NNAS vs WES: Which Is Best For Nurses Complete Guide in 2026

For internationally educated nurses working abroad is an exciting opportunity but before you can practice, your educational credentials must be assessed and recognized. Two of the most commonly discussed evaluation bodies are the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) and World Education Services (WES). Many nurses have doubts regarding which one I should choose? Do I need both? The answer depends on your goals licensing, immigration or further studies.

In this complete guide on NNAS vs WES for nurses, we’ll explain the differences, when each is required, and how Evas Global  helps you navigate the entire journey smoothly.

Why Credential Evaluation Is Important for Nurses?

If you have completed your nursing education outside Canada, your credentials must be assessed whether they meet Canadian standards. This step is essential for:

• Nursing licensure
• Immigration applications
• Employment verification
• Higher education admissions
  

Choosing the correct evaluation body from the beginning can save you months of delay.

What Is NNAS?

The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is a Canadian organization specifically made to assess the credentials of nurses studied outside applying for licensure in Canada. NNAS acts as a centralized application service for nursing regulators across multiple Canadian provinces.

What NNAS Does:

• Collects and verifies your nursing education documents
• Reviews your nursing registration/license verification
• Assesses your nursing work experience
• Issues an Advisory Report comparing your education to Canadian standards

This Advisory Report is then sent to the provincial nursing regulatory body you choose.

When Do You Need NNAS?

You typically need NNAS if:

• You completed your nursing education outside Canada
• You want to become a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) in Canada
• The provincial nursing body requires an NNAS assessment as the first step

For most internationally educated nurses applying in Canada, NNAS is mandatory before moving to the next stage of licensure.

NNAS is nursing-specific, meaning it evaluates your credentials strictly within the context of nursing practice standards in Canada.

What Is WES?

World Education Services (WES) is a globally recognized credential evaluation organization that assesses qualifications from around the world. NNAS, WES evaluates general academic credentials not nursing practice specifically.

What WES Does:

• Evaluates diplomas and degrees
• Provides Canadian or U.S equivalency reports
• Issues Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for immigration
• Offers Course-by-Course or Document-by-Document evaluations

WES reports are widely used for:

• Immigration applications
• Higher education admissions
• Employment verification

NNAS vs WES For Nurses : Key Differences

 Let’s take a look the differences between NNAS Vs WES:

1. Purpose

• NNAS – Designed specifically for nursing licensure in Canada
• WES – Designed for general academic equivalency and immigration

2. Nursing-Specific Evaluation

NNAS compares your nursing curriculum to Canadian nursing competencies. WES only determines the academic equivalency of your degree.

3. Immigration Use

• NNAS -Not typically used for Express Entry points
• WES – Commonly used for Canadian immigration (ECA)

4. Geographic Focus

• NNAS – Canada only
• WES – Canada and United States

When Should Nurses Choose NNAS?

Choose NNAS if:

• Your goal is to work as a nurse in Canada
• The provincial regulatory body requires it
• You need a nursing-focused assessment

Without NNAS, most internationally educated nurses cannot proceed with licensing in Canada.

When Should Nurses Choose WES?

Choose WES if:

• You are applying for Canadian Permanent Residency (Express Entry)
• You need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• You are applying for higher studies
• An employer requests general credential equivalency

However, if your ultimate goal is nursing registration in Canada, WES alone is usually not sufficient.

NNAS vs WES for Nurses: Processing Time and Fees Overview

While fees may change accordingly NNAS generally costs more than WES due to its detailed nursing evaluation, processing time for NNAS can take several months, WES reports are often processed faster if documents are submitted correctly. Planning your timeline is essential  especially if immigration deadlines are involved.

Which One Is Suitable NNAS Vs WES For Nurses?

If your goal is to get a nursing license in Canada you will require NNAS. For Immigration (Express Entry) a WES is commonly required. If you are planning to have higher education  WES is suitable. For both immigration and nursing licensure both may require. There is no universal better option, only the one that fits your objective.

Common Mistakes Nurses Make

1. Applying to WES thinking it replaces NNAS
2. Submitting incomplete documents
3. Choosing the wrong type of WES evaluation
4. Sending documents incorrectly (causing delays)
5. Not understanding provincial licensing differences

These mistakes can delay your process by months.

How Evas Global Supports Nurses?

Navigating credential evaluation alone can be overwhelming  especially when dealing with document verification, sealed transcripts, notarization and communication with regulatory bodies. This is where Evas Global provides professional guidance. Our services offers:

• NNAS application assistance
• WES profile creation and report selection guidance
• Transcript coordination with universities
• Document review before submission
• Attestation and verification support
• follow-up until report completion

Conclusion 

It is important to Know about NNAS vs WES for nurses to make informed decisions about your international nursing career. And if the process feels complex, expert guidance from Evas Global can simplify your journey, reduce stress and help you move forward with confidence. Your nursing career abroad begins with the right evaluation, choose wisely and seek expert guidance when needed.

FAQ’S

1. What is the difference between NNAS and WES for nurses?

The NNAS evaluates nursing credentials specifically for licensure in Canada. The WES evaluates general academic credentials for immigration, employment, or higher education. NNAS is nursing-specific. WES is broader and not limited to nursing.

2. Do I need NNAS to work as a nurse in Canada?

Yes, Internationally educated nurses must first complete an NNAS assessment before applying to a provincial nursing regulatory body in Canada. Always check the specific requirements of the province where you plan to apply.

3. Is WES enough for nursing licensure in Canada?

No, WES provides academic equivalency reports but does not assess nursing competencies against Canadian practice standards. Most nursing regulators require NNAS instead of WES for licensure.

4. Do I need WES for Express Entry if I am a nurse?

Yes, if you are applying for Canadian Permanent Residency through Express Entry, you typically need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved organization like WES to claim education points.

5. Can I use the same documents for both NNAS and WES?

Some documents may overlap (such as transcripts), but the submission process and requirements are different. Each organization has specific guidelines for document verification and submission.

6. How long does NNAS take to process?

NNAS processing can take several months, depending on how quickly your educational institution and licensing authority send the required documents. Delays often occur due to incomplete or incorrectly submitted paperwork.

7. How long does WES take to process?

WES typically processes applications faster than NNAS once all required documents are received and verified. Processing times vary depending on document completeness and volume of applications.

8. Which is more expensive: NNAS or WES?

NNAS is generally more expensive because it includes a detailed nursing-specific assessment and verification process. WES fees depend on the type of evaluation you select (ECA, Course-by-Course, etc.).

9. Can I apply to NNAS and WES at the same time?

Yes, Many internationally educated nurses apply to WES for immigration purposes while simultaneously applying to NNAS for nursing licensure. However, it is important to plan carefully to avoid documentation errors.