Foreign Credential Recognition
Information for internationally trained professionals who want to work in regulated professions or compulsory trades in Canada.
These jobs usually require a licence or certificate. Here you will find important information on how to get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada.
Transcript
If you plan to work in a regulated occupation or compulsory trade in Canada, you will first need to have your credentials recognized to verify that the education, training and experience you've obtained are equivalent to standards for the profession or trade in the province or territory where you wish to work.
You will also need to become licenced or certified in Canada before you can work in the profession or trade.
This process can vary by occupation and by province or territory. To understand the specific process for you and your unique circumstances, it's best to contact the regulatory authority for your occupation in the province or territory where you wish to work, ideally before you arrive in Canada.
Use the Foreign Credential Recognition Tool to check if your occupation is regulated or compulsory where you plan to work and to find the right regulatory authority to contact.
There can be costs associated with this process. Foreign Credential Recognition Loans of up to $30,000 are available to help with things like fees for licensing and qualifying exams, education and training programs and more. Support services are also available to help you during the process.
For more information, visit Canada.ca/foreign-credential-recognition
Getting started
What is Foreign Credential Recognition
What foreign credential recognition is, who it affects, and why it matters.
How to get foreign credentials recognized
Find out how to start getting your foreign credentials recognized for the job you want.
Financial help and support services
Learn about loans and support services that can help you during the credential recognition process.
Explore other services to help you transition to life in Canada.
Learn about foreign credential recognition
What is foreign credential recognition
If you are an internationally trained professional and would like to work in a regulated occupation or compulsory trade in Canada, you will need to have your credentials recognized by the regulatory body for the profession or trade in the province or territory in which you intend to work.
The foreign credential recognition process is to verify that education, skills, and job experience obtained in another country are equivalent to the standards established for the profession or trade in the province or territory of work.
You will also need to obtain licensure or certification before you can work in the profession or use the designated title. This process takes time and can be costly. It is important to understand the process for your occupation and unique circumstances before arriving in Canada and to start the process as early as possible.
How to get your credentials recognized
How to get foreign credentials recognized
To start the foreign credential recognition process, check if your occupation or trade is regulated and contact the regulatory body in the province or territory in which you intend to work.
Please note: The research tool will open results in a new tab.
Use the Foreign Credential Recognition Tool to:
- check if your profession or trade is regulated in the province or territory where you want to work
- find the regulatory body for your profession or trade
- find job descriptions and career opportunities
- look up average salaries and job outlooks in your field
Financial help and support services
During the foreign credential recognition process, you may need to pay fees for exams, additional training, or other expenses. To help with these costs, you can apply for Foreign Credential Recognition Loans of up to $30,000. Support services are also available to assist you, including career counseling, mentorship, and job readiness workshops.
Contact one of our service providers for more information on loans and support services available to eligible applicants:
- Achēv
- Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC)
- Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
- Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF)
- Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS)
- Supporting Employment and Economic Development (SEED)
- Windmill Microlending
Additional services available
The Government of Canada also funds services to help you prepare to live and work in Canada.
Pre-arrival services
If your application for permanent residence to Canada has been approved, and you are outside of Canada, you may be eligible to receive Pre-Arrival Services.
These services can help you prepare for your move to Canada, and provide information to:
- get your education, work experience and credentials recognized
- connect you with employers
- find free services after you arrive
Newcomer services
Newcomer services help permanent residents adjust to their new lives in Canada. Settlement service providers provide information on living and working in Canada. Find newcomer services near you.
Job Bank
While you go through the credential recognition process, you can also use the Job Bank, a free resource for job searching from the Government of Canada. It offers:
- tools for job searching and exploring careers
- resources to find careers you could transition to
- a career quiz to find other jobs that might be a good fit for you
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