Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) licensed in Ontario can apply to work in British Columbia as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) through the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Because both provinces are part of Canada’s regulated nursing system, nurses can apply through interprovincial registration without repeating the regulatory exam.
This guide explains the complete process, application steps, documents required, fees, and processing time.
Quick Answer:
If you are an Ontario Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), you can apply for LPN registration in British Columbia through the BCCNM interprovincial application process.
You must:
- Apply through the BCCNM online portal
- Submit identity documents
- Request registration verification from Ontario
- Submit employment verification
- Complete the assessment process
- Pay the registration fee
Once approved, you can legally work as an LPN in British Columbia.
Important Note for Ontario RPN Nurses
If you are already licensed in another Canadian province, you do NOT need to take the REx-PN exam again.
Your license will be assessed through credential verification and regulatory review.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Apply for Registration with BCCNM
First, create an account with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Steps:
- Create a BCCNM online account
- Log in to the portal
- Submit an application for practising LPN registration
- Pay the application fee
During the application you must provide:
• Consent for criminal record check
• English language proficiency information
• Nursing education details
• Fitness to practice declaration
• Character declaration
• Details of all nursing licenses held in Canada or internationally
Step 2: Submit Notarized Identity Documents
You must submit two government-issued identity documents.
Examples:
• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Permanent resident card
Requirements:
• One ID must include a photo
• Documents must be notarized by a lawyer or notary public
Important rule:
BCCNM does not accept online notarization.
Documents must be notarized in person.
After notarization, upload:
• PDF copy
• JPEG or PNG photo
Through the BCCNM portal or email submission.
Step 3: Request Registration Verification
You must request verification from all nursing regulators where you have been registered.
For Ontario nurses, this means requesting verification from:
College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
The regulator must send the verification directly to BCCNM.
This confirms:
• Your license status
• Whether you have disciplinary actions
• Your registration history
Step 4: Employment Verification
You must request employment verification forms from employers where you worked as a nurse during the last 5 years.
Each employer must complete the form and send it directly to BCCNM.
Information required includes:
• Employment dates
• Job role
• Clinical responsibilities
• Work performance confirmation
If documents are not in English:
They must be:
• Translated by a certified translator
• Notarized
Step 5: BCCNM Application Assessment
Once all documents are received, BCCNM will start reviewing your application.
They will check:
• Identity verification
• Nursing education equivalency
• Registration history
• Employment verification
• Criminal record check
If more information is needed, BCCNM will contact you by email.
Step 6: Registration Decision
After the assessment is completed, BCCNM will send you an email with the decision.
If approved, you will receive instructions to:
Pay the registration fee.
Step 7: Confirm Registration
Once the registration fee is paid:
• You will receive a confirmation email
• Your name will appear in the BCCNM online directory
You can start working as an LPN in British Columbia only after your registration becomes active.
Documents Required
Applicants transferring from Ontario must submit the following:
Identity Documents
• Passport
• Driver’s license or government ID
Registration Documents
• Verification from College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
Employment Documents
• Employer verification forms (last 5 years)
Other Documents
• Criminal record check consent
• English language proficiency information
• Nursing education information
Total Estimated Cost
| Application Stage | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| BCCNM Application Fee | $350 – $450 |
| Criminal Record Check | $28 – $60 |
| Notarization of Documents | $50 – $100 |
| Registration Verification Fee (Ontario CNO) | $50 – $75 |
| Employment Verification | Usually free |
| Annual Registration Fee | $500 – $700 |
Estimated Total Cost: $900 – $1,300 CAD
Costs may vary depending on document verification and regulatory updates.
Processing Time
The processing time depends on document submission and verification.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Application review | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Verification of registration | 2 – 6 weeks |
| Employment verification | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Final assessment | 2 – 3 weeks |
Total Estimated Time—6 – 10 weeks
Delays may occur if documents are incomplete.
Can Ontario RPN Work in British Columbia?
Yes.
Ontario Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) can work in British Columbia as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) after obtaining registration from BCCNM.
Job Opportunities for LPN in British Columbia
British Columbia has strong demand for practical nurses in:
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Community healthcare
• Home care services
Major healthcare employers include:
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Fraser Health Authority
• Island Health
• Interior Health
• Provincial Health Services Authority
Salary of LPN in British Columbia
Average LPN salary:
| Experience Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level | $28 – $32 per hour |
| Mid level | $33 – $37 per hour |
| Experienced | $38 – $42 per hour |
Annual salary can reach: $60,000 – $85,000 CAD
Tips for Faster License Transfer
✔ Submit all documents early
✔ Request verification from Ontario immediately
✔ Ensure employment forms are completed properly
✔ Upload clear identity documents
✔ Check emails regularly for BCCNM updates
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting incomplete applications
• Not notarizing identity documents correctly
• Delays in employer verification
• Incorrect translation of documents
FAQ:
No. If you are already licensed in another Canadian province, you do not need to retake the exam
Yes. Graduates from Canadian practical nursing programs can apply.
Usually 6 to 10 weeks depending on document verification.
No. You must not practice until your BCCNM registration becomes active.
Final Summary:
Transferring your Ontario RPN license to British Columbia is a straightforward process through BCCNM interprovincial registration.
The process mainly involves:
• Application submission
• Identity verification
• License verification from Ontario
• Employment verification
• Registration approval
Once approved, you can start working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in British Columbia.
For assistance with the nursing licensing process:
WhatsApp-https://wa.me/971502515717
About the Author:
Shincy George, RN,MSN(CARDIOTHROACIC NURSING), SCFHS-RN, DHA RN, MOH UAE RN, NCLEX RN (USA)
Founder – Nursing Manthra Academy
Helping internationally educated nurses -ASSISTING licensing pathways in Canada, USA, UAE and middle east, UK and other countries.
