Applying to the CNO is now an online process.

The application process for NP applicants begins when you create an online application with CNO.

There are also verification forms that must be forwarded to the appropriate third party (employers, universities, regulatory bodies, etc.) and returned by those third parties to CNO. CNO must receive all documents from third parties directly from the source. Third-party information submitted by the applicant will not be considered.

For nurses already registered in another province or territory, this process is different. Please refer to this section of the guide for more information.

When applying online, you will be asked to provide information, such as:

• a summary of all nursing education, including specific details about NP program(s)
• a summary of your registration in all jurisdictions in which you are practising or have practised nursing
• a summary of all employment positions as an NP since graduating from your NP program(s), if any.

During your application, if you answer “yes” to any question on the declaration, CNO will require you to provide additional information with your application, including a personal statement and supporting documentation separately. These cannot be submitted online. This information will be reviewed by CNO’s Executive Director and may be referred to the Registration Committee, which will extend the time it takes to process your application.

CNO will begin processing your application when it receives your completed application and all required fees. The application fee is non-refundable.

It is your responsibility to ensure the timely delivery of all required documentation and other information requested by CNO.

Factors that may delay an applicant’s registration include:

• graduating from a program that doesn’t meet entry-to-practice competencies
• failing to provide evidence of having practised nursing or graduated from a nursing program within the past three years
• failing to provide evidence that demonstrates language proficiency in either English or French
• the time needed to translate official documents translate official documents into either English or French
• failing to successfully complete the required registration examination or jurisprudence examination
• information about the applicant’s conduct, competence or health that may require further review and follow-up.
• failing to produce other documents requested by CNO.

Remember:

• You may photocopy any of the verification forms as necessary
• While you can submit your proof of citizenship, residency status, or authorization to practice nursing in Ontario documentation at any time during the online application process, it is recommended you submit this documentation with your application. If you do not submit them during your initial online application, you will need to send them to the CNO separately.
• Incomplete or missing information may delay the processing of your application.
• All applications for registration are confidential. Information about your application will be shared with only you unless you provide written permission to release the information to a third party (i.e., an employer, spouse, agency or lawyer). To release information to a third party, you must send us a written and signed letter of permission or complete the Authorization to Release Information form.
• Making a false or misleading statement or representation on your application or supporting documents may result in the cancellation of your application for registration and/or cancellation of any certificates that may be issued.