In January 2026, the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) changed the evidence of practice requirement for internationally educated nurses (IEN) looking to join the workforce. Applicants must prove they have had nursing experience in the past three years. And experience outside of Ontario must be obtained through paid work rather than volunteer roles.

“It’s very unrealistic for us to reach this. Hopefully this is not another barrier to become a nurse in Canada,” said RN Mark Anthony Gravoso, an RNAO member and president of the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association. 

While the CNO says the change is necessary because volunteer settings vary with respect to standardized documentation and oversight, Gravoso suggested the CNO could expand its eligibility criteria to ensure the patient safety experience it requires. This would give IENs hope they can overcome any hurdles to practise. (CityNews, Feb. 7)