FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions surrounding licensing (registration), financial supports (bursaries), return of service and immigration.

General FAQ

What is BC’s new Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) initiative?

On April 19^th, 2022, the Province of British Columbia announced several new strategies that will make it easier for IENs to enter the province’s health system. Health Match BC, in partnership with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), Inspire Global Assessments and the BC Ministry of Health, will support IENs who want to work in BC by consolidating the assessment processes for nurses, offering financial support (bursaries) to help with application and assessment fees, and create a navigation services team to help IENs successfully navigate the licensing process.
Who is Health Match BC?
What role will Health Match BC play in the provincial initiative?

Health Match BC, through its navigation team, will support IENs throughout their journey to practice in BC. The team will provide customized support in assisting candidates to navigate their licensing and registration applications. Health Match BC will also provide information and access to financial supports, in the form of bursaries, information about obtaining immigration status through BC’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and support in accessing career opportunities with BC’s public health employers.
Are there nursing jobs in BC?

Yes! British Columbia offers a wide range of nursing opportunities in all areas of nursing practice as well as a variety of settings including large urban centres, medium and small cities, and rural and small communities.

The wide range of opportunities enable nurses to find the perfect fit for their professional preferences, career growth, and family needs. Opportunities also exist for career development in acute care (medical/surgical, intensive care unit, operating room, and emergency room) as well as ambulatory care, rehabilitation, long-term care, leadership/administrative, public health, community health and primary care.

Licensing (Registration)

Do I need to be licensed (registered) to work as a nurse in BC?
I am an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN), how can I begin working as a nurse in BC?

The licensing (registration) process in BC can vary depending on an individual’s education, credentials, and experience. All IENs (with the exception of eligible RN Applicants from the United States) must first have their international credentials and English language proficiency assessed, before applying to Inspire Global Assessments (Inspire), and to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Most IENs will require a competency assessment, and some will also require transitional education before becoming licenced as a fully practising nurse. Health Match BC’s Navigation team is available to help you understand and navigate the registration process and requirements. IENs are encouraged to visit the BCCNM and Inspire websites in advance to review the application requirements.
When can I apply to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)?

The timing of your application to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) depends on your specific situation. In general, IENs may be eligible to apply to BCCNM at the same time as they begin the Inspire Global Assessments application (if required). If you are a US registered nurse and meet all registration requirements for the US registration pathway, you may not be required to apply to Inspire.

Because every IEN’s pathway may differ, HMBC offers navigation support to help you understand the timing and requirements for your individual case. An HMBC Navigator will provide you with personalized guidance, including when and how to apply, and will share direct links to the BCCNM and Inspire websites when appropriate.

We recommend that all IENs register with HMBC first, so you can receive the support and accurate information you need before beginning any application.
Is there an English-language proficiency requirement?
What is Inspire Global Assessments?

Inspire Global Assessments (Inspire) is a service that supports the registration (licensing) process for Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Health Care Assistants (HCAs) seeking to work in British Columbia (BC).

Inspire reviews an applicant’s educational credentials and English language proficiency and, if required, administers a two-part integrated competency assessment: a computer-based assessment (CBA) and a simulation-based assessment (SLA). These assessments evaluate whether an applicant has the knowledge, skills, and judgment expected for safe, entry-level practice in BC.

Not all applicants are required to complete a competency assessment. The need for an Inspire assessment depends on several factors, including your designation, country of education or training, and prior experience. Some applicants, including those from jurisdictions with comparable education systems, may be exempt.

Because the requirements vary based on your individual background, HMBC encourages all applicants to register with HMBC first. An HMBC Navigator will help you determine whether an Inspire assessment is needed in your case and guide you through each step of the process.
What is Inspire Global Assessments Integrated approach to assessments?

The Integrated assessment (previously referred to as the triple-track assessment) will allow internationally educated nurses to have their competencies assessed for three professions – registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and health care assistant – in a single process. In assessing your competency for multiple professions at once, the Integrated assessment can expand your career options and help you find work faster in British Columbia. You can learn more here.
Can Inspire Global assessments be completed outside of Canada?

The Inspire assessments include two parts, a Computer-Based Assessment (CBA) and a Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA). The CBA may be completed in a number of Prometric testing centres or through remote proctoring in over 180 countries worldwide. However, the SLA component must be completed in-person in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Can an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) referred to Inspire Global Assessments through the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry qualify for Integrated Assessment?

The BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry can only refer IENs to Inspire for the Health Care Assistant (HCA) standalone competency assessment.

If a competency assessment is required as part of an IEN’s nursing registration pathway, the IEN should begin by applying to Inspire. Eligibility for an integrated assessment depends on several factors including an IEN’s country of education, nursing background, and the English language requirements set by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

HMBC encourages IENs to register with HMBC first. An HMBC Navigator can help you understand the specific steps you need to take based on your unique background, including whether a competency assessment is needed and how to apply if so.

Financial Support (Bursaries)

What financial support is available?

Through Health Match BC, the Province of BC provides eligible internationally educated nurses with financial support, in the form of bursaries, to offset some of the costs of becoming licensed to work in BC.

The available bursaries apply to approved Education Credential Assessment (ECA) reports, acceptable English language proficiency testing, Inspire application fee and competency assessment, BCCNM application fee, and educational upgrading required by BCCNM.

Nurses who reside in B.C. and live at a distance from Vancouver may qualify for a travel stipend to cover costs associated with travel within BC to the Inspire assessment site in Vancouver, BC.
Who is eligible to receive financial support?
Bursaries (reimbursements) are available to IENs provided they meet the following criteria and sign a Return of Service agreement with the BC Ministry of Health prior to obtaining provisional or full registration in BC:

Not currently hold (or have previously held) registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) in any other province or territory in Canada. PLEASE NOTE: If you register in another Canadian province or territory after you sign an ROS, you will be withdrawn from the program and will be required to repay the province any bursary amount(s) received. Please refer to the “I am registered or am considering registration in another Canadian jurisdiction” FAQ below.

BC must be the only province or territory the applicant has applied for registration as a Registered Nurse. If the applicant has active applications for registration in any other Canadian province or territory, those applications must be withdrawn.

In accordance with current regulatory pathways, the IEN must apply to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives for registration and, where appropriate, apply to Inspire Global Assessments for an integrated assessment. If you are a US registered nurse and meet all registration requirements for the US registration pathway, you may not be required to apply to Inspire.

Have a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). Applicants without a valid SIN may be eligible but will not receive payment until they have a valid Canadian SIN and Canadian bank account.

Have incurred costs on or after May 1, 2021, and have or will complete the BCCNM registration process on or after May 1, 2022.
How is financial support (bursaries) provided to eligible IENs?
I currently receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. Am I eligible for financial support?
Do I need a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

A valid SIN is not required to apply for the IEN bursary program, but you will need one to receive a bursary payment (reimbursement). If you are not currently residing in Canada and are eligible for the bursaries, you will be reimbursed once you obtain your SIN and Canadian bank account information for direct deposit.
How many times can I be reimbursed for English Language Proficiency Tests?

The English Language Test (ELT) bursary is available for up to two (2) attempts of a BCCNM-accepted test, whether an applicant is successful or not. The bursary is up to $400 per test and is based on official receipts from a recognized English Language Proficiency Test. Receipts for tests must be dated on or after May 1, 2021.
I was directed by the BCCNM to undertake remedial education and/or was issued a registration decision. Am I eligible for reimbursement?

Costs associated with remedial education that is required to obtain BCCNM registration may be reimbursed up to a maximum of $10,000 on a course-by-course or semester-by-semester basis if the costs occurred on or after May 1, 2021. Applicants must provide proof of successful course or semester completion in addition to meeting all other bursary program eligibility requirements.
I will soon be registered as an LPN in BC, but I would like to access the remaining funding to reapply as an RN. Would I be eligible for financial support?

IENs who have obtained or will soon obtain LPN registration in BC and have an interest in being considered for an RN registration, may be eligible for continued financial support. To be considered, IENs must not have received a bursary for remedial education or been a recipient of funding through the Access to Practical Nursing bursary program or Earn and Learn programs.

To determine eligibility, please contact Health Match BC Navigation Team.
I am internationally educated in more than one regulated health profession. Am I eligible for other bursaries as a recipient of the IEN bursary? Should I choose to pursue licensure in more than one occupation?

Recipients of the IEN bursary are not eligible for the Employer Sponsored Earn and Learn Programs and/or BC Ministry of Health-related bursaries such as the Priority Program Bursaries and the Internationally Educated Allied Health Professional Bursaries (nor vice versa).

Return of Service

What is the Return of Service (ROS)?

The Return of Service (ROS) is an agreement between you and the Province of British Columbia (BC) that you will commit to complete 12 months of continuous service with a publicly funded health sector employer within BC, commencing within six months following receipt of your provisional or full nursing registration from the BCCNM or registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry) whichever is the highest designation you are pursuing though the program. This ROS is in exchange for accepting financial supports. The ROS period is extended to two years of continuous service if the IEN obtains employment of 0.5 FTE (part-time) or less. The ROS period will also be extended if there is a leave of absence that is greater than 20 days (other than authorized vacation/annual leave from the employer), by the number of days taken as leave.

Publicly funded health sector employers (also referred to as Qualifying Employers) include regional health boards designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act or Provincial Health Services Authority (collectively a “Health Authority”), First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care OR, a long-term care or assisted living facility, private or public, as long as the facility is publicly funded. Qualified employers EXCLUDE contract agencies supplying staffing solutions to eligible facilities.

IENs are encouraged to contact the BC Ministry of Health (healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca) with questions regarding Qualifying Employers.
What if I cannot complete the Return of Service (ROS)?

If you cannot complete your return of service as per the provisions in the ROS agreement and voluntarily leave your Qualifying Employer(s) during the ROS Period, you will be required to repay the province the amount of the bursary that is proportional to the percentage of the ROS Period that has not been completed.

IENs are encouraged to contact the BC Ministry of Health (healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca) with questions regarding completing their ROS term.
Do I need to fulfill my return of service in a specific community or region of BC?

No, employment with a publicly funded health employer (EXCLUDING contract agencies supplying staffing solutions to eligible facilities) within BC will qualify for your return of service. For further information, please refer to What is the Return of Service (ROS)?
What if I can’t find a job?

There are many job opportunities available across the province. Health Match BC will provide assistance in finding a qualifying position, and you are required to make your best effort to find a qualifying position.

If six months has elapsed since licensure or registration, including provisional licensure, please contact The BC Ministry of Health at healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca.
What happens when I start my return of service term? Do I need to contact the BC Ministry of Health?

Once you have achieved your highest designation and have started employment in a qualifying position, you will need to submit a form to the province from your employer(s) confirming the ROS Period has commenced using the IEN Return of Service Commencement Form: Proof of Employment Form. You should submit the form as soon as possible following your employment start date. For more information and to obtain a form, please contact the BC Ministry of Health at healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca.
Can I change employers/jobs during my return of service?

Yes, however, if you resign from your job with a Qualifying Employer(s) during the ROS Period, you will need to provide at least two weeks advance notification from your end date to the BC Ministry of Health. In addition, you will be required to notify healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca of changes to your employment to minimize disruption to the completion of your ROS term.
Is full-time employment required, or can I work two part-time jobs or casual to fulfill the return of service?

You can concurrently hold and work in multiple qualifying part-time positions; however, casual, temporary or relief positions do not fulfill the requirements for the ROS.

The FTE for each Qualifying Position will be added together to calculate the FTE.

If your position is 0.5 FTE (part-time) or less, your ROS period will be extended to 2 years.
Can I take vacation, maternity/paternity leave, or other leaves of absence during my return of service?
If I receive a job offer in another province where my family lives, can I transfer my return of service to that province, or can that province buy out my return of service commitment with BC?
I am registered or am considering registration in another Canadian jurisdiction, am I eligible for financial support (bursaries)?

If you are registered or have ever been registered as a registered nurse in another Canadian province or territory, you are not eligible for this program. If you register in another Canadian province or territory after you sign a return of service agreement, you will be in breach of the agreement. You will be withdrawn from the program and required to repay the Province any bursary amount(s) received.
What happens at the end of my return of service? Do I need to contact the Ministry of Health?

Yes, upon completion of the ROS Period, you will need to submit a form to the province from your employer(s) confirming the ROS Period has been completed in full using the Return of Service Fulfillment Confirmation Form. For more information and to obtain a form, please contact the Province at healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca.

Immigration

Note: It is important to carefully consider both the registration and immigration requirements involved in the process of becoming registered/licensed in BC. Some steps, such as completing a competency assessment or remedial education may require you to enter Canada. In these cases, you must meet Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements, including obtaining a temporary visa if applicable.

Please be aware that not all applicants are guaranteed to meet immigration criteria, and this may impact your ability to proceed through the registration pathway. We strongly recommend reviewing your immigration options before beginning the process to avoid delays or unexpected barriers.

Can I apply for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Health Authority Category from outside of Canada?
You may be able to apply; however, you would normally require a BC nursing license and full-time job offer prior to applying. You must also meet the eligibility requirements of the program. This includes:

An offer of permanent, full-time employment with a provincial health authority

Meeting the education, training, experience and qualification requirements outlined by the provincial health authority

A written offer of employment on official company letterhead from the employer

Evidence that you meet the minimum income requirements

English language proficiency (if applicable)
Is Health Match BC my legal representative for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Health Authority pathway?

No. Health Match BC is not a legal representative for the BC PNP or IRCC. Authorized representatives are immigration consultants who are full members in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, or lawyers who are members in good standing with the Law Society of BC or another law society in Canada. To apply to the BC PNP, you do not have to use an immigration consultant or lawyer.

The BC PNP reviews all applications equally, regardless of whether they were prepared with the assistance of a representative. Your application will not receive special attention or faster processing if it was completed using the services of a representative.
When should I start an application for the BC Provincial Nominee Program?
Can my family members also obtain Permanent Residency status?
My nomination for BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has been approved, am I eligible to work in BC?

No. A nomination by the BC PNP does not allow you to work. You must apply and obtain a temporary work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). BC PNP does not apply for a work permit or permanent residence on you or your family’s behalf.
Can I apply for permanent residency before receiving a BC nursing license and a job offer?