Nurses No Longer Licensed in Canada

This page is for individuals who were previously registered/licensed as a nurse elsewhere in Canada, but, their licence is no longer active and they are currently not entitled to practice nursing in Canada.

If you previously held a nursing license in Nova Scotia, you are on the wrong web page. Please click here to get to the right page.

Before you begin, it’s important to know:

  • We are available to help if you have any questions. Reach out to us at registration@nscn.ca and we will respond as soon as we can. 
  • All application documents must be provided in English. Translations from a certified translator are also accepted. You are responsible for the cost of all translations.
  • All documents received through the application process are the property of NSCN and can only be released to another regulatory body with your written permission. Documents will not be released to you or to any third party unless required by law

Application Process

  1. Application for a Licence and pay the initial assessment fee. Note: NP applicants are required to hold a current RN licence with NSCN. 
  2. Photocopy of two proof of name documents such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Nexus Card
  • Canadian Military ID
  • Driver’s licence or learners permit
  • Canadian government-issued ID card (federal/provincial/ territorial)
  • Permanent resident (PR) card
  • Citizenship card (Canadian or international)
  • Immigration card (Canadian or international)

Please Note: if your name has changed, NSCN may require proof of name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate). You must submit these documents to us directly either through the mail or email. We will not accept unclear and/or faxed copies.

  1. NSCN will complete an online Verification of Registration with your most recent regulatory body as long as it is available. If there is disciplinary or conduct history found we will ask you to provide a Registration/Licensure Verification form from the regulatory body*.
  2. Meet one of the English Language proficiency registration requirement options, if required.

  3. For NP Applicants Only:

    1. NP applicants are required to hold a current RN licence with NSCN.

    2. Must arrange for NSCN to receive official confirmation directly from an NSCN-approved program provider that you have successfully completed a Controlled Drugs and Substances course.

Note: You will be required to submit a criminal record check(s) (CRC) to NSCN when we inform you that you are eligible to apply for licensure. Please do not submit a CRC with your initial application because these documents expire six months after they are issued.

*You must disclose on your NSCN application all of the places where you held a nursing or other health care provider license.  

We will not be able to proceed with your application until all of the documents have been submitted.

What happens once I have submitted my documents?

It will take up to five business days to process your application. You will receive an email when your application is approved along with information about next steps. Click here for information about your licensure fees. 

Expiry of your application

All Canadian documents (Statement from Employer, licensure verifications) expire six months from the date they were completed with the exception of the English Language Proficiency Test, which expires 24 months from the date of the test.

Your application will expire and close if your application documents are more than six months old and you have not been in contact with us for six months. 

If you change your mind and wish to become licensed after your file has been closed, you will be required to re-apply and meet the regulatory requirements in place at the time of your reapplication, including paying the appropriate fees. 

What else might I need to know to provide safe, ethical and competent nursing services in Nova Scotia?

We encourage you to review the jurisprudence information for your specific designation available here.

Questions

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at registration@nscn.ca. We strive to respond to you as soon as possible. However, due to the high volumes of emails and complexity of inquiries, our response time may vary.  

Please be advised that registration requirements and fees are subject to change. All applications as well as registration and licensure fees are non-refundable. Click here to learn more about fees and payment options.