As a newcomer in Canada, finding work can be overwhelming, especially if you need to align your foreign credentials with local equivalents. Whether you have a bachelor’s degree or a professional certificate, it’s essential to have your credentials validated so employers and Canadian regulatory bodies understand your skills. This process, often called foreign credential recognition, helps with career advancement, licensing, and other professional steps.
At Remitly, we understand that this system is unfamiliar. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to explain each stage. Focusing on credential assessments makes sure your hard-earned education or work experience abroad is recognized. This way, you’re ready for your next chapter in Canada.
Importance of credential recognition
As an immigrant in Canada, you likely have a diverse cultural and professional background. But understandably, local employers often need reassurance that your education and experience are in sync with Canadian standards.
Official recognition shows local employers and regulators that your credentials are valid. This step can make job searches easier. It can boost your chances for relevant roles and help you get licensed in fields like nursing, law, or skilled trades.
If your credentials aren’t recognized, you may miss out on jobs that fit your skills. For instance, if you hold a foreign medical licence and want to work as a physician in Canada, you might need extra evaluation and licensing steps.
Or if you’re an engineer, you may need to confirm that your academic background aligns with local standards to call yourself a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Meeting these criteria can save you from underemployment and allow you to practice your profession to its fullest.
Overview of the evaluation process
This process usually means reaching out to an assessment agency. You’ll need to show official documents, like transcripts or diplomas, and pay a fee. Some regulated jobs also require membership in a professional association, and there might be extra steps like exams or supervised practice.
Non-regulated jobs might only ask for a basic educational credential assessment (ECA). This tends to be the case if you’re applying for immigration streams like Express Entry.
Since each sector works in its own way, it’s worth checking if your field is regulated. If you’re applying for a non-regulated role, you might only need a general assessment from a recognized service. Either way, consider carrying out plenty of research to avoid making any mistakes.
Understanding foreign credential recognition
Credential recognition might seem tricky, but it’s more straightforward than you think. Your documents, like diplomas, transcripts, or professional certifications, are checked to see how they meet Canadian standards. This guarantees that you meet local knowledge and training standards.
What is foreign credential recognition?
It’s a way to review your foreign credentials and ensure they meet Canadian standards. Think of it as a detailed check on your education and work experience. It shows local hiring managers or licensing bodies that you’ve studied, tested, or trained to a specific level.
This is particularly important in areas where public safety matters—industries like teaching, law enforcement, or aviation.
Foreign credential recognition can show you if you need any extra schooling. For instance, some pharmacists trained abroad may only need a bridging course or a quick exam to get licensed. Others may need more extensive training, but at least you’ll know the steps clearly.
Key organizations involved
Canada splits government responsibilities across federal and provincial lines. Federally, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program (by Employment and Social Development Canada) provides funding and support. It helps projects that aim to streamline the recognition process.
Provincial bodies or specific professional associations usually take care of actual licensing. For example, the Ontario College of Teachers manages teacher accreditation, while the College of Physicians and Surgeons manages doctor licensure.
When it comes to educational credentials, independent agencies like World Education Services (WES), International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS) of Canada, or the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) carry out document assessments. Each has rules for submitting transcripts or diplomas for verification and a timeline for results.
Some of these agencies are also approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you need an ECA for immigration.
Steps to evaluate your foreign credentials
First, find out who needs to assess your credentials to get recognized. This could be a general assessment body or a regulatory body if you want a licence in a regulated profession. Next, gather the needed documents, complete the applications, and wait for your evaluation results.
Identifying the correct assessment service
If your main goal is immigration, like proving your degrees for Express Entry, a standard ECA from a recognized provider, such as WES, ICES, or ICAS, should be enough. If you want to work in a regulated profession, like medicine, nursing, law, or engineering, you need an evaluation from the relevant regulatory body.
Visit the relevant association or government site to find the specific assessment you need. For example, if you want to teach elementary school in Manitoba, contact the province’s teacher certification branch. Or, if you want to be a pharmacist in Alberta, check the Alberta College of Pharmacy to see if they need you to do extra tests.
Gathering necessary documentation
To process your foreign credentials, you generally need:
- Official transcripts: Often sent directly from your educational institution to the assessment service.
- Diplomas/certificates: You might scan or mail original or certified copies.
- Proof of identity: Government-issued ID for verification.
- Work experience records (if relevant): For specific professions, time spent working is important.
Plan for potential delays if your home institution has to mail transcripts internationally. Some agencies allow digital uploads, but each organization will have their own policies.
Remember, you’ll usually need documents in English or French. If they aren’t already in these languages, find a certified translator who can do this for you. Make sure to read all instructions carefully to help you follow the process smoothly.
Submitting your application
After you find the right service and gather your documents, you usually fill out an online form or a paper application. This also means paying a fee—which can vary depending on your application—and waiting for confirmation.
Expect turnaround times to be different between agencies. Some might finish standard cases in a few weeks, while others could take months in busy seasons.
During this time, keep receipts and track your file number or reference code. If the agency needs clarifications or missing information, they’ll contact you. Reply as quickly as you can to avoid further delays.
Once the evaluation is done, you’ll receive an official report. It shows how your foreign credentials compare, like a “Bachelor’s degree, four-year Canadian equivalent.” You can share this with employers, regulators, or immigration authorities to show your qualifications.
Educational credential assessment services
Knowing which agencies are reputable or officially recognized can spare you headaches. While multiple providers exist, a few stand out for their experience in evaluating a large number of international programs.
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
Based in Ontario, ICAS conducts thorough academic evaluations. It compares foreign diplomas, degrees, or certificates to Canadian standards and provides an equivalency.
ICAS is great for people applying for immigration or non-regulated jobs who need to show their education level. It also provides extra details for those wanting a more detailed breakdown.
International Credential Evaluation Service
ICES operates under the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). It’s widely recognized across Canada, providing standard academic equivalency assessments. This service is especially convenient for students or workers planning to settle in BC.
If your employer or association names ICES as a designated service, make sure to review their instructions for submitting documents. The advantage of using a local BC service is that it often ties in with BC’s labour market requirements.
Other notable assessment services
Popular credential recognition services include:
- World Education Services (WES): Well-known for immigration. It’s recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Comparative Education Service (CES): Run by the University of Toronto, it’s known for academic equivalences.
Remember, if you plan to move to Canada under a specific IRCC stream, check if the service is designated for ECA. For advanced fields like architecture or engineering, some regulatory bodies may send you to a specific agency. They might also ask for extra documents.
Not all professions are equal when it comes to credential checks. You’ll find that some have strict regulations. This includes asking you to join a self-governing body before using a professional title.
Recognition of medical degrees
Practicing medicine in Canada can be tricky, especially for those with a foreign medical degree. You may need more than just a basic credential assessment. You might have to pass the Medical Council of Canada exams, gain local work experience through residency, or meet with a provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Keep in mind that requirements vary by province. So consider doing thorough research beforehand.
This process is in place to protect everyone’s safety and maintain quality. Each step may seem long, but it ensures that you meet local patient care standards.
If you’re just starting out, check the Medical Council of Canada’s website. You can also contact provincial licensing authorities to help plan your journey.
Licensing for regulated occupations
Many regulated professions, including law, dentistry, teaching, and accounting, need you to register as a member of a regulatory body. In engineering, for example, you might reach out to a provincial engineering association like the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
If you’re starting a skilled trade like plumbing or electrical work, talk to provincial apprenticeship authorities or trade associations. Showing relevant foreign apprenticeships or work hours can speed up your recognition. But be prepared in case they ask you to take an exam or a language test.
It may seem like a lot, but following local guidelines boosts your chances of getting a job that matches your qualifications.
Tips for other professional paths
For non-regulated occupations, you might just need a general ECA. You can share your assessment results with potential employers. This shows that your foreign diploma matches a Canadian bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Some industries value work experience just as much as formal qualifications. So be sure to highlight achievements or projects from your home country.
Look for bridging programs or courses that help you adapt to local best practices. Fields such as marketing, IT, or journalism often value local context and understanding Canadian consumer trends or media standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my foreign degree evaluated in Canada?
Choose a recognized assessment agency, such as WES, ICAS, or ICES. Then submit your official transcripts, diplomas, ID, and fees. If your field is regulated, consult the relevant regulatory body first. After the agency finishes the evaluation, they’ll let you know about your qualification’s equivalency.
Are foreign credentials recognized in Canada?
Yes. Many Canadian bodies accept foreign degrees or certifications once they’re officially evaluated. For regulated professions like medicine, law, and engineering, extra steps may be needed. This can include bridging programs or exams. Non-regulated jobs often just require an ECA to prove your level of education or training.
Does Canada recognize foreign medical degrees?
They do, but this is carried out through a structured procedure involving the Medical Council of Canada. You’ll probably need to pass licensing exams and possibly complete a residency. Each province’s College of Physicians and Surgeons also has its own distinct requirements. The entire route is to make sure that public health standards remain consistent nationwide.