US Nurses: Follow your heart to British Columbia, Canada

Expedited Registration Pathways Available for Nurses Educated or Currently Practicing in the United States

Evidence shows that RN nursing education and practice in the US is largely comparable to RN practice in Canada. For this reason, British Columbia offers an expedited registration pathway for Registered Nurses educated or practising in the US.

For US nurses of any designation, the first step in your journey to practising in BC is to create an account with Health Match BC, a free health professional recruitment service funded by the Government of British Columbia.

Are You a Registered Nurse (RN)
in the United States?

Once you have set up your Health Match BC account, the next step is to create your account with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and apply for practising registration. RN applicants from the US will NOT need to complete a competency assessment unless:

You have NOT practiced at least 1,125 hours as an RN in the US in the past five years, or
You have NOT completed an approved RN education program in the US within the last five years.

Once you have met all the requirements and paid your registration fees, you will be eligible for full practising registration with BCCNM, listed in their online directory, and authorized to begin practising in BC.

Are You a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the
United States?

Start your journey to practice in British Columbia by registering with Health Match BC to receive support and guidance throughout your registration and job search journeys.

If you’re a Nurse Practitioner interested in practicing in BC, you must obtain registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). To do so, you must first establish your eligibility for Registered Nurse (RN) registration. You can submit your RN and NP applications concurrently through your BCCNM account.

Please note that only NPs educated and registered in Adult, Family, or Pediatric practice streams are currently eligible to work in British Columbia. If your education does not fall within these categories, we encourage you to contact BCCNM’s Registration Services at register@bccnm.ca to discuss your specific situation.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may proceed by creating your BCCNM account and applying for practising NP registration. As part of your application, you will be required to submit a current résumé or CV that includes specific details outlined in the BCCNM application guidelines.

Questions About Immigrating to Canada?

If you are a US citizen, you may qualify for a work permit under CUSMA/USMCA (the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement/United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), which offers a quick route to obtaining a work permit. You can apply directly at the port of entry when entering Canada if you have the required documents and have completed the necessary medicals.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), which provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and recent graduates with expertise in high-demand healthcare professions in BC. If you’re interested in this program, it’s advisable to discuss it with your prospective employer during the interview process.

Latest News

British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from US

March 11, 2025

The Province is taking new steps to attract more doctors and nurses from the US by fast-tracking credential recognition and launching a co-ordinated, targeted recruitment campaign. The Province is also working with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives to make it faster and easier for US-registered nurses to work in British Columbia. Unlike the current process, US nurses will soon be able to apply directly to the college for licensure, helping expedite timelines.

Click here to read more about the new initiatives to support nursing in BC.

Here’s What US Nurses Who Relocated to BC Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Health Match BC, and how does it help US Nurses?

Health Match BC is a free recruitment service funded by the Government of British Columbia, Canada. We facilitate the recruitment of nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals on behalf of BC’s publicly funded health employers.
How do I get started with Health Match BC?

To learn more about the nursing registration process in BC for Internationally Educated Nurses and to get registered with HealthMatchBC, please create an account so that we can learn more about you and provide you with appropriate information about the supports available for your unique situation.

Some IENs may require a competency assessment and/or transitional education, and successfully complete a registration exam before becoming licensed as a fully practising nurse. Health Match BC’s Navigation team is available to help you understand and navigate the registration process and requirements.
Do I need to be licensed in Canada to work as a Registered Nurse in BC?

Yes, to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in BC, you need to be registered with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Do I need to retake the NCLEX to work as a nurse in BC?

If you have successfully passed the NCLEX, you will typically not have to complete it again, unless BCCNM decides otherwise.
What happens if I already have a nursing license from another province in Canada?

You can continue your registration journey in BC through a different pathway. We are happy to help you navigate this BCCNM application process. Please create an HMBC account or send us a message through your HMBC account.

As nursing education and practice differ from one country to another, most internationally educated nurses need to complete the Inspire Global Assessments/Inspire Évaluations Mondiales (formerly the Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) assessment, before the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) makes a registration decision for a nursing license.
How long will the licensing process take under the new US RN application process?

If you meet BCCNM’s requirements, such as having practiced 1,125 hours as an RN or having completed an approved RN nursing program in the USA within the last five years, you should receive your RN registration within a few weeks of submitting your application to BCCNM.
Can I apply for BCCNM registration before securing a job offer?

Yes, our Employment Services Team would be happy to support you in finding a nursing job in B.C. while you complete your application with BCCNM.
Do I need a visa to work in British Columbia as a US RN?

Yes, you must obtain legal status, either a work visa (permit) or permanent residency status to work in Canada. Several immigration options may be available to you depending on whether you are planning to live in B.C. temporarily or permanently.

It is important to discuss your plans with your prospective employer during the interview and job offer stages, as a written job offer, along with BCCNM practicing registration, is often necessary for immigration purposes.
Does Health Match BC help with the immigration process?

Health Match BC provides support for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Please visit the Nursing Jobs BC Immigration Support Services page for information about HMBC’s immigration services and BC’s Provincial Nominee Program.

Why Choose British Columbia, Canada?

Living and working in British Columbia, Canada, offers an exceptional opportunity to advance your nursing career while enjoying a high quality of life. With a strong demand for healthcare professionals, BC provides diverse career options in both rural and urban settings. The province is renowned for its stunning scenery, outdoor recreational activities, and safe, welcoming communities, making it an ideal place to live and work.

BC boasts one of the world’s strongest economies, a high standard of living, free public healthcare, and free education for children from kindergarten to Grade 12. Our communities are friendly, supportive, and perfect for building a family and growing your career.

As Canada’s most culturally diverse province, BC embraces a vibrant multicultural atmosphere. Nearly 30% of our population is born outside of Canada, and we welcome over 40,000 immigrants annually, creating a dynamic environment where all beliefs, religions, and cultural traditions are celebrated and respected.

For outdoor enthusiasts, BC provides limitless recreational options year-round. In the summer, enjoy beaches, lakes, and provincial parks. In the winter, explore world-class ski resorts, snowboarding, and ice climbing. With abundant athletic facilities, golf courses, and endless opportunities for adventure, BC is a place to live life to the fullest.

For more information