How Foreign Credential Recognition Works in Canada

Short answer: If your occupation is regulated in Canada, you must be licensed or certified by the regulatory body in the province where you plan to work. If it is not regulated, the employer decides whether your education and experience are acceptable.

What is a regulated occupation?

About one in five jobs in Canada is in a regulated occupation. These include nurses, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, teachers, lawyers, accountants and many skilled trades such as electricians. The title is protected by law, and each province and territory sets its own requirements.

How do you find out whether yours is regulated?

Search your occupation on the federal Job Bank, which states whether it is regulated in each province, or consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials, which lists the regulator for each profession.

What does the licensing process usually involve?

An assessment of your education by the regulator or an agency it names.
Proof of language ability in English or French.
One or more exams.
Sometimes a period of supervised practice or extra courses to fill gaps.
Registration and an annual fee.

Timelines and costs vary a great deal by profession. You can often begin the paperwork before you arrive in Canada.

Is an educational credential assessment the same thing?

No. An educational credential assessment compares your degree or diploma with Canadian ones. It is used for immigration applications and can help employers in non-regulated fields understand your education. It does not give you a licence to practise a regulated profession.

What can you do while you wait?

Work in a related role that does not need a licence, such as a care aide while qualifying as a nurse, or a technologist while qualifying as an engineer.
Join a bridging program designed for internationally trained professionals in your field.
Ask a settlement agency about loans or grants that cover exam and assessment fees.

What about skilled trades?

Experienced tradespeople can often apply to challenge the certification exam in their province based on documented hours of work. See our trades career guide and getting your first job in Canada.