British Columbia's New Law Eases Path for International Professionals | Canada Immigration Updates

Introduction

On July 1, British Columbia’s International Credentials Recognition Act will take effect, bringing significant changes to the recognition of international credentials in the province. This new legislation aims to simplify and expedite the process for applicants by removing Canadian work experience requirements, language testing for certain applicants, and additional fees for international applicants.

Impact on Professions

The Act will affect 29 professions, including engineers, accountants, real estate brokers, healthcare professionals, and more. The legislation was drafted in consultation with 18 regulatory bodies and passed by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia last November.

Professions Impacted by the Act:

• Registered music teacher
• Professional engineer
• Professional teaching certificate holder
• Land surveyor
• Early childhood educator
• Landscape architect
• Early childhood educator assistant
• Applied science technologist
• Conditional teaching certificate holder
• Certified technician
• Social worker
• Veterinarian
• Registered clinical social worker
• Lawyer
• Professional biologist
• Architect
• Applied biology technician
• Notary public
• Registered biology technologist
• Emergency medical assistant, including paramedics
• Professional geoscientist
• Chartered professional accountant
• Registered professional forester
• Associate real estate broker
• Registered forest technologist
• Managing real estate broker
• Professional agrologist
• Real estate representative
• Technical agrologist

Work Experience Requirements

The Act aims to streamline international credential recognition by eliminating unnecessary Canadian work experience requirements. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills is working with regulatory authorities to identify and remove existing Canadian work experience requirements that are no longer necessary under the new regulations. However, the superintendent of international credential recognition may grant exemptions for valid reasons.

A one-year transition period for the work experience requirement has been established. Regulations defining prohibited Canadian work experience and outlining exemptions will come into effect on January 1, 2025, with the full prohibition on requiring Canadian work experience starting on July 1, 2025.

Language Requirements

Applicants in the selected professions will no longer need to provide new English-language test results if they have already submitted valid results. This applies to internationally trained applicants who have previously provided valid language testing as part of their certification application. However, language tests may still be required if no determination has been made in the international credential assessment process, or if more than five years have passed since the initial submission.

Other Changes

The Act also ensures that international applicants will not pay more than domestic applicants to their regulatory bodies. Additionally, the province will appoint a superintendent of international credential recognition to address procedural issues and improve the system.

International Credential Recognition in Canada

Newcomers wishing to pursue careers in licensed professions in Canada must have their credentials recognized by provincial regulatory authorities. These requirements vary by province, making the process complex, time-consuming, and costly. A 2022 report by Employment and Social Development Canada highlighted several prominent issues, including a lack of information for newcomers, particularly in the pre-arrival stage.

To address these challenges, Canada’s federal government has taken steps to simplify the recognition process for newcomers. For example, the Fall Economic Statement 2023 announced a $50 million investment in the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, with funds allocated to skilled trades and the healthcare sector. This is in addition to the $115 million investment included in Budget 2022.

By understanding the changes brought by the International Credentials Recognition Act, international professionals can better navigate the credential recognition process and plan their careers in British Columbia.