BC blocks nurses licensed outside BC from working in BC during a critical shortage. Not about safety. Not about competence.

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<h3>Licensed nurses are blocked from working in BC — and many are forced to leave</h3>While BC faces a shortage of nurses, qualified nurses are being prevented from working here — and in many cases pushed out of the province.Even after passing the same NCLEX-RN licensing exam used across Canada, the United States, and internationally, applicants without recent work experience face lengthy, costly assessments. This process can take many months, often more than a year, followed by re-entry programs that may take another year — often with limited seats and additional wait times to even get in, which could add even a third wasted year to the process.For many, the result is simple: leave BC to gain experience elsewhere — and often never return.<h3>Good enough to work in the US — not eligible in BC</h3>Nurses who pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain a US license can begin working in the US immediately.Applicants applying to transfer their RN license to BC without enough work hours are not good enough for BC, while perfectly qualified for the US.<ul><li>Without enough hours of recent work experience applicants must undergo a costly and lengthy assessment process that takes many months, sometimes over a year.</li><li>In all cases we are aware of, the outcome has been the same — re-entry program, typically a year-long.</li></ul>Same qualification. Completely different outcome.If a nurse is trusted to begin working in the US healthcare system, why are they not trusted in BC and why internationally recognized NCLEX-RN tests are not honoured?<h3>How the process works</h3><ol><li>An RN licensed outside of BC must have enough hours of recent work experience as an RN in the jurisdiction where the RN is licensed. </li><li>Without enough hours of recent work experience must undergo a costly and lengthy assessment which may take over a year. </li><li>The outcome of the assessment in all cases we are aware of is the same — re-entry program: <ul><li>typically full-time</li><li>incompatible with full-time employment, depriving applicants of income</li><li>most people cannot combine it with even part time meaningful employment</li><li>high costs of tuition and other associated costs of those programs</li><li>very lengthy, typically a year</li><li>often redundant making nurses feel they go through irrelevant or overlapping material they already proved knowing by passing NCLEX-RN exams.</li><li>Potential loss of existing employment or seniority</li></ul></li><li>Even if the nurse choose stress, expense and humiliation of a re-entry program:<ul><li>re-entry programs have very limited seats</li><li>admission is competitive and not guaranteed</li><li>some programs require Canadian experience, which creates another barrier</li><li>wait times to get accepted can be months or even a year</li><li>this can add a third year of delay on top of a year for the assessment and another year of the re-entry program itself</li></ul></li><li>Without re-entry program applicants are forced out of BC. Many of them are already employed as LPNs or as other health care professionals. So once the person relocates to the US where their wages are much higher, taxes are significantly lower, less bureaucracy and less hurdles and the cost of living is a lot lower - the result is that BC would lose not only a potential of gaining a qualified RN, but actually lose already qualified LPN or another health care professional.</li></ol>Experience can be gained by working. Here in BC nurses recently licensed in other jurisdictions are required to actually stepping away from work entirely.<h3>Re-entry Programs Do Not Increase Capacity — They "Steal" It</h3>Re-entry programs do not create new nurses. They use ("steal" and "waste") existing education capacity.Each seat occupied by a re-entry applicant is a seat that could have been used to train a new nurse entering the profession.In a system already facing a shortage, this creates a second-order effect:<ul><li>fewer new nurses entering the system</li><li>longer delays for nurses licensed out of BC</li><li>reduced overall workforce growth</li></ul>In effect, the system is not only delaying qualified nurses — it actually limiting the number of new nurses being trained.This issue is compounded by capacity constraints in the education system itself.In April 2026, Vancouver Community College paused its nursing intake for fall 2026 due to financial pressures, despite ongoing staffing shortages.This highlights a critical contradiction:<ul><li>the system depends on education programs to train new nurses.</li><li>the system is clogged by wasting seats on re-entry programs</li><li>the system gets overloaded which hurts everybody: the new applicants, the re-entry applicants and the general public, hence seems to be against public interest which is supposedly against BCCNM's very mandate.</li></ul><h3>Recent Practice Hours DO NOT PROVE Competency</h3>BCCNM (the BC regulator) requires “recent practice hours” to demonstrate competency.But hours alone are only a proxy it seems to be a logical fallacy.Just hours at a random employer at any position with whatever duties might have been (which vary) do not measure:<ul><li>what type of work was performed</li><li>level of responsibility</li><li>clinical complexity</li><li>actual knowledge or skill level</li><li>actual competency</li></ul>But nurses who have passed the NCLEX-RN — a standardized competency exam — and are already licensed in other jurisdictions are still required to demonstrate recent hours or to be sent back to school for a re-entry program.This creates a clear inconsistency.If hours worked elsewhere are accepted as sufficient to demonstrate readiness, why are those same hours not allowed to be gained through supervised employment in British Columbia?The system accepts experience gained outside BC, but does not provide a practical way to gain that same experience inside BC.This creates a direct contradiction:<ul><li>Experience is required</li><li>Access to license and therefore to employment is restricted</li><li>Without employment, experience cannot be gained</li></ul>If the goal is public safety and workforce readiness, a supervised practice pathway through a provisional license would allow:<ul><li>real-world evaluation</li><li>direct oversight</li><li>contribution to the healthcare system</li><li>income for the applicant</li></ul>Instead, the current approach often requires:<ul><li>long delays</li><li>red tape</li><li>illogical, inconsistent, and unclear in our view requirements</li><li>long and costly additional assessments</li><li>full-time re-entry programs</li><li>More stress for the participant, more stress for the public system</li><li>But more "employment" for the bureaucratic machine at the regulator, and therefore more costs to the public and higher fees that nurses are charged for licenses and renewals.</li></ul>The existing approach seems to be against best public interest and against the very mandate of BC regulator they supposed to uphold. As shown above, the logic proves that the barriers are not about competency or standards, if they can be bypassed by simply "recent work hours". Then what is it about and why not let nurses gain the same hours in BC as the regulator accepts from outside of BC? Where is common sense? All of this while BC faces shortage of nurses.<h3>What this means for BC</h3>This is not just a delay. It is a loss.Qualified nurses choose to work elsewhere instead of waiting and being deprived of income for an extended period.Some leave BC to gain experience and do not return.BC loses not only potential RNs and LPNs, but in some cases existing healthcare workers.We have received recent off-record feedback from a fingerprinting agency indicating that they are seeing a significant number of nurses — both LPNs and RNs — completing fingerprinting for US employment and licensing requirements. This is typically one of the final steps required for work visas and state licensing in the United States, meaning these nurses are past the stage of considering their options. They are leaving BC for the US now.Even for those willing to comply and enroll in re-entry programs, access is not immediate. Limited seats and long wait times can add another year before training even begins, extending the total delay to two or more years without income.A system meant to support healthcare capacity may be contributing to its reduction.So is the system acting against the best public interest?<h4>BC spent at least $5 Million on advertising in the US</h4>Question: why does BC spends millions of our taxpayers dollars on advertising in the US trying to attract US doctors and nurses while qualified competent nurses proven though NCLEX-RN exams and already licensed in other jurisdictions are already right here, ready and willing to work, yet denied licenses? Where is common sense?Why BC spends millions of dollars, then neglecting those who are already here, competent, ready and willing?Also, a math question. After spending at least $5 Million of our taxpayer's dollars, according to CTV News in March 2026, only 414 health professionals accepted positions in BC. Let us say the most optimistic ratio of 50% of those could be directly attributed to such an advertising campaign. It means BC has spent at least $5 Million dollars to attract 207 health professionals (both doctors and nurses). It means BC spent over $24,155 to attract each health professional. To put it in perspective, while BC spent $5 Million dollars attracting a little over 200 professionals (both nurses and doctors), BC was short of 4,500 nurses alone. Yet BC is neglecting those who are already here, competent, ready and willing to start working immediately. Would it make more sense to grant them provisional licenses and allow them supervised employment? Instead of paying over $24,155 in advertising to attract one nurse while neglecting the ones already here? Isn't it cheaper, better and far more effective to let these nurses integrate in our healthcare workforce, even under a provisional license and under the supervision?<h3>What is in the best public interest?</h3>If the goal is to gain practical experience, why must it be done through a full-time academic program instead of supervised employment through a provisional license in BC?BCCNM already has the ability to issue provisional licenses in other contexts.If experience is required, should it not be possible to gain that experience while working?<h3>Smoke And Mirrors?</h3>If the outcome is re-entry in all cases we are aware of:<ul><li>Why does the assessment process take months or more than a year?</li><li>Why is it so expensive?</li><li>What difference does it really make?</li><li>Is it in the best public interest?</li><li>Why does a process that appears to lead to the same outcome take so long?</li><li>Why are costs so high relative to the outcome?</li><li>What value is being added during this time?</li></ul>Even if an applicant chooses to take a re-entry program, access to those programs is not guaranteed. Seats are limited, admission is competitive, and wait times can add another year before training even begins. BCCNM is well aware of it. But do they care about that or about what is best overall for public interest?If the goal is to build a workforce, why is the path so long by design, costly, and uncertain? Or, as many believe, certain in the most negative way.<h3>If the US trusts nurses to gain their first experience, why BC does not?</h3>If the goal is to gain practical experience, why must it be done through a full-time academic program instead of a provisional license in BC - a mechanism that BCCNM already has. Why not allow freshly licensed RNs a supervised employment in BC via provisional license, keeping them in BC. Isn't it more efficient to keep them than running advertising campaigns and spending millions of dollars trying to attract them from the US?<h3>Public announcements vs actual outcomes</h3>In May 2025, the Province announced a streamlined process stating that U.S. nurses could begin working in BC within days.The Province also invested in recruitment efforts targeting healthcare workers from the United States.However, applicants report a different experience:<ul><li>Assessments are still required</li><li>Assessments take months or over a year</li><li>Requirements to obtain experience outside BC or complete re-entry programs, typically a year-long</li></ul>There appears to be a gap between what was announced and what applicants experience in practice.<h3>Class action?</h3>Why has there not yet been a class action against BCCNM?From what we are hearing from applicants and members of the public, many believe the current process may not align with the obligation to act in the public interest.Some applicants have already reached out to legal counsel.It remains to be seen whether a coordinated legal challenge will be pursued.If you have already started legal action, we would like to hear from you.If you have consulted a lawyer, your insight may help others.If you are a lawyer interested in these cases, you are welcome to reach out.<h3>What you can do</h3>If you are directly affected, you can file a complaint with the BC Ombudsperson.This is one of the few formal channels that can review whether processes are fair, reasonable, and consistent with the public interest.Focus on:<ul><li>Delays in being allowed to work</li><li>Inability to gain experience through employment in BC</li><li>Lengthy and costly assessment processes</li><li>Lack of clear or consistent outcomes</li></ul>Individual complaints may not have an impact on their own. Repeated, consistent complaints create a record that must be reviewed.<h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bcombudsperson.ca/online-complaint-form/">BC Ombudsperson Complaint Form</a></h3>

BC Is Losing Nurses It Already Has — Not Just Failing to Attract New Ones

<h3>CBC News – March 2026 B.C. hires more than 400 U.S. health-care workers in 1-year recruitment blitz</h3><ul><li>414 U.S. health-care workers accepted jobs in B.C.</li><li>Nearly 2,800 applications received</li><li>“slow licensing has bogged down the process for international recruitments”</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This independent reporting confirms the overall recruitment numbers presented in government updates.It also highlights an important factor:Slow licensing processes have historically affected international recruitment.At the same time, the article notes that U.S.-trained physicians can begin independent practice immediately without additional certification.This raises a question:If licensing barriers have been identified as a limiting factor in recruitment, how consistently have they been addressed across different health professions?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/how-many-u-s-health-care-workers-are-in-b-c-9.7129903">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/how-many-u-s-health-care-workers-are-in-b-c-9.7129903</a><h3>BC Government Release – 2025 More U.S. doctors, nurses, allied health professionals on their way to B.C.</h3><ul><li>“breaking down barriers”</li><li>“expedited credential recognition process”</li><li>“535 U.S. nurses… registered”</li><li>“Often, the first step… is to confirm their credentials before applying for jobs”</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This release emphasizes growing interest, registrations, and recruitment outcomes, alongside statements that barriers are being reduced and processes are streamlined.It also notes that confirming credentials and registration is often an initial step before employment.However, the information provided does not indicate:<ul><li>how long credential confirmation and registration take</li><li>how many applicants experience delays or additional requirements</li><li>how many are required to complete further assessments or re-entry pathways</li></ul>Reported experiences from some applicants suggest that timelines and requirements may vary significantly.This raises a question:Do summary indicators such as applications, registrations, and testimonials reflect the full pathway for all applicants, or primarily those who are able to complete the process successfully?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0090-000915">https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0090-000915</a><h3>BC Medical Journal – April 2025 British Columbia aims to attract more doctors, nurses from US </h3>The Province announced plans to fast-track credential recognition for both doctors and nurses.For U.S.-trained doctors:<ul><li>full licensure without further assessment, examination, or training</li></ul>For U.S.-trained nurses:<ul><li>a process to “make it faster and easier”</li><li>applications reviewed through credential and regulatory databases</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This announcement outlines a direct and clearly defined pathway for U.S.-trained doctors, including full licensure without additional assessment.For nurses, the description is more general, focusing on improving timelines and reviewing credentials, without specifying equivalent conditions or timelines.This raises a question:If both professions are part of the same recruitment effort, how consistent are the pathways and requirements in practice?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bcmj.org/news/british-columbia-aims-attract-more-doctors-nurses-us">https://bcmj.org/news/british-columbia-aims-attract-more-doctors-nurses-us</a><h3>Media Report – 2025 BC's multimillion-dollar campaign to attract US health workers nets just 140 job offers</h3><ul><li>Only 140 job offers resulted from the multimillion-dollar recruitment campaign</li><li>More than 1,400 applications were received</li><li>The campaign involved significant public investment</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This report presents recruitment outcomes alongside the scale of the campaign, including both application volume and job offers.Government messaging describes the initiative as gaining momentum and improving healthcare capacity.At the same time, the relationship between applications, job offers, and overall workforce impact is not fully detailed.This raises a question:How do recruitment outcomes compare to the scale of effort and investment, and how do they translate into actual workforce capacity over time?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Provincial/BC_s_multimillion_dollar_scheme_to_attract_US_health_workers_nets_just_140_job_offers">https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Provincial/BC_s_multimillion_dollar_scheme_to_attract_US_health_workers_nets_just_140_job_offers</a><h3>Strategy Online – July 2025 B.C. looks to attract American health workers with cross-border campaign</h3><ul><li>A $5 million campaign targeted U.S. health-care professionals</li><li>1,600 doctors and nurses expressed interest</li><li>The nurse accreditation process was described as reduced “from four months to just a few days”</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This article highlights both the scale of recruitment efforts and the messaging used to attract U.S. health-care professionals.It also includes a specific claim that the nurse accreditation process was reduced from several months to just a few days.However, reported experiences from some applicants suggest that timelines and requirements may vary significantly in practice.This raises a question:How do stated timelines of “a few days” compare with the full process experienced by applicants, including assessments, credential reviews, and any additional requirements?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://strategyonline.ca/2025/07/07/bc-health-campaign/">https://strategyonline.ca/2025/07/07/bc-health-campaign/</a><h3>CTV News June 06, 2025 B.C. targets U.S. doctors and nurses with recruitment ads near American hospitals</h3>BC spent “$5-million campaign to recruit doctors and nurses in the United States.”<h4>Commentary</h4>At the same time, nurses already in BC, those who already passed NCLEX-RN exam designed to prove competency, those who are already licensed in other jurisdictions in Canada and in the US (not good enough in BC, good enough elsewhere) are being denied BC licenses and unable to work in BC - during shortage of nurses.<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bc-targets-us-doctors-and-nurses-with-recruitment-ads-near-american-hospitals/">https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bc-targets-us-doctors-and-nurses-with-recruitment-ads-near-american-hospitals/</a><h3>Global News – March 2026</h3><ul><li>More than 400 U.S.-trained health professionals have accepted job offers</li><li>More than 2,750 applications received</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This reporting aligns with government-released figures on recruitment outcomes.It confirms overall totals, while providing limited additional detail on timelines, pathways, or applicant experiences.<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://globalnews.ca/news/11734727/bc-recruited-400-us-health-care-professionals/">https://globalnews.ca/news/11734727/bc-recruited-400-us-health-care-professionals/</a><h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Nurse.org">Nurse.org</a> – 2025 U.S. Nurses Are Moving Out of the Country Fast, Canada Says Its $500 Million Plan Is Working</h3><ul><li>Licensing timelines described as reduced “from months to days”</li><li>Fast-track and expedited processes highlighted</li><li>Direct credential verification cited as a factor</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This article repeats messaging that licensing timelines for nurses have been significantly reduced, including descriptions of processing times decreasing from months to days.It also attributes this change to streamlined credential verification and reduced reliance on third-party assessments.However, reported experiences from some applicants suggest that timelines and requirements may vary in practice.This raises a question:How consistently are “days”-level timelines achieved across different applicants and scenarios?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nurse.org/news/canada-hire-usa-trained-nurses/">https://nurse.org/news/canada-hire-usa-trained-nurses/</a><h3>CTV News – March 2026 ‘Drop in the bucket’: B.C. touts U.S. health-care recruitment, but critics say it’s not enough</h3><ul><li>414 U.S.-trained health professionals accepted positions in B.C.</li><li>260 nurses included in that total</li><li>Approximately 4,500 nursing vacancies reported in the province</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This reporting presents recruitment outcomes alongside broader workforce needs.While the Province highlights successful recruitment and increasing interest from U.S. health-care professionals, the scale of existing vacancies remains significantly larger than the number of newly recruited nurses.This introduces a broader context:How do recruitment gains compare to overall workforce demand, and what impact do they have on addressing staffing shortages?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/article/drop-in-the-bucket-bc-touts-us-health-care-recruitment-but-critics-say-its-not-enough/?taid=69ba77d6227d84000121a6ec">https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/article/drop-in-the-bucket-bc-touts-us-health-care-recruitment-but-critics-say-its-not-enough/?taid=69ba77d6227d84000121a6ec</a><h3></h3><h3>CTV News April 21, 2026 ‘Very short-sighted’: Vancouver college cancels fall nursing program amid health-care staffing crisis</h3>"Vancouver Community College cancelled the fall class for first-year nursing students""education options narrowed despite local demand""The cancellation comes amid a nursing shortage in British Columbia. In addition to the 4,500 current vacant positions waiting to be filled, the BC Nurses’ Union forecasts the province will require an additional 26,000 nurses by 2031."“The fact that we’re losing one nursing seat, let alone a whole cohort, is extremely concerning,” - Adriane Gear, BCNU President.<h4>Commentary</h4>BCCNM (the BC Licensing Regulator) know about this or should know. Yet, What do they do?BCCNM still sends applicants who already passed NCLEX-RN exam and those holding valid out-of-BC licenses to re-entry programs, often full-time year-long, occupying the very seats that are in short demand that could be used in better public interest to train new nurses.<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/very-short-sighted-vancouver-college-cancels-fall-nursing-program-amid-health-care-staffing-crisis/">https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/very-short-sighted-vancouver-college-cancels-fall-nursing-program-amid-health-care-staffing-crisis/</a>

IN THE NEWS

<h3>Correspondence and briefing materials between BC Ministry of Health, Office of the Premier and BCCNM</h3>“It would be exceptional for the Minister of Health to direct a regulatory college to adjust their relevant bylaws and/or processes…” (Ministry of Health Briefing Note, June 17, 2024)“The CPSBC and BCCNM operate at arm’s length from government and are responsible for… registration and licensing.” (Ministry of Health Briefing Note)“In those cases, the Colleges have been very responsive… sometimes being able to provide a response in a matter of days to a couple of weeks.” (Ministry of Health Briefing Note – referring to specific, escalated cases)“Provided that they have… demonstrated currency of practice… 1,125 hours of nursing experience within the prior five-year period.” (Ministry of Health Briefing Note)“Alternative Processes for meeting Recent Practice Experience Hours (IENs): None.” (BC) “Restricted permit to work under supervision… 150 hours… If successful… full registration granted.” (Alberta)“BCCNM… relies primarily on competency assessments… to determine substantial equivalence…”“Over 90 percent of the IENs assessed through the BC IEN pathway have secured employment…”<h4>Commentary</h4>These internal materials provide insight into how the system operates behind public announcements.They confirm that regulatory colleges operate independently and are not typically directed by government. This raises a structural question: when public commitments are made about faster or streamlined licensing, implementation depends on a separate body with its own processes and criteria.The documents also clarify that expedited timelines—such as responses within days—can occur in specific, escalated cases. This suggests that faster processing may depend on prioritization rather than being consistently available to all applicants.A central requirement is clearly identified: recent practice experience (1,125 hours within five years). This applies even where education and licensing are considered substantially equivalent. For applicants without this experience, additional steps may be required.The jurisdictional comparison highlights a key difference in approach. While Alberta offers a supervised practice pathway to address experience gaps, British Columbia does not provide an equivalent alternative within this framework.The system is described as one that identifies gaps and requires applicants to address them—often through assessment and additional training—before entering practice.At the same time, internal materials reference high employment outcomes for those who complete the process. However, these figures reflect outcomes for successful applicants and do not indicate how long the process takes, how many applicants face additional requirements, or how many do not complete the pathway.<h4>Questions</h4><ul><li>If regulatory colleges operate independently, how are public commitments about faster licensing ensured in practice?</li><li>Are expedited timelines available to all applicants, or only in selected or escalated cases?</li><li>If qualifications are considered substantially equivalent, what role does the recent experience requirement play in determining eligibility?</li><li>If supervised practice is used in other jurisdictions to bridge experience gaps, why is a similar approach not broadly applied in BC?</li><li>Do reported outcomes reflect all applicants, or primarily those who are able to complete the full process?</li></ul><h4>Sources</h4>Government Records (FOI)

INTERNAL GOVT COMMUNICATION

COVID-19 Nurses & Therapists at Manchester Memorial Hospital (May 2020)

Public discussions are happening in multiple groups.

Some groups seem to have censorship and restrictions, and therefore maybe biased.We listed some on our <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="/discussions">Discussions page:</a>

Medical attributes as used by a Doctor, Nurse or Physician in a hospital or practice

Caption: In this 2022 photo, captured inside a clinical setting, a health care provider places a bandage on the injection site of a patient who just received an influenza vaccine. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6-months of age and older get a flu vaccine every season. Content Providers(s): CDC/ Robin Spratling Creation Date: 2022 Photo Credit: Brandon Clifton ID#: 26180 https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=26180

If you are affected, share your experience with us.You can use your real name or nickname. Your information will not be shared.We would love to hear:- Where you are licensed- What happened when you applied in BC- Inquiries from media- Inquiries from lawyers and law firms- Your feedback if you notice anything here that may be factually incorrect

Good Enough for the US — Not Good Enough in BC

US-licensed nurses are being blocked from working in British Columbia despite passing the same NCLEX-RN exam used across North America.

BC Needs Nurses — So Why Are Licensed Nurses Being Rejected

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Same Exam — Good Enough for the US, Not Good Enough for BC?

<h3>“Fast-track” messaging vs. reality BC Government News Release – May 12, 2025 Streamlined process cuts wait times, bringing more U.S. nurses to B.C.</h3>“New streamlined credential recognition means nurses from the United States can now work in B.C. much quicker, with registrations taking only a few days. Nurses can now apply directly to the college without first going through a third-party assessment organization.”<h4>Commentary</h4>This statement presents the process as significantly accelerated and simplified. However, reported experiences from many applicants suggest that timelines and requirements do not align with the expectation of “only a few days.”, indicating the gap between messaging and the reality.<h4>Source</h4>Official BC Government News Release (May 12, 2025) Streamlined process cuts wait times, bringing more U.S. nurses to B.C. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0020-000443">https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0020-000443</a><h3>Recruitment campaign for doctors, nurses launches in U.S. (Government Recruitment Campaign vs Licensing Reality)</h3>“U.S. nurses can be registered in just a few days” “The campaign… is expected to reach approximately 80% of health-care professionals in the target areas.” Large-scale targeted recruitment campaign (14,000 screens, 80% reach) “There has never been a better time to come to British Columbia…”<h4>Commentary</h4><ul><li>This is not just messaging about improving processes.</li><li>This is an active recruitment campaign built on the assumption that licensing is fast and accessible.</li><li>BC Goverment spent at least $5 million dollars of taxpayer's money on this campaign</li><li>The campaign promotes “days” timelines</li><li>It targets professionals at scale</li><li>It directs them into a system where many report:<ul><li>long delays</li><li>additional requirements</li><li>re-entry pathways</li></ul></li></ul>Then the key question:If registration truly takes “just a few days,” why do applicants report months or years before being able to practise?<h4>Source</h4>Official BC Government News Release (June 6, 2025) Recruitment campaign for doctors, nurses launches in U.S. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0056-000558">https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0056-000558</a> <h3>“Credential recognition” promise by the government BC Government Release – March 11, 2025 British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from U.S.</h3>References to “fast-tracking credential recognition for doctors and nurses from the United States.”<h4>Commentary</h4>The emphasis on “credential recognition” is consistent across official communications. It suggest reduced barriers for qualified professionals, though it is reported people still experience old ways, months or over the year of a costly assessment process which results to a re-entry program anyway for everyone we are aware of, sometimes half a year but most typical from what we've heard from many applicants is a year.<h4>Source</h4>BC Government News Release (March 11, 2025) British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from U.S. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0013-000194">https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0013-000194</a><h3>BCCNM announces “expedited” pathway with reduced steps and faster decisions - May 12, 2025</h3>“BCCNM has further streamlined the application process…” “This change has eliminated need for an education credential assessment…” “Reduced cost and time… resulting in expedited registration decisions…”<h4>Commentary</h4>The announcement emphasizes reduced steps and faster decision-making, supported by claims that US licenses are largely comparable. It suggests a simplified and accelerated pathway, though many reported experiences indicate otherwise.<h4>Source</h4>BCCNM Announcement (May 12, 2025) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bccnm.ca/BCCNM/Announcements/Pages/Announcement.aspx?AnnouncementID=577">https://www.bccnm.ca/BCCNM/Announcements/Pages/Announcement.aspx?AnnouncementID=577</a><h3></h3><h3>BC Government Social Media Post – March 17, 2025</h3>“Streamlined credential pathways have made it faster to get licensed in B.C.” “1,030+ US-trained nurses and nurse practitioners registered”<h4>Commentary</h4>This messaging highlights application volume, registrations, and hiring outcomes.However, it does not provide information about:<ul><li>how long registration takes for all applicants</li><li>how many applicants face delays or additional requirements</li><li>how many are required to complete assessments or re-entry programs</li><li>outcomes for applicants without recent work experience</li></ul>Reported experiences from many applicants suggest that timelines and requirements can vary significantly, and may include lengthy assessment processes.This raises a question about how overall results are being presented, and what is not reflected in summary statistics.<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/posts/1454261259386217/">https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/posts/1454261259386217/</a><h3>BC Government Release – July 2025 B.C. fast-tracks recruitment of international doctors as U.S. campaign delivers results</h3>“U.S.-trained doctors can now become fully licensed in B.C. without the need for further assessment, examination or training.” “Doctors… can often be registered in a matter of weeks.”<h4>Commentary</h4>This announcement describes a streamlined pathway for internationally trained doctors, including:<ul><li>no additional assessment or training requirements</li><li>faster registration timelines (often within weeks)</li><li>reduced cost and administrative burden</li></ul>At the same time, reported experiences from many nurse applicants suggest a different process, including:<ul><li>lengthy assessment timelines</li><li>additional requirements</li><li>potential re-entry programs</li></ul>This raises a question:If comparable international qualifications can be accepted for doctors without additional assessment... why is a different approach applied to nurses?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0071-000680">https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0071-000680</a><h3>BCCNM Announcement – January 2023 New registration process for internationally educated nurses NEW REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR IENS</h3>A new process was introduced to:<ul><li>“eliminate months — or even years — from the application journey”</li><li>“reduce barriers and delays”</li><li>“simplify the process for applicants”</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This announcement describes a redesigned system intended to significantly reduce delays and simplify the registration process for internationally educated nurses.However, reported experiences from many applicants suggest that lengthy timelines and additional requirements may still occur in practice.This raises a question:If the process was redesigned to eliminate delays as early as 2023, why do applicants continue to report extended timelines and barriers?The changes in process, if any, is not what we see and hear from the applicants about their experience .<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/BCnursesmidwives/posts/pfbid0Bip5xCZnutriFowCDU7tNJjGpqt9cMUJHznUbvAktYeAVE3BNmtgBeRFWDFw3gyFl?rdid=cPoKSFc36Ov1QiwI#">https://www.facebook.com/BCnursesmidwives/posts/pfbid0Bip5xCZnutriFowCDU7tNJjGpqt9cMUJHznUbvAktYeAVE3BNmtgBeRFWDFw3gyFl?rdid=cPoKSFc36Ov1QiwI#</a><h3>BC Government Release – January 2026 One year update: Hundreds of U.S. health-care professionals are serving people in B.C. More than 400 U.S. health-care professionals making B.C. home</h3><ul><li>“More than 400 U.S.-trained health professionals have accepted job offers”</li><li>“More than 1,300… have registered to practise in B.C.”</li><li>“Expedited credential recognition process”</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This update highlights overall recruitment success, including applications, registrations, and job placements.It also notes that registration is one of the first steps toward working in B.C.However, the data presented does not indicate:<ul><li>how long the process takes for all applicants</li><li>how many applicants experience delays or additional requirements</li><li>how many are required to complete assessments or re-entry programs</li><li>outcomes for applicants who do not meet certain criteria</li></ul>Reported experiences from some applicants suggest that timelines and requirements can vary significantly.This raises a question:Do overall recruitment numbers reflect the experience of all applicants, or primarily those who were able to complete the process successfully?<h4>Source</h4>One year update: Hundreds of U.S. health-care professionals are serving people in B.C. More than 400 U.S. health-care professionals making B.C. home <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HLTH0015-000275">https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HLTH0015-000275</a><h3>BCCNM Announcement – January 9, 2023 Coming soon: New registration process will remove delays and lower costs for internationally educated nurses</h3>A new process was introduced to:<ul><li>“eliminate months — or even years — from the application journey”</li><li>“reduce barriers and delays”</li><li>“simplify the process for applicants”</li></ul><h4>Commentary</h4>This announcement describes a redesigned registration process intended to significantly reduce delays and simplify the application pathway for internationally educated nurses.The changes include:<ul><li>expanded credential evaluation options</li><li>reduced upfront costs during the pilot period</li><li>a consolidated, “one-stop” assessment approach</li></ul>However, reported experiences from many applicants suggest that timelines and requirements can still vary significantly in practice, and may include extended assessments and additional steps.This raises a question:If the process was redesigned to eliminate delays as early as 2023, why do applicants continue to report lengthy timelines and barriers?<h4>Source</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bccnm.ca/bccnm/Announcements/Pages/Announcement.aspx?AnnouncementID=396">https://www.bccnm.ca/bccnm/Announcements/Pages/Announcement.aspx?AnnouncementID=396</a>

Official Public Statements about Recruitment of Nurses (RNs)

<h3>Facebook Groups</h3>Below are links to public Facebook groups where nurses discuss licensing, registration, and employment-related issues in British Columbia and other jurisdictions.These groups contain a wide range of individual experiences, opinions, and discussions. They are presented here to provide additional context and allow readers to explore these conversations directly.<h4>International Nurses in Canada</h4>(25.4k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/437634443055386">https://www.facebook.com/groups/437634443055386</a><h4>Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) in Canada - NNAS, RN, RPN, LPN</h4>(4.5k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1113712069055246">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1113712069055246</a><h4>Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) in BC, Canada</h4>(2.6k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/181281025756527">https://www.facebook.com/groups/181281025756527</a><h4>IENs Of BC</h4>(2.2k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/163328140521972">https://www.facebook.com/groups/163328140521972</a><h4>Internationally Educated Nurses of British Columbia</h4>(1.9k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/267273423351535">https://www.facebook.com/groups/267273423351535</a><h4>Canadian Nurses in the USA (NURSES HELPING NURSES)</h4>(43.6k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/22325870067">https://www.facebook.com/groups/22325870067</a><h4>International educated nurses in Canada &amp; USA</h4>(1.9k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/273554365017489">https://www.facebook.com/groups/273554365017489</a><h4>IEN (International Educated Nurses) British Columbia</h4>(under 1k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/782556532621438">https://www.facebook.com/groups/782556532621438</a><h4>IEN-Internationally Educated Nurses/PSWs</h4>(under 1k members) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2789616384675452">https://www.facebook.com/groups/2789616384675452</a><h3>BC Health Care Matters</h3>(12.3k members) (We have heard reports of strong censorship there with only vetted views and people allowed to post, so we have an impression that views expressed there may be heavily biased)<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/bchealthcarematters">https://www.facebook.com/groups/bchealthcarematters</a><h3>Recurring Experiences Reported by Applicants</h3>The following excerpts are from public discussions where nurses share their experiences with licensing and registration in British Columbia. These reflect recurring themes reported by multiple applicants.Consistent outcomes after assessment“The outcome is the same every time: not eligible, re-entry or BScN. No gaps identified, no tailored pathway.”Questioning the purpose of assessments“If the outcome is the same, what are we actually being assessed for?”“We spend months preparing and hundreds of dollars, and still end up in a re-entry program.”Lack of transparency“There seems to be limited transparency around how applicants are guided through the process.”“It’s difficult to understand how to prepare or what specific gaps are being identified.”Mismatch with real clinical experience“Experienced nurses are being assessed against broad general standards that don’t reflect their actual practice.”“Specialized experience doesn’t seem to be recognized in a meaningful way.”Experience requirement as a barrier“You need 1,125 hours of recent practice outside BC or you are not eligible.”“Without current experience, there is no pathway forward except re-entry.”Existing experience not recognized“I’ve worked as an LPN for years. Result: re-entry.”“Previous work experience doesn’t seem to reduce the requirements.”"have 17 years clinical experience in Europe as a rn. I’m so confused to see at this level of my life, I still need to prove that I’m good enough to take care of patients. ... but why so much complicated steps? We lose so much time and ..money. Why they don’t do like a universal program of 6months in supervised clinical for example?! How can we prove in 25 min, our compassion, our knowledge , our strengths when we have to deal under stress, in a new environment , ... how can we be comfortable reading in 5min a patients chart with multiple documents we never saw before? … it cost you months of studies,..again! And I saw so many local nurses here that should go back to school because of dangerous situation that I witnessed while being at the emergency as a patient!! ... I’m a nurse and was able to stop couple mistakes! … sorry, lot to say but I feel like they make it so hard on us."Complexity and uncertainty of the process“It’s too complicated, with no clear pathway to move forward.”“Even after completing requirements, there’s still uncertainty about what comes next.”"Bccnm decision, lpn take specific 4courses/subjects + 1 clinical. Re entry or Bsc. Pay it first when you finished they will reimburse but no clear pathway on how to get a work permit for it."Lack of Common Sense"...it’s a joke that the assessments are so broadly based across nursing as a whole. I’ve worked in surgical my entire career and we barely touch on Mat/Paeds/Psyche in Ireland under general as they’re all their own bachelors degrees. The fact that I am being assessed on these when I have zero intention to work in those specialities is beyond me."Sense of desperation and giving up on BC"I’m an LPN for few years already. No RN recent practice. Results : re entry which is sad. It’s totally a waste of my time, effort and money to register here in BC.""This is the Canadian way of registration, convoluted and riddled with bureaucratic red tape. It is as if they don't need IENs, or that their healthcare system is not straining under the weight of severe nurse shortage.

Public Discussions

BC Government to Nurses: Promises Made, Promises Broken

The Government of British Columbia promoted a fast-track process for U.S.-licensed nurses, with registration expected in days.Many applicants report a very different experience — months or even years of delays, additional assessments, and re-entry requirements that prevent them from working.This gap between public messaging and real outcomes raises serious questions about how the system operates in practice.

BC Promised Fast-Track for US-Licensed Nurses — Reality Is Years of Delay

Licensed but Denied in BC: No Experience, No License — No License, No Experience

Nurses who have passed the NCLEX-RN and are already licensed outside British Columbia are denied a license in BC if they do not have recent work experience.At the same time, without a BC license, they are not allowed to work in BC.So they cannot gain the very experience required to obtain the license.This is the catch-22, a direct contradictionNo recent experience — no license. No license — no experience. No license — no job in BC. No job in BC - we lost another nurse instead of gaining one. And the shortage of nurses gets worse.The BC regulator requires recent experience before granting a license, while at the same time preventing nurses from gaining that very experience through work in BC — at a time when there is a shortage of nurses.The BC regulator already has a mechanism to address this: a provisional license for supervised practice. Instead of using this mechanism to allow nurses to gain experience while working, the BC regulator requires additional lengthy and costly assessments and typically a year-long re-entry programs which force applicants out of BC.Once nurses leave, establish their careers, start making more money in the US than they would in BC, and have lower cost of living when they settle in the US, they are unlikely to return.If experience is required, why is it not allowed to be gained through work in British Columbia? Is it really in the best public interest?

<h3>If you are affected, this is what you can do right now.</h3><h3>File a complaint with the BC Ombudsperson</h3>This is the main independent body that can review whether the process is fair and in the public interest.<h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bcombudsperson.ca/online-complaint-form/">BC Ombudsperson Complaint Form</a></h3>People report:<ul><li>delays in being allowed to work</li><li>inability to gain experience through employment</li><li>requirements for assessments and re-entry programs</li><li>unclear requirements</li><li>unclear interpretation of results</li><li>lack of consistent outcomes</li></ul><h3>Contact BCCNM, Elected Officials and the Media</h3><ul><li>BCCNM (BC College of Nurses &amp; Midwives) Email:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:info@bccnm.ca">info@bccn​​m.ca</a> Email:​​<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:IENapplications@bccnm.ca">IENapplications@bccnm.ca​​</a> ​​Tel:604-742-6200 Toll-free (Canada only)​: 1-866-880-7101​ .</li><li>BC Premier Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:premier@gov.bc.ca">premier@gov.bc.ca</a> Tel: 250-387-1715 X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/Dave_Eby">@Dave_Eby</a> .</li><li>BC Ministry of HealthEmail: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca">HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca</a> Vancouver: 604-660-2421 Victoria: 250-387-6121 Toll-free (Canada and USA): 1-800-663-7867 X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/Josie_Osborne">@Josie_Osborne</a> .</li><li>BC Opposition Health Critic Email:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:anna.kindy@conservativebc.ca">anna.kindy@conservativebc.ca</a> X:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/DrKindyMLA">@DrKindyMLA</a> Facebook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href=" https://www.facebook.com/annakindymlanorthisland">annakindymlanorthisland</a> .</li><li>BC Official Government News X: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/BCGovNews">@BCGovNews</a> .</li><li>Media on X <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/cbcnewsbc">@CBCNewsBC</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/CBCNews">@CBCNews</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/CTVVancouver">@CTVVancouver</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/CTVNews">@CTVNews</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/GlobalBC">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/GlobalBC">GlobalBC</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/globalnews">@GlobalNews</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/CityNewsVAN">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/CityNewsVAN">CityNewsVAN</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/CHEK_News">@CHEK_News</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/VancouverSun">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/VancouverSun">VancouverSun</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/TheTyee">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/TheTyee">TheTyee</a></li></ul>

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BCCNM claims to care about competency - against their own logic

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