Nurses educated outside Canada apply to BCCNM and complete a competency assessment with Inspire Global Assessments (formerly NCAS).
Costs: sources disagree. BCCNM says “no cost”. Inspire charges $600 + GST upfront, which the bursary refunds. Details are below.
Steps from source.
| Detail | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | BCCNM | source |
| Step 1 | Apply to BCCNM and to Inspire Global Assessments (the former NCAS) for an integrated competency assessment (computer-based + simulation lab) | source |
| Step 2 | NNAS: reports accepted but no longer required for BCCNM's IEN pathway (RPN FAQ) BCCNM IEN FAQ blocks automated fetch (401); not re-verified 2026-11-01 | source |
| Step 3 | BCCNM may require bridging/transitional education; then the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN / REx-PN / RPNCE) | source |
| Regulator fees | Inspire application $600 + GST for applications on/after Nov 27, 2025 | source |
| Funding | IEN Bursary Program (Health Match BC), reimbursement-based, up to about $17,000: credential assessment up to $1,200; English tests 2 x $400; BCCNM application up to $690 + tax; Inspire application up to $600 + tax; Inspire assessment up to $3,000 + tax; travel up to $1,000 (BC residents); transitional education up to $10,000. Requires a Return of Service agreement, BC-only application, no prior Canadian RN registration, SIN | source |
| Funding cap | Maximum $17,290 + applicable taxes | source |
| Pay | See RN/LPN packages | source |
| Assessment bursary | IEN Bursary Program (Health Match BC): participants pay the competency assessment fee and submit the receipt for reimbursement for assessments completed after Feb 24, 2026; the $600 Inspire application fee may also be reimbursable | source |
Sources differ. BCCNM’s FAQ says the applications are “no cost” and the NCAS fee is paid by government. Inspire says that since November 27, 2025, applicants pay $600 + GST upfront and are reimbursed. Plan to pay upfront and claim it back.
Reimbursement for items such as credential assessment (up to $1,200), English tests, the BCCNM application and the Inspire fee. Nursing Jobs BC says about $17,000; the return-of-service agreement says $17,290 plus taxes.
BCCNM’s RPN FAQ says NNAS reports are accepted but no longer required. We could not confirm this for RNs.
NCLEX-RN for RNs, REx-PN for LPNs or RPNCE for RPNs, after BCCNM says you are ready.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.