Easy Process: What Documents Are Required for the NNAS Application 2025?
If you’re an internationally educated nurse planning to build your career in Canada, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “What documents are required for the NNAS Application 2025?” The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) plays a central role in evaluating your education, licensure, and professional background before you can apply for registration with any Canadian nursing regulatory body.
Submitting the right documents accurately and on time is critical—missing or incomplete paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays in the application process.
The documents required for the NNAS Application 2025 are designed to provide a comprehensive picture of your nursing journey. These include proof of identity, academic transcripts, nursing education forms, professional licensure verifications, and employment records. Each of these items must be sent directly from your educational institution, licensing authority, or employer to NNAS in sealed envelopes or through approved electronic systems. This ensures authenticity and protects the integrity of the evaluation process.
Understanding exactly what is required saves you both time and money. For example, if you know ahead of time that certified translations or courier services will be needed, you can budget for these costs and avoid last-minute surprises. Likewise, by keeping track of each institution’s processing times, you’ll prevent unnecessary delays in receiving your final NNAS Advisory Report.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the documents required for the NNAS Application 2025, explain how to prepare them correctly, and share practical tips to streamline the submission process. Whether you’re a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or nurse practitioner, this checklist will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and move one step closer to your goal of practicing nursing in Canada.
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NNAS application required documents
Step 1: Proof of Identity Documents
One of the very first items required for the NNAS Application 2025 is proof of identity. This step verifies who you are and ensures that all the documents you submit match your official records. NNAS requires at least two valid identity documents, and they must be issued by a recognized government authority.
Acceptable Proof of Identity Documents:
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Valid Passport (recommended as the primary ID)
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Birth Certificate
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Driver’s License
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Marriage Certificate (if your current name differs from your birth name)
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Legal Name Change Certificate (if applicable)
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National Identity Card
Key Requirements:
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All documents must show your full legal name, date of birth, signature, and a clear photograph (if applicable).
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Copies of identity documents must be notarized or certified true copies to be accepted.
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If any document is not in English or French, a certified translation must also be submitted alongside the original.
This step may seem simple, but it is often where applicants face delays. For example, if your legal name has changed due to marriage or other reasons, you must include supporting documents (marriage certificate or name change certificate) to prove continuity of identity.
Always ensure that the names on your identity documents exactly match those on your educational and licensure forms. Even small discrepancies—like missing middle names or spelling differences—can trigger requests for clarification and slow down your application.
Step 2: Educational Documents
Your nursing education is a cornerstone of the NNAS assessment, and providing the correct academic records is required for the NNAS Application 2025. These documents allow NNAS to evaluate the scope, depth, and quality of your nursing training compared to Canadian standards.
Required Educational Documents:
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Nursing Education Form – This form must be downloaded from your NNAS account and sent directly to the nursing school(s) where you completed your education. Your institution will fill it out, attach your official transcript, and return it directly to NNAS in a sealed envelope.
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Official Transcripts – A complete record of the courses you studied, grades obtained, and dates of attendance.
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Course Descriptions or Syllabi – Some schools may need to provide detailed outlines of your nursing courses to help NNAS assess your training accurately.
Key Requirements:
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Documents must be sent directly from your school to NNAS; submissions from applicants themselves are not accepted.
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All documents must be in English or French; otherwise, certified translations are required.
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If you studied at more than one institution, each school must send its own set of forms and transcripts.
Educational documents are often the longest to process, as schools may take weeks or months to prepare and send the information. Contacting your school in advance, confirming their mailing/courier process, and following up regularly can help prevent long delays.
Many applicants underestimate the time needed for schools to send transcripts, especially if they studied abroad years ago. Reach out to your institutions as early as possible and be ready to cover courier or administrative fees they may charge.
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Step 3: Nursing Registration and Licensure Documents
Another key category required for the NNAS Application 2025 is proof of your professional nursing registration or licensure. These documents confirm that you were authorized to practice nursing in your home country (or other countries where you have worked) and that your license is valid, active, or previously held in good standing.
Required Licensure Documents:
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Nursing Registration Form – Downloaded from your NNAS account and sent directly to every nursing regulatory authority where you have been licensed or registered.
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Verification of Licensure – Completed by the licensing body and returned to NNAS in a sealed envelope or via their official process.
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Good Standing Letter – In some cases, the regulatory authority will also provide confirmation of your professional status, including any disciplinary actions or restrictions.
Key Requirements:
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You must request licensure verification from every country or province where you have ever been registered as a nurse.
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The form must be completed by the licensing authority—not by the applicant—and sent directly to NNAS.
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If the document is not in English or French, a certified translation must also be submitted.
This stage is critical because licensing authorities often take time to process requests. Some may also charge a service fee for sending verification, which you should budget for in advance.
Contact each regulatory authority early and ask about their typical processing time and fees. Missing licensure verifications is one of the most common reasons for delays in receiving the final NNAS Advisory Report.
Step 4: Employment and Professional Practice Documents
Your work history is another essential requirement for the NNAS Application 2025, as it provides evidence of your practical nursing experience. NNAS uses these documents to evaluate whether your professional practice aligns with Canadian nursing standards and competencies.
Required Employment Documents:
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Nursing Employment Form – Downloaded from your NNAS account and sent to every employer where you have practiced as a nurse in the past five years (or longer if requested).
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Employer Verification – Completed by your supervisor, human resources department, or hospital administrator, confirming your job title, employment dates, and scope of practice.
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Job Descriptions or Roles – Employers may be asked to outline your responsibilities, clinical skills used, and areas of patient care.
Key Requirements:
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Employment forms must be sent directly from your employer to NNAS in a sealed envelope or through approved delivery methods.
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All documents must be in English or French, or accompanied by certified translations.
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Even short-term or part-time positions must be included if they were official nursing roles.
Work verification is important because it allows NNAS to assess whether your hands-on experience meets Canadian expectations for safe and competent nursing care. Missing or incomplete employment records may weaken your application.
Stay in close contact with your previous employers, especially if you worked abroad or left a role years ago. Some organizations may require extra time to process verification requests or may charge administrative fees.
Step 5: Language Proficiency Documents
For international nurses, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English or French is required for the NNAS Application 2025. Language proficiency ensures you can safely and professionally interact with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system in Canada.
Accepted Language Proficiency Documents:
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IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) – Minimum score required: 7.0 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
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CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) – General or General-LS – Minimum overall score of 9 in each component.
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TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français) – Required for French-speaking applicants, with minimum scores set by regulatory authorities.
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Official Proof of Education in English or French – If you completed your nursing program in English or French, some regulatory bodies may accept transcripts as proof of language proficiency.
Key Requirements:
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Test results must be official and valid; unofficial or expired scores are not accepted.
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Results must be sent directly from the testing agency to NNAS, or in a sealed official envelope if submitted by the applicant.
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Ensure your test scores meet the minimum requirements for the province(s) where you intend to apply.
Schedule your language test well in advance of your NNAS application to avoid delays. Keep in mind that receiving official test results may take several weeks, so factor this into your overall application timeline.
Step 6: Additional Documents and Special Circumstances
Some applicants may need to submit extra documents beyond the standard requirements for the NNAS Application 2025. These additional documents help NNAS evaluate unique situations, ensure compliance with Canadian standards, and account for any discrepancies in your educational or professional records.
Examples of Additional Documents:
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Name Change Certificates – Required if your current legal name differs from the name on your educational or licensure documents.
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Explanation Letters – For gaps in employment, incomplete transcripts, or any irregularities in your nursing education or work history.
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Military or Special Training Certificates – If your nursing education or experience was obtained through military service or other specialized programs.
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Disciplinary or Probation Documents – If you have any past disciplinary actions, you must provide official documentation and explanations.
Key Requirements:
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All additional documents must be authentic, certified, and sent directly from the issuing authority when possible.
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Documents not in English or French require certified translations.
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Clearly label and organize these materials to avoid confusion or delays in the evaluation process.
Even if you think an additional document may not be strictly required, submitting it proactively can prevent NNAS from requesting further clarification later, which could delay your Advisory Report.
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Final Thoughts: Organize Your Documents for a Smooth NNAS Application
Understanding what documents are required for the NNAS Application 2025 is the foundation of a successful application. Submitting accurate, complete, and verified documents ensures that your application moves smoothly through the NNAS evaluation process and minimizes delays in obtaining your Advisory Report.
Preparation is key. Start by gathering your identity documents, educational transcripts, licensure verifications, employment records, and language test results. Keep certified translations ready if needed and maintain clear communication with your schools, employers, and licensing authorities.
Key Takeaways:
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Always use official forms and have them sent directly from institutions or licensing bodies.
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Ensure names, dates, and details match across all documents.
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Plan ahead for processing times and potential administrative fees.
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Proactively submit additional documents for special circumstances to avoid delays.
By staying organized and proactive, you can navigate the NNAS document requirements efficiently and move closer to your goal of practicing nursing in Canada.
Resources for NNAS Document Requirements (2025)
To help you navigate the documentation process efficiently, here are official and trusted resources for international nurses applying through NNAS:
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National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) – Official Website
https://www.nnas.ca-
Central hub for applications, document checklists, forms, and status tracking.
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NNAS Application Document Guide
https://www.nnas.ca/applicants/document-checklist/-
Detailed checklist of required documents for RN, LPN, and RPN applicants.
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NNAS Forms Download Page
https://www.nnas.ca/forms/-
Download Nursing Education Forms, Licensure Verification Forms, and Employment Forms directly from your account.
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Language Proficiency Resources
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IELTS Academic: https://www.ielts.org
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CELPIP General: https://www.celpip.ca
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TEF Canada: https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/tests-de-francais-tef-canada/
- Canadian Nursing Regulatory Bodies
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Complete list of provincial and territorial regulatory bodies available via NNAS: https://www.nnas.ca/nursing-regulators/
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Always use official links and forms provided by NNAS and the testing agencies to ensure your documents are accepted without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions About NNAS Document Requirements
The main documents include proof of identity, educational transcripts, nursing education forms, licensure verification, employment verification, and language proficiency results. Additional documents may be needed for name changes or special circumstances.
Most documents, such as transcripts, licensure, and employment verifications, must be sent directly from the issuing authority to NNAS. Applicant-submitted documents are generally not accepted.
Yes. Any documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.
NNAS requires at least two valid government-issued identity documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver’s license.
You must submit a marriage certificate or legal name change certificate to verify continuity of identity.
You need to provide verification for all nursing positions relevant to your professional practice, especially within the last five years or as required by NNAS.
Processing times vary; some institutions may take weeks or months. Contact them early and track submissions to avoid delays.
Yes, if your nursing education was not completed in English or French. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic, CELPIP, or TEF Canada.
Yes. Providing extra documents such as explanation letters, military or special training certificates, and disciplinary records can prevent delays if NNAS requests further information.
NNAS will request clarification, which can delay the evaluation process. Ensuring accurate and complete submissions from the start is crucial.
