If you’re planning to move to Canada for work or study, you’ll need to have your credentials recognized. This means assessing and verifying your educational and professional qualifications obtained outside of Canada to ensure they meet Canadian standards. This process can be complex, involving various steps and agencies, but it is essential for finding suitable employment or pursuing further education. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand how to get your credentials recognized in Canada.
Why Credential Recognition is Important
Recognizing your credentials is crucial because it:
- Demonstrates to employers what you are qualified for.
- Helps you understand the types of jobs you might be eligible for.
- Shows if your credentials meet Canadian standards.
- Identifies if you need additional training, education, or work experience in Canada.
Steps to Get Your Credentials Recognized
1. Review the Job Profile
Start by reviewing the job profile on Job Bank, Canada’s national employment service. The profile provides useful information about:
- Main duties and job description
- Hourly wages
- Whether the job is regulated
- Related job titles
- Job openings
- Training and skills needed
- Contact information for regulatory bodies and apprenticeship authorities
2. Find Your Occupational Profile
Check the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) for occupational profiles of many professions. This helps you understand the specific requirements for your profession in Canada.
3. Compare Your Qualifications
Compare your qualifications with the requirements needed for your job in the province or territory where you want to live. This includes:
- Licensing
- Registration
- Certifications
You may also need to compare your language skills with those needed for your job.
4. Contact a Regulatory Body
Regulated jobs are controlled by laws and governed by regulatory bodies. Examples include architects, plumbers, and engineers. Contact the regulatory body or apprenticeship authority for your profession in your chosen province or territory to find out:
- What you need to do to get a license or certification.
- How to prove that you meet Canadian standards through your training, experience, and other skills.
In many cases, you can begin this process before you leave your home country.
5. Collect Your Documents
Gather documents related to your education and experience. These may include:
- Degrees, diplomas, or certificates from universities, colleges, secondary schools, or trade schools.
- Transcripts of grades, program descriptions, and syllabi.
- Letters from professional bodies or apprenticeship certificates.
- Employer letters of reference, performance reviews, and job descriptions.
Ensure you know which documents are needed and if they need to be translated into English or French.
6. Consult an Approved Assessment Agency
If your credentials do not need assessment for licensing, consider having them assessed by an approved agency. This can help Canadian employers understand your qualifications.
7. Upgrade Your Skills or Education
You might need additional training or education to meet Canadian standards. Options include:
- Returning to school to upgrade your education.
- Completing a training program.
- Training in a new field.
8. Look for Related Jobs
While waiting for your credentials to be recognized, consider working in a related job. This can help you:
- Earn money.
- Use your knowledge and skills.
- Learn work-related language.
- Gain Canadian work experience.
- Network with other professionals.
Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Occupations
Regulated Occupations: These require a license or certification to work in Canada and include professions like doctors, nurses, electricians, and engineers. Only about 20% of jobs in Canada are regulated, and they are controlled by provincial, territorial, or federal laws.
Non-Regulated Occupations: These do not typically require a license or certification. Recognition of your qualifications is at the discretion of employers. Examples include bookkeepers, computer programmers, and sales representatives.
Resources and Support
Several organizations provide support services and loans to help you navigate the credential recognition process. They include:
- Achêv (Toronto, Ontario)
- Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC) (Vancouver, British Columbia)
- Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
- Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF) (Ottawa, Ontario)
- Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) (Surrey, British Columbia)
- Supporting Employment and Economic Development (SEED) Winnipeg Inc. (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
- Windmill Microlending (Calgary, Alberta) – Services offered nationally
Final Thoughts
Getting your credentials recognized in Canada is a vital step for your professional and educational journey. By understanding the process, gathering the necessary documents, and contacting the relevant regulatory bodies or assessment agencies, you can facilitate a smoother transition and increase your chances of success in Canada.