Learn more about foreign credential recognition in Canada

Working in Canada

Newcomers who want to work in jobs that require a licence or certificate must have their foreign licences and certificates recognized. The process of verifying that the training, education and/or experience obtained in another country meet the federal, provincial or territorial standards is foreign credential recognition.

Learn about your occupation and how to get your credentials recognized

Regulated occupations require a licence or certificate to work in Canada.

The authority for most regulated occupations in Canada lies with provincial and territorial governments. They often delegate this authority to regulatory authorities in their jurisdiction
Regulatory authorities set the requirements to obtain certification or licensure as a condition of employment

Approximately 20% of occupations in Canada are regulated.

Examples of regulated occupations include:

accountant
architect
carpenter
physician
electrician
nurse
teacher
welders

Most occupations in Canada are non-regulated. This means that you do not typically require a licence or certificate.

Examples of occupations that are not regulated:

bookkeeper
computer programmer
hotel manager
marketing executive
sales representative
web designer

The Foreign Credential Recognition in Canada Tool provides newcomers with information on job requirements such as:

if your job is in a regulated occupation
who is the regulatory body
if there are available jobs
what is the pay, and more

Get your credentials recognized

Follow the steps at Get your credentials assessed to get started.

Loans and Support Services

The foreign credential recognition process can take time, money and effort. The following organizations are funded through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to provide loans and support services to help you navigate the process.

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)