Regulatory authorities, professional associations, apprenticeship offices, and employers determine the requirements and procedures for assessing and recognizing your qualifications. Note that these requirements differ for each occupation and may differ from one province or territory to another. It is therefore very important to communicate directly with the relevant regulatory authority, professional association, or apprenticeship office for information on how to proceed in the jurisdiction in which you wish to work.
It is strongly recommended that you gather all supporting documents and arrange for them to be sent while you are still in the country in which they were issued. This will greatly facilitate the assessment and recognition process. Once all documents have been received, the organization may require several months to complete the assessment, and you will be asked to pay associated fees.
In some cases, the assessment process can begin while you are still in your country of origin. You may also be able to use an on-line self-assessment tool to determine how your qualifications may be recognized.
In the case of regulated professions and trades, you may also have to complete other requirements to obtain a licence to practise or certificate of qualification. These could include:
- examinations to test your knowledge and competencies;
- proof of language proficiency;
- criminal record check;
- Canadian work placement or practicum;
- reference check or proof of professional standing;
- orientation course or bridging program; and/or
- additional academic or professional requirements.
Visit CICIC's Directory of Occupational Profiles to help you locate the appropriate Web sites.
Occupation name or NOC code:
Provinces and territories of Canada: