Summary of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program: Evaluation Report

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About the Program

• The Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) helps skilled newcomers participate fully in Canada's labour market and society.
• The objective of the FCRP is to develop and strengthen Canada's foreign credential assessment and recognition capacity. The Program also contributes to improving labour market integration of skilled newcomers and increasing labour market mobility in targeted occupations and sectors.

Key Findings

• There is an ongoing need in Canada for a federal role in the Foreign Credential Recognition space including in:
  • helping address systemic labour shortages
  • enhancing collaboration among jurisdictions
  • providing financial, employment and some pre-arrival support to internationally trained professionals.
• The Program's convening efforts have improved communication among provinces and territories. The Program facilitated the sharing of resources and strategies, particularly in addressing healthcare workforce shortages. There is, however, a need for improved collaboration.
• While there is room for improvement, the share of participants completing the credential recognition process and securing employment in their field of expertise following the intervention has been increasing.
• Jurisdictional differences, inconsistent licensure processes, and complex self-regulation requirements continue to hinder progress.

Recommendations

The evaluation recommends the FCRP should:

• expand complementary support for pre-arrival services for newcomers by providing more support for initiatives facilitating centralized and accessible pre-arrival resources. Recognizing IRCC as the primary lead for pre-arrival initiatives, this could be achieved through a collaborative effort with IRCC.
• continue providing and enhancing support for alternative pathways for licensure. Examples include:
  • fast-tracked recognition for high-demand professions
  • streamlined processes for provisional licensing
  • bridging initiatives for international certifications
• strengthen Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) governance in foreign credential recognition (FCR) by enhancing collaboration with provinces and territories.