Internationally Educated LPN

This section is for you if you want to become an LPN and:

  • You trained as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) outside Canada and do not have LPN licensure in any other Canadian province or territory.

OR

  • You trained as a Registered Nurse (RN) outside Canada and do not have RN licensure in any other Canadian province or territory.

Critical information for International Applicants

1. Apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

You will need to get an ECA if you are educated outside Canada. An ECA confirms that you graduated from an accredited nursing education program and determines the general academic level (diploma or degree) of the credential in Canada. The College requires:

  • All ECAs must come directly to the College from the issuing organization.
  • The ECA must include a course-by-course International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) assessment, plus a transcript.
  • All advisory reports must state the language of instruction for both theory and clinical components of your nursing program.
  • If your ECA does not provide this information, transcripts of your nursing education program must be sent directly to the College from the educational institution.

Please note that you must pay any fees for your ECA directly to the organization you choose.

2. English Language Requirements

All applicants for licensure in Newfoundland and Labrador must show acceptable English proficiency. The College will review the information you provide in your application to determine if you need to complete an English language test.

If required, you must meet scores set by the College Board. For details on demonstrating proficiency, see the College’s English language requirements.

3. Criminal Record Check (CRC)

You must submit a criminal record check, and you will be required to declare on your application if you have ever been convicted of a crime or offence.

If you currently reside in Canada and have Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status, or other visa/work permit status, you are required to provide a CRC for Canada.

If you do not currently reside in Canada you must submit a CRC for each country you have lived in.

For more information on submitting your CRC you must review the information on the College’s Criminal Record Check page.

4. Translation of documents

If your supporting documents are in a language other than English you must include an official translation of the original document, or a certified copy of the original document in English. That translation must be completed by a certified translator.

5. Apply to the College as an EXAM CANDIDATE

If you are an IEN, you must apply as an EXAM CANDIDATE. You will find this application when you create a College member account via the Nurse Portal.

Application process:

  • Sign up for an account in the College Nurse Portal
  • After creating your account, apply as an Exam Candidate.
  • Complete your application:
    • Upload two (2) of the following government issued identification documents, one of which must contain a photo:
      • Passport
      • Driver’s License
      • Birth certificate
      • Permanent resident card
      • Citizenship card
      • Immigration card
    • If your name has changed, upload a legal change of name document or marriage certificate.
  • Submit the College application processing fee ($172.50 CAD includes HST) with your application. Staff will review your application and follow up if you need to submit any additional information. The application fee is non-refundable once the application review process has begun.

  • Verification of nursing licensure
    Identify all jurisdictions where you where you originally registered and from each place where you are currently registered or licenced to practice as a nurse.

    The College may be able to verify your current licensure online. The College will inform you if additional information is required and/or if a Verification of Registration (PDF) from another regulatory body is required.

  • Nursing Employment History
    As part of your application, you will provide employment information for all your nursing employer(s) in the last five (5) years.

    You will also declare if you have ever been suspended or terminated from any nursing employment. If you answer yes, you will need to provide a brief explanation. The College will let you know if additional information is needed.

  • Practice Hours (Currency of Practice)
    You will self-report on the application the number of hours you worked as an nurse over the last five (5) years. Currency of practice is set in legislation:
    • graduated from entry-level nursing program in the last 3 years; or
    • practiced as an LPN or RN for 1125 hours in the last 5 years OR 450 hours in the last 2 years; or
    • completed an approved re-entry program in the last 3 years.

      NOTE: For practice hours to be recognized you must have been licenced as an RN or LPN in the country/state/province where you worked the hours.

      Documentation of your hours from employer(s) is not generally required. However, the College may determine that verification of your hours is required. If so, the College will let you know if you will need to request documentation.

      To learn more about self-reporting practice hours review the College’s page on self-reporting nursing practice hours.
  • Submit your application and pay the application fee invoice of $231.04 (includes tax). Your application won’t be processed until the fee is paid.

Next Steps

Once the College receives all the required documentation, your file will be sent for review. During the review your application may be returned to you for additional information or documentation. You will receive an email from the College that your application has been returned to you with feedback. A complete application will be reviewed, and you will be provided with a decision within 20 business days.

A complete application includes all required documentation, and any additional information requested.

Based on a review of your nursing education and currency of practice hours you may be:

  • eligible to take the exam, you can also get a 4-month temporary licence to practice in Newfoundland and Labrador while you wait to take the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). To get this licence you must pay the CPNRE fee. You will get an invoice in the CLPNNL Member Portal after your Exam Candidate Application is approved.
  • required to complete a competency assessment using the Inspire Global Assessment. The assessment has two components (computer and in-person) and the outcome of the Inspire assessment will determine if you need further education (select courses or full bridging/re-entry program) to address competency gaps before you are eligible for registration. There are fees associated with both the Inspire Assessment & bridging courses.

Application process for Temporary Licence:

  • In your nurse portal, under the Change My Registration heading, complete the temporary licensure application.
  • Pay the Temporary Licence fee.
  • Complete the free Jurisprudence Learning module through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Continuing Education Portal.
  • An original Criminal Record Check dated within six (6) months of your application. The College accepts original paper or electronic versions from local or national police services, or from Canadian background screening organizations (e.g., CSI Screening).

Once all fees and documents are received and approved, your temporary licence will be processed. Your name will appear in the Search for a Nurse directory.

When you meet all the licensure requirements, including passing the CPNRE, your temporary licence will be converted to an initial licence without extra cost. The initial licence is valid until the end of the licensure year (March 31).

Currency of Practice

All applicants must meet currency of practice hours requirements. This means you have practiced for at least 1125 hours in the past 5 years or 450 hours in the past 2 years.

If you are an international applicant without enough practice hours, you may need to complete the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership Program (SPEPP). This program is for eligible candidates in Newfoundland and Labrador who meet the educational requirements but not the practice hours requirement.

If you are eligible for SPEPP you will be given approval to write the CPNRE and must pass the exam before you can start SPEPP.

To be eligible for SPEPP, you need a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. You can then apply for a Temporary Licence. The Temporary Licence for SPEPP participants is valid for 6 months. The program includes 450 hours of practice, with at least 135 hours under direct supervision of an experienced LPN or RN preceptor. The rest of the hours can be completed under direct or indirect supervision. By completing SPEPP, you will meet the currency of practice hours requirement and improve your nursing skills.

Eligible International Applicant – Non-Generalist

If you are an international applicant who does not meet the generalist education requirement, you might be granted a temporary license while you get the required theory and practice experience. Contact the College to see if there are other options available.

You will complete the Application for exam candidates. The temporary licence is valid for 6 months weeks and has restrictions set by the Registrar.

The College will give you more information about this category of temporary licensure once they determine your eligibility.

International applicants who do not meet one of the above licensure pathways should contact CLPNNL to see if there are other options available.

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