If you’re an internationally educated nurse (IEN) planning to take the NCLEX and practice in Canada, choosing the right province can save you time, money, and stress. Each province has its own nursing regulatory body with slightly different requirements, timelines, and support options for foreign-trained applicants.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easiest provinces for international nurses to get licensed and write the NCLEX-RN exam in 2025.
What Makes a Province “Easy” for NCLEX?
When evaluating provinces, we consider:
- Flexible credential assessment options
- Faster processing times
- Fewer additional competency or bridging requirements
- Clear pathways for foreign-trained nurses
Acceptance of common credentialing services (like WES or ICAS in addition to NNAS)
Top Easiest Provinces for International Nurses (2025)
1. Ontario
- Regulatory Body: College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- Accepts WES and ICAS, not just NNAS
- Offers multiple pathways: Supervised Practice Experience Program (SPEP), NCLEX direct route, and temporary class licenses
- Among the fastest-moving provinces in terms of processing times
- High demand for nurses
VPNG’s top pick for streamlined applications and flexible evaluation routes.
2. British Columbia
- Regulatory Body: British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
- Accepts NNAS and has a clear IEN process
- Generally does not require bridging for many international applicants
Clear steps, transparent communication, and growing workforce demand
3. Alberta
- Regulatory Body: College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)
- Requires NNAS
- May request a substantive equivalence assessment, but has shown increasing flexibility for nurses from priority countries
- Welcoming climate for internationally educated healthcare workers
4. Nova Scotia
- Regulatory Body: Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN)
- Participates in Canada’s Streamlined Registration Pilot
- Accepts NNAS and may fast-track candidates depending on education and experience
- Smaller province, but easier pathway for some candidates
5. Manitoba
- Regulatory Body: College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM)
- Requires NNAS
- Often faster than other provinces
- Clear communication and practical guidance for foreign applicants
Why Province Selection Matters
Some provinces may require:
- Bridging programs (which take months and cost thousands)
- Competency assessments before NCLEX eligibility
- Longer processing delays
- Additional paperwork that can slow your path
Choosing a more supportive and efficient province means:
- Faster NCLEX authorization
- Lower costs
- Quicker licensing and employment
Let VPNG Consultancy Help You Choose the Right Province
We help you:
- Compare provinces based on your profile and language test scores
- Understand each province’s licensing rules
- Choose the route that saves you time and money
- Stay compliant with all application deadlines and formats
If you need to reach us, feel free to Email us – contactus@vpngconsultancy.com
related news & insights.
Firstly, we’re time conscious and very efficient.
Timing is very crucial in immigration and credentialing-related matters, and no one understands that more than we do. Your Emails will always be responded to in a timely manner.
Full Disclosures – You will never be in the dark: We break down the complex to you like you were five years old. We will also give you the best courses of action to take.
Easy Communication – We have adopted a WhatsApp correspondence. Unlike Emails, you get to have direct and easy conversations with your case manager.
Expertise and Experience – No matter how peculiar your situation is, even if you have been nay-ed by other professionals, we’ve been through it before. We are able to help.
DIY Friendly – A lot of the processes can be handled by yourself if you so desire, you will however need professional guidance. In these cases, only consultation fees rather than service fees apply.
Remember to share your problems with us, because we exist to solve them.