Internationally educated nurses and inactive nurses who submit, or have submitted, their Reinstatement or General Class registration applications to the CNO between August 18, 2022 to March 31, 2026 are eligible for the program.
What is the Temporary Reimbursement of Fees for Internationally Educated and Inactive Nurses program?
The Government of Ontario is helping internationally educated nurses (IENs) and inactive nurses by temporarily covering the costs of certain College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) fees. This program is designed to remove financial barriers that may prevent nurses from getting licensed and returning to practice.
Who Can Apply for Temporary Reimbursement?
You are eligible if you are an:
- Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN), or
- Inactive Nurse
👉 You must have submitted (or will submit) your Reinstatement or General Class registration application to the CNO between August 18, 2022 and March 31, 2026.
What Expenses Are Covered?
The program will reimburse fees incurred between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026. Eligible expenses may include:
- Application to CNO (General Class or Temporary Class)
- Jurisprudence Exam
- Language Proficiency Test
- Background Check
- Registration Exam
- CNO Initial Registration Fee
- Annual Membership Fee
💡 Note: To receive reimbursement, applicants must have a Canadian bank account in their own name.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Reimbursement
Step 1: Apply to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- Submit your General Class or Reinstatement Application to CNO.
- More details here: CNO Registration Applications
Step 2: Keep Track of Your Eligible Expenses
Make sure you keep receipts for:
- Application fees
- Exams (Jurisprudence, Language, Registration)
- Background checks
- Annual membership and registration fees
Step 3: Fill Out the Reimbursement Application Form
- Complete the Above Ontario Health Reimbursement Application Form (only once).
- You’ll need your:
- Email address
- CNO Application Number
- CNO Application Type (General or Temporary Class)
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Your details will be verified directly with CNO.
- If you change your email on file with CNO, notify the reimbursement team so your application can be updated.
Step 5: Receive Your Reimbursement
- Approved applicants will get their reimbursement directly into their Canadian bank account.
Contact Information
For questions about the reimbursement program or an existing application, email:
📧 hf-reimbursement@ontariohealth.ca
✅ This temporary reimbursement program is a great opportunity for internationally educated and inactive nurses to save money and move forward with their nursing careers in Ontario.
For any questions, please e-mail hf-reimbursement@ontariohealth.ca.