For many healthcare professionals, moving to Canada represents a chance for a better quality of life and a stable career. Ontario, in particular, remains the top destination for immigrant nurses due to its robust healthcare system and diverse communities. However, if you are an experienced nurse from back home, the transition is not as simple as booking a flight.
As of 2026, Ontario has streamlined many of its pathways, but the process remains rigorous. Here is everything you need to know about becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario as an immigrant.
1. Understanding the Role of the CNO
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the regulatory body you must answer to. You cannot legally call yourself a “nurse” or practice nursing in Ontario until they grant you a certificate of registration. In recent years, the CNO has modernized its requirements to help IENs enter the workforce faster, but they still strictly evaluate education, language proficiency, and “evidence of practice.”
2. The Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step A: Credential Evaluation Your journey begins with a “paperwork phase.” You must have your international nursing education verified. Most applicants start with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) or other CNO-approved services like WES. They look at your transcripts to see if your education is “substantially equivalent” to a Canadian four-year nursing degree.
Step B: The New “Transition to Practice” Requirement Introduced as a mandatory step in 2025/2026, all new applicants must now demonstrate they understand the Canadian context of care. You can meet this by showing evidence of recent practice or by completing a CNO-approved Transition to Practice course. These courses focus on the ethics, legalities, and cultural nuances of nursing in Ontario.
Step C: Language Proficiency and Jurisprudence You must prove you can communicate effectively in English or French. While many nurses use the IELTS or CELBAN exams, others may meet this requirement through their past education or work experience. Additionally, you must pass the Jurisprudence Examination, an online test regarding the laws and regulations that govern nursing in Ontario.
Step D: The NCLEX-RN Exam This is the final clinical hurdle. The NCLEX-RN is the standardized exam used across North America. It tests your ability to make safe, effective clinical decisions under pressure.
3. Bridging the Gaps: IEN Pathways
If the CNO finds “gaps” in your education, you don’t necessarily have to redo your entire degree. Ontario offers specialized IEN Education Pathways at colleges like Seneca, Humber, and York University. Many of these programs are now government-funded, meaning you might be eligible for tuition waivers and even stipends to help cover the cost of books.
4. What is the Salary for an RN in Ontario?
Perhaps the most common question immigrants ask is: “Is it worth it?” The answer lies in the compensation. Ontario nursing salaries have seen significant increases due to new collective agreements signed in 2025.
For an experienced nurse, the financial rewards are substantial. According to recent data, the starting rate for a hospital-based RN is over $41.00 per hour, with senior nurses earning nearly $60.00 per hour. When you factor in shift premiums for nights and weekends, many nurses easily cross the $100,000 mark.
To get a clear picture of what top-earning nurses are currently making in various roles, you can explore the Registered Nurse salary in Ontario records. This data, often referred to as the “Ontario Sunshine List,” shows that nursing is not just a calling in Ontario—it is a path to a very high standard of living.
5. Final Advice for Immigrant Nurses
Don’t be discouraged by the timelines. While the process can take 12 to 24 months, the demand for nurses in Ontario is at an all-time high. Start your NNAS application before you leave your home country to save time. Ontario is waiting for your expertise; with patience and the right resources, you will soon be part of the front line in Canada’s premier healthcare system.
