How do international nurses qualify to work in Alberta?
Categories: Professions
All nurses in Alberta are registered with the College and Association of Registered Nurses in Alberta (CARNA). If you want to practice as a nurse in Alberta, you must first have a practice permit from CARNA.
Internationally Trained Nurses
CARNA has a number of requirements that internationally trained nurses must meet in order to work as a nurse in Alberta.
To qualify as a nurse in Alberta you must be able to prove the following:
- Competent English language ability.
- Successful completion of a nursing program which has official approval in your home country, state, province or territory.
- Status as a registered nurse in the country where you earned your nursing education.
- If you practiced nursing in a country other than the one you earned your education in, you must demonstrate that you practiced as a registered nurse in good standing for the last 5 years.
- Completion of at least 1,125 hours of practice as a registered nurse within the last 5 years, (not including the current year,) OR
- Completion of a nursing degree or education program that CARNA finds satisfactory.
- Evidence of your competence to practice nursing at the expected professional level in Alberta. This could be through a combination of education, experience, or other related nursing qualifications.
- You must have no health problems that could affect your ability to work as a nurse.
- You must be able to demonstrate that you are of good character through employer references.
- You must not have any outstanding criminal charges or convictions that could affect your ability to practice nursing.
- You must complete and pass the Canadian Registered Nurses Examination (CRNE). The fee for this exam is approximately $500 CAD.
How to apply
You must send CARNA the following documents, fees and forms in order for them to process your application to practice nursing in Alberta:
- Your completed CARNA application form.
- Your application fee of $212 CAD.
- Copies of these documents:
- Birth certificate, or notarized official document verifying the date of your birth.
- Photo identification (for example a copy of the biodata page of your passport.)
- If your name is different from your birth certificate, you must also include a copy of your marriage certificate or other document that proves your legal name change.
You must also arrange to have the following documents sent directly to CARNA. They should not be sent to you first.
- Proof of your nursing registration from the place you earned your nursing education.
- Proof of your nursing registration from any other jurisdictions in which you practiced as a nurse in the past 5 years.
- Transcripts from your original nursing education program.
- Transcripts of from any other place you studied nursing.
- English language test results, (where necessary) from a recognized testing body. (List of recognized English tests from CARNA.)
What happens after you apply
If CARNA can determine that you are eligible, they will decide if you are able to register (see Possible Results below.)
If they cannot determine that you are eligible, they may ask you to completed a test program called the Substantially Equivalent Competence (SEC) assessment. This assessment takes place in Calgary, Alberta and your results are sent directly to CARNA.
Possible results
CARNA may determine that you are eligible to apply for a Temporary Permit, with conditions. This application costs $190 CAD. Once you are granted a Temporary Permit, you can practice temporarily as a Graduate Nurse. Once you meet the conditions that CARNA lays out for you, you can then apply for full registration.
CARNA may ask that you meet some additional requirements before they issue your registration. For example, they may ask you to demonstrate or improve your English language skills. Once this is complete, you can apply for a Temporary Permit above.
CARNA may reject your application of you do not meet the requirements.
How long does it take?
CARNA does not state a processing time, as it assesses each application individually. They time can vary greatly between one an application and another.
Where can I find more information?
You can contact CARNA directly by visiting their website: http://www.nurses.ab.ca
You can find more information about qualifying as an international nurse in Alberta here: Registration Requirements for Nurses Educated Outside of Canada (PDF).
CARNA’s toll-free phone number is 1-888-252-9392
41 Responses on “How do international nurses qualify to work in Alberta?”
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Im An international applicant from Nigeria,and i have been working for over two years and also a registered nurse in my country .I want to ask about english language proficiency,because I was taught English language for 16 years and presently using it to communicate in my place of work do i still need to provide toefl result?I sat for West Africa examination in year 2000 and had credit pass in english language and other courses.I need your quick response.Thanks for your assistance.
I had finished nursing from india and imy ielts score is over all 6.5 and 6 in speaking am i eligible for applying for registration.Iam a bsc nurse with 3,5 yrs of experience,
Hello both,
The current CARNA website is not entirely clear on this issue. To find out if you qualify, it is best to speak to CARNA directly. You can contact CARNA within Canada toll free on 1-800-252-9392. If you are outside Canada, the toll-free number will not work, and you should call on +1-780-451-0043.
Here is the full CARNA contact page.
i have complected Bsc nursing in india. i have 1440 hours of experience. i got over all band score 6.5 in ielts. . in speaking and listening i have 7. . . reading 6.5 and writing 6. . . i am intrested to work in canada. . please guide me..
Hi, your procedures are complicated. Why is it a must that one must past the English Language test before proceding to write the CRNE.
It would have been left on individuals to decide if they think they have enough English skills to go and write the exam.
If the examiners find that the English is not correct then they will simply fail the candidate.
So i dont see how is a problem for the board to say that one must pass English test.
I am currently working as a registered nurse in Botswana in Africa and would like to come to Canada /Alberta and work as a nurse.I have an overrall band score of 6.5 in ielts and it has expired and i have done English language ever since i started school for fifteen years and i work in a largest referral hospital in Botswana and the media of communication here is English and i have worked for Eight years now.I am i still required to sit for another English exam.
Hello Gibbs and Pudulogo. It would be best to direct your specific questions and comments directly to CARNA. You can call CARNA on +1 780 451 0043, or from the contact information above. They will be able to advise you on your specific cases.
I am a US Citizen and had an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing
on March 2006. I don’t have a License yet at present and I am really interested to live and work in Alberta, Canada.
Do I qualify to apply to take the Nursing Licensure in Canada?
Thank you.
I have a question regarding one of the requirements of internationally educated nurses:
* Completion of at least 1,125 hours of practice as a registered nurse within the last 5 years, (not including the current year,) OR
* Completion of a nursing degree or education program that CARNA finds satisfactory.
Does this rule mean I am only required to have at least one of these?
So if I have completed a nursing degree that CARNA finds satisfactory, I am not required to have at least 1,125 hours of practice as a registered nurse in my country of origin?
Also, will they accept applications for assessment even if the applicant is not a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident?
Please Advise.
Thank you in advance.
Hi! I have an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing
from the United States. I have an active license to practice. I graudated 3 years ago but don’t have any official nursing experience. Will this prevent me from getting approval from to take the exam and subsequently nursing registration in Alberta?
Any advice on this matter would be very helpful. Thank you.
I am a British Registered General Nurse with 10 years post reg experience I have been informed that as I have a diploma rather than a degree my job opportunities are limited and British Columbia is the only state that is an option for me is this true?
hi,i have completed my nursing from india and work experience of one year with ielts score of 6.shall i have work in canada.
Hello!
I am a contract worker and have 2 years contract. I arrived at Edmonton this last june 16 and presently working as nursing aide in one of the hospital in the city. My contract started last june 23. My IELTS will expire this july 26,2008. Do I need to retake the exam or not. Thank you and God bless.
i trained trained in nigeria but practicing in belize,what are the requirement for me to practice in canada?
am a registered nurse in nigeria currently am processing my documents for registration with carn,my problem is that i ve not done the engish proficiency test,is it compulsory?you can reach me via obaino400@yahoo.com or 2348032624851
what is the standard Ielts band score required for nursing alberta?
how long does the application take?
Hi, I am currently holding a RN-Diploma License in Ontario and working in the City of Toronto, do I need to take the CARNA if me and my family decided to move to Alberta? Is there a possible way I could also work in the government agency of your province, what do you require? Pls email me back, thanx very much
would like to know more about this programme, i am a nurse from india,
pls can i complete my registeration with the board? I scored 6 as my overall band score in ielts
I’m an international applicant from Nigeria, and I have been working for over two years and also a registered nurse/midwife in my country .I want to ask about English language proficiency, because I was taught English language for 16 years and presently using it to communicate in my place of work do I still need to provide toefl result? I sat for West Africa examination in year 2000 and had credit pass in English language and other subjects. I need your quick response. Thanks for your assistance
I am a UK citizen and have not nursed for about 12 years although I am about to commence my ‘Back to practice’ course. My family and I are very much hoping to migrate to Canada - will my lack of nursing in last 12 years be a problem even though the ‘Back to practice’ course will reinstate me in UK??? I have worked as a Pharmaceutical/Health care Rep for last 14 years.
Any help would or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Lisa Nicholson.
i am a nurse with 7 band score,,,i would like 2 do rn progrme….
I am a registered nurse in England but have only been qualified for a year. Can i still apply to be a nurse in Alberta? If i apply with you will you assist with paper work for work visa’s etc.?
hi, i am writing from Uganda-E.Africa. i need to know what you mean by working for 1125 hrs! i got a diploma in Midwifery in 2004, worked for 2.5 years in the health sector in Uganda. i am now completing my final year, persuing a BSC nursing degree; therafter migrate to Canada. will i also be required to sit the English exams yet i have been studing this language during my education in school for the last 28years. please reply to my email: l_asasira@yahoo.co.uk. God bless you.
hello, I have a Diploma in Nursing as opposed to a Bachelor’s Degree. I have over 15 years of continuous work as a registered nurse in my country.Do I still need a batchelor’s degree to register in Alberta?
Hello! I’m deepti. I have completed my B.Sc nursing in 2oo7 nd from sep.2007 to till now i’m working as a clinical instructor but now i want to go canada nd work as RN please advise me what to do? Nd what r the requirements?Please reply on dr.deepti_sharma1986@yahoo.com
If any one need assistance how to work as a nurse in Albeta, please contact me as I have just completed my registration process. Still not registered yet !! but hope to get it soon. I am a staff nurse in the United Kingdom.
Thanking you
Good Luck
Mohammad
I have temporary license to work as a Graduate Nurse in Alberta. After passing the nursing exam, it will be converted to Registered Nurse. Can someone help me to find temporary job placement in Alberta.
upon reading ur requirements i am opted to choose to work there in canada . i am a registered nurse from my country of origin and am a registered nurse presently here in US. i have passed the ielts 2 yrs ago. i am a nurse in a bachelor of science program in nursing. and at the same time i am PR card holder in ontario. if by assessing i am qualified to take the alberta nursing registration, please send the application forms for me to start processing all the requirements you posted. through my email please respond and advice me if the forms are already mailedif thank you for your attention . i am going to start immediarttely this application process. as soon as possible
Hello maria theresa,I just want to ask?Are you a filipina?You can download carna application in this website,www.nurses.ab.ca,click international applicants.Goodluck!
Hello,
I’ve just desided to register here, so… hello everyone !
An online study group for international nurses:
If you have done (or are doing) one or two of the following, please join the group:
a) Have had submitted an application of assessment to CARNA
b) Preparing for the SEC assessment
c) Have taken the SEC assessment
d) Preparing for the Canadian Registered Nurses Examination
e) Have taken the Canadian Registered Nurses Examination
Purpose:
a) share experiences with regards to the process of registration
b) share review materials for the exams
c) study group
Every piece of information based on personal experience from anybody going through the process of registration will be very helpful to other aspiring nurses for Alberta.
Also, if you are a newly registered nurse in Alberta within the past 5 years, and are willing to join the group, we’ll be happy to hear about your experiences.
To join the group, please email me at sharonbm@rocketmail.com.
A bit about me:
I am a BSN graduate in 2005. I am currently in Vancouver BC, Canada.
Wishing you all the best!
Hello…i heard there are some changes in the band score requirement to canada…..is that true? can any one say wat are the ielts requirement to canada at present…? am a nurse with 1 and a half year experiance now…Wat all i shoud do to start the processing to canada
Im a US license nurse and i want to work in canada does my US license is accepted in canada? Pls help me because i want to work in canada. thanks
I reqiure information on the requirements for Nigerian nurses (overseas) interested in registering in Alberta.
Thank you.
good day i’m a registered nurse and registered midwife in the phils. i worked there for 5 years in hospital, and now i’m in UK for he lst 2 years working in residential homes as senior carer can i apply to work in alberta as a nurse.
Approved IELTS band score for CARNA:
Overall band score- 6.5
with no score lower than 6 in all bands
Speaking part must be 7
GOOD LUCK to all applicants!
hi ebdy,
m a registered nurse from india…my sec assessment for general nursing is due in two months…can anybody there help me how to prepare for that…m totlly lost….
thnx
Am an RN in my home country, Nigeria. Presently, am processing my registration as an RN in Alberta. My IELTS overall band score is 6.5, that is speaking-7, writing-6, listenin-6.5, reading-6.5. I have sent to CARNA all the required documents & also paid the registration fee but,at the moment, i dont know what else to do. I really need your help.
Hi Uk nurse..preparing for SEC assessment . Any advice on preparation greatly appreciated. Cheers.