This section is intended for nurses already registered to practise in a Canadian province or territory outside of Ontario, or nursing students who have graduated or are about to complete their program at a Canadian nursing school outside of Ontario.

If you have recently graduated from a nursing program at an Ontario educational institution, or if you are an internationally educated nurse who has never practised in Canada, then consult the guide that best address your situation.

Generally, nurses living elsewhere in Canada who can provide proof of current registration and recent safe practice as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner in the Adult, Primary Health Care or Paediatrics specialties in another Canadian province or territory are eligible to register in Ontario without undergoing additional training, experience, testing or assessment. This applies to all nurses currently registered elsewhere in Canada, regardless of where they received their nursing education.   

All applicants to the College should note they are required to meet Ontario’s registration requirements and they must become registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario before they can practise within the province.

Only those with a Certificate of Registration can practice as a nurse in Ontario or use the titles “nurse,” “Registered Nurse” or “Registered Practical Nurse” within the province. It is illegal for someone to be employed as a nurse or to use those titles in Ontario without a valid Certificate of Registration from the College.   

If you are/were a nurse already registered in another Canadian province or territory (or, if you are a nursing student, can show evidence of eligibility for registration), you may apply for registration here. The College will send you an application package with documents outlining what information the College requires in order to assess your eligibility.