency gaps are identified, applicants may be required to complete:

• Bridging programs
• Competency assessments
• Supervised practice

Step 4 – Language Proficiency Verification

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests.

Accepted tests include:

• IELTS Academic
• CELBAN
• OET
• PTE Academic

Minimum score requirements:

Applicants may also meet language requirements through:

• English nursing education
• Registration in English-speaking jurisdictions
• Relevant work experience

Step 5 – Pass NCLEX-RN Exam

All RN applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN examination.

Official website—-https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex

The exam evaluates whether the nurse is competent to practice safely in Canada.

NCLEX Video sample –https://nursingmanthra.com/nclex-rn-nclex-pn/

Step 6 – Final RN Licensure

After completing all requirements, the applicant receives a Registered Nurse license in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Step-by-Step LPN Registration Process (CLPNNL)

International nurses who do not meet RN educational requirements may apply as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).

Steps include:

Apply through NNAS
Receive NNAS report
Contact CLPNNL for further instructions
[email protected]
Create account in CLPNNL portal

Portal link
https://clpnnl.alinityapp.com

Upload documents and identification
Submit application fee
Complete criminal record check
Write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE)

Temporary License for LPN Applicants

Applicants who are deemed eligible may receive a temporary license valid for 4 months.

This temporary license allows applicants to:

• Work as an LPN
• Prepare for the CPNRE exam

Requirements before receiving temporary license:

• Criminal Record Check (within 6 months)
• Jurisprudence learning module completion
• Payment of licensing fees

Total Fees for the Entire Process

Stage	Estimated Cost
NNAS application	approx 650 USD
CRNNL / CLPNNL application	approx 200-600 CAD
CLPNNL application fee	$231.04
Initial LPN license fee	$433.16
NCLEX-RN exam	approx 360-410 CAD
CPNRE exam	approx 300 CAD
Language test	300-400 CAD

Estimated total cost: 1500 CAD – 3000 CAD

RN and LPN Salary in Newfoundland and Labrador

Registered Nurse Salary

Average salary: 75,000 – 95,000 CAD per year

Hourly wage: 38 – 48 CAD per hour

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary

Average salary: 55,000 – 70,000 CAD per year

Hourly wage: 28 – 35 CAD per hour

Salary depends on:

• Experience
• Healthcare facility
• Work location

Immigration Pathways for Nurses

International nurses can immigrate through several Canadian immigration programs.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

This employer-driven immigration program allows healthcare professionals to obtain permanent residency.

Official website—https://www.canada.ca/atlantic-immigration

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

Healthcare professionals may also immigrate through the provincial nominee program.

Official website—https://www.gov.nl.ca/immigration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can internationally educated nurses apply directly to CRNNL or CLPNNL?

No. Applicants must first apply through NNAS.

Is NCLEX required for RN registration?

Yes. Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is mandatory for RN licensure.

What exam is required for LPN applicants?

LPN applicants must pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE).

How long does the licensing process take?

The process generally takes 12 to 24 months depending on credential verification and exam completion.

For other Canadian province license process-Please check these blogs:

Conclusion:

Newfoundland and Labrador offers promising career opportunities for internationally educated nurses who wish to practice in Canada.

Through the CRNNL RN pathway or CLPNNL LPN pathway, foreign-trained nurses can obtain licensure and build successful careers in the Canadian healthcare system.

Understanding the registration process, preparing the required documents early, and successfully completing the licensing examinations will help applicants achieve their goal of becoming licensed nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our Services include:

NNAS application assistance
Canadian nursing licensure guidance
Document preparation and verification
NCLEX preparation materials

For assistance with the nursing licensing process:

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/971502515717

About the Author:

Shincy George, RN, MSN (Cardiothoracic Nursing), DHA RN, MOH RN, SCFHS RN, NCLEX RN. Currently pursuing PhD in Nursing.

Founder – Nursing Manthra Academy

Nursing Manthra assists internationally educated nurses with professional licensing pathways in: All European and Gulf countries Licensing process for health care professionals.