The Africa-Caribbean Nursing Continuum Program (ACNCP) supports internationally educated nurses (IENs) of African and Caribbean descent who wish to become licensed to practice in Canada as a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), depending on the province. 

Our platform provides clear, culturally relevant, and province-specific guidance for IENs who meet the minimum regulatory requirements outlined by Canadian nursing bodies and the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) tailored to your country of origin.

General Eligibility Criteria

To begin your licensure process through ACNCP and Canadian regulators, you must generally meet the following criteria:

Completed Nursing Education

You must have completed a formal nursing program that led to registration/licensure in your home country (e.g., RN, RGN, BScN, or equivalent). The program must be equivalent in scope and depth to Canadian nursing education (usually diploma or bachelor’s level). Bridging programs or refresher courses may be required if substantial educational gaps are identified.

Authorization to Practice as a Nurse

You must have been licensed or registered to practice as a nurse in your country of training or most recent practice. You should be in good standing with the regulatory body (no major disciplinary or fitness-to-practice issues).

Currency of Practice

You must show that you have practiced nursing within the past five (5) years. If not, you may be required to complete a refresher course or bridging program in Canada before proceeding.

English or French Language Proficiency

Language testing is mandatory unless you were educated in a country where nursing education was in English or French and the regulatory body accepts this.

• Accepted exams include:
• CELBAN (Recommended for nurses educated outside North America)
• IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 7.0, with no band below 6.5
• TEF/TCF Canada (for French-speaking provinces)
• Scores must be valid (within the last 2 years at the time of application).

Eligibility Credential Evaluation Through NNAS

You must open an account with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Submit academic transcripts, nursing license verification, employment forms, and identity documents. NNAS will issue an Advisory Report, which is sent to the nursing regulatory authority in your chosen province.

Immigration or Residency Status

You must hold a valid status in Canada (as a permanent resident, Canadian citizen, temporary resident with work rights, or be in the immigration process). Immigration and licensure are separate, but often interlinked (e.g., AIP, PNP programs).

• Apply to the Nursing Regulatory Body in Your Province
• Once your NNAS report is complete, apply to the provincial regulator (e.g., CRNM, NSCN, NB-NAS, NANB, ANBLPN). They may require you to:
  • • 1.  Write a Jurisprudence Exam
      2. Provide a Criminal Record Check
      3. Complete NCAS (in applicable provinces)
      4. Participate in Clinical Competency Assessments

Take Bridging Education or Transitional Programs

Notes for Afro-Caribbean Nurses

• Your documents (transcripts, licenses) may need to be requested from institutions in Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, Cameroon, Dominica Republic. ACNCP provides step-by-step country-specific guides. Click here to access country specific information
• If you studied in a non-English speaking Caribbean country, language testing is likely required.
• If you have gaps in education or scope of practice, ACNCP will guide you through bridging options.
• Province-specific requirements vary. ACNCP helps you understand standards in Nova Scotia (NSCN), and New Brunswick (NB-NAS).

Use our interactive roadmap to explore your eligibility and get personalized guidance.