Upcoming fee changes for B.C. applicants

In November, we will be making some changes to our fees for applicants applying for registration in British Columbia. How these changes will impact you will depend on where you are in the application process and if you are participating in the Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) Bursary Program.

Effective November 27, 2025 …

• An Inspire application fee of $600+GST will be charged for education credentialling and language proficiency evaluation services to those applicants who apply on or after November 27, 2025.
• The Inspire application fee may be available for reimbursement through the IEN Bursary Program.
• Participants in the IEN Bursary Program will pay their competency assessment fee and submit the receipt for reimbursement for assessments completed after February 24, 2026, rather than having the fee waived.

Why is this happening?

Since 2022, the Government of British Columbia has provided funding to support internationally educated nurses in becoming registered in B.C. As of November 27, 2025, financial support will still be available, but the process will change.

• All financial support will flow through the IEN Bursary Program managed by Health Match BC. Find out if you are eligible.
• Bursary program participants will pay fees upfront and then apply for reimbursement.

Why do you have to pay a new fee?

A cost has always been associated with assessing applications and delivering competency assessments. During the IEN Pathway pilot program, the fees were paid on behalf of applicants through funding from the Government of British Columbia and through the IEN Bursary Program. The government is now providing all funding through reimbursement of fees through the IEN Bursary Program rather than waiving the fee. The funding is still available, but through a different process.

What this means for you

How these changes will impact you depends on where you are in the Inspire application process. Answer the questions in the following flow chart to determine the impact and what you need to do:

Next steps

• If Inspire is waiting for you to provide documents or other information before we can review your application, we recommend you submit them as soon as possible.
• If you are eligible to schedule your assessments, log into your account on the Inspire portal to schedule your assessments. NOTE: We expect that available spots before February 24, 2026 will fill quickly.
• If you haven’t applied to BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) yet, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

If you have not started the application process, please begin by contacting the Health Match BC Nursing Team at info@nursingjobsbc.ca to learn about the IEN Bursary Program, and where to begin your registration journey.

Questions?