Are you looking to apply for a job in Canada but unsure if you need accreditation? The Canadian accreditation process has specific requirements, especially for qualified positions. Certain professions, particularly in the medical field and skilled trades, must be certified to ensure that your skills meet Canadian standards.
Each month, Canada issues approximately 30,000 work visas to foreign workers and around 24,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through Express Entry programs. Securing a job in Canada can be straightforward if you find the right employment and immigration program. However, the challenging part is ensuring you have all the necessary supporting documents and submitting a complete application. One in four Canadian visa applications is rejected due to unmet requirements, missed deadlines, or failure to follow instructions.
This is why it is crucial to have a proper assessment by trusted professionals before submitting your application. Immigration lawyers and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) can help you navigate over 100 immigration and visa programs. They will also clarify whether you need accreditation for your profession.
Canadian Accreditation Process
How to Find Out if You Need Accreditation
If you fall under one of the following categories, you will need to have your credentials assessed:
- You plan to immigrate to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker.
- You intend to live and work in Canada in a specific profession or trade.
- You plan to study in Canada.
What Are Credentials?
Your credentials include:
- Education (if completed outside of Canada)
- Work experience
- Professional credentials
How to Get Accredited as a Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal Skilled Workers must obtain Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) to work in Canada. This includes any educational credentials acquired outside of Canada, such as:
- Diplomas
- Certificates
- Foreign degrees
- Other proof of your credentials
Certain jobs in Canada also require that your skills and training be assessed and accredited.
Typical Jobs in Canada That Need Accreditation
Some occupations, especially trades, require an assessment of your skills. Canada has two types of jobs: regulated and unregulated.
Regulated Jobs
Regulated jobs in Canada are governed by provincial, territorial, and sometimes federal laws. About 20% of jobs in Canada fall into this category, including skilled trades such as architects, plumbers, and engineers. It is crucial to ensure that these professionals are qualified to protect public health and safety.
To practice a regulated profession in Canada, you will need:
- A license or certificate
- Registration with the regulatory body for your job in the province or territory where you want to work
Requirements may differ from province to province and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, you will need to:
- Have your training and skills assessed against the job’s standards
- Show original academic transcripts and related documents, such as course descriptions
- Have your language and communication skills tested
- Complete a specified period of supervised work experience
Trades
Trade workers may apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Depending on your trade, such as baker, carpenter, or electrician, you may need a Red Seal certification.
Non-Regulated Jobs
Non-regulated jobs in Canada do not necessarily require accreditation. However, your Canadian employer may request it. Therefore, obtaining accreditation can improve your chances of being hired.
Typical Jobs in Canada That Require Accreditation
- Professional Jobs: Doctors, Registered Nurses, Architects
- Trade Jobs: Industrial Butchers, Electricians, Plumbers, Bakers
Important to Note
Regardless of your job or profession, language skills in English and/or French are essential. For some professions, language proficiency is as important as technical skills. Check the required language level based on your profession.
Credential Assessment Process
Step 1: Create a Job Market Report
Use Job Bank, the official government job search forum, to create a report. This report will provide information about job functions, salaries, training requirements, and skills, along with contact details for your regulatory body.
Step 2: Find Your Occupational Profile
Visit the CICIC website to learn more about your specific professional profile. Enter your occupation or the National Occupational Classification code, along with the province or territory where you want to work. This will indicate if your profession is regulated, your skill level, and whether you need a Red Seal certification.
Step 3: Contact a Regulatory Body
Reach out to your chosen provincial council or Canadian regulatory authority to find out what training, skills, or certification you need for accreditation. Some assessments can be completed before you arrive in Canada, such as language assessments.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
You may need the following documents:
- Degrees, diplomas, or certificates from universities, colleges, secondary schools, or trade schools
- Transcripts of grades, program descriptions, and syllabi related to your studies
- Letters from professional and regulatory bodies
- Letters of reference, performance reviews, and work descriptions for previous jobs
Depending on your regulatory board’s requirements, you may need to submit translated documents in English and/or French. Ensure you use an approved translation service, provide original documents or notarized copies, and submit certified copies as needed.
Step 5: Consult an Approved Assessment Agency
If credential assessment is not part of your licensing application, consider using an approved assessment agency. This can help you determine if you need to upgrade your skills or education to work in your occupation, whether you should look for a different job in your field or if you should explore opportunities in a different field altogether.
By understanding the Canadian accreditation process, you can better prepare for your journey to work in Canada. This knowledge will not only help you navigate the complexities of immigration but also enhance your employability in a competitive job market.