Migrating to Canada does not guarantee that your professional achievements will be valid too. Thankfully, there is a way to verify that your educational and work experience is equal to Canadian standards. There are two steps to get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada:
Educational Credentials Assessment
The Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) verifies if your foreign degree, certificate or diploma is equal to a Canadian one. Coincidentally, this document is important during migration. In fact, if you are immigrating through the Express Entry program then an ECA is indispensable. Furthermore, if you apply through the Skilled Worker subprogram of Express Entry then the ECA is mandatory. Regardless, an ECA will greatly increase your CRS score.
Ideally, should get your ECA as early as possible. Thankfully, you can begin the process from your home country. However, this can also take several weeks and even months, so starting early is a good idea. Additionally, you need official transcripts and a copy of your degree or diploma to begin the process. Lastly, remember that your spouse or partner also needs an ECA if you are migrating together.
You can only get an ECA from authorized sources like these:
- – World Education Services (Recommended)
- – International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- – Medical Council of Canada (Mandatory for Doctors)
- – Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (Mandatory for Pharmacists)
Foreign Credential Recognition Program
This process verifies that your professional experience is equal to Canadian standards. The importance of this process depends on your occupation. In Canada, some occupations are regulated, and these jobs require your credentials to be recognized. However, going through the process will help even if your job is not regulated. Here are more details:
Regulated Work – These jobs require a license or certificate to do them. Additionally, your foreign credentials need to be recognized. Lastly, remember that license requirements can change between provinces. Regulated jobs include those in medicine, law, engineering and more.
Non-Regulated Work – Most jobs in Canada are not regulated, and these do not require the foreign credentials process. However, many employers will ask for your credentials anyway. Furthermore, you will always need to show past experience, and your credentials count.
Thankfully, there is a way to find out if your job is regulated. The Foreign Credential Recognition in Canada Tool will give you information about your job in Canada. It will tell you about availability, wages, and more. If you like, you can visit this article to learn about the benefits of working in Canada.
How Can I Get Started?
If you want help with your credentials then Gentium Immigration can help. We have foreign credential specialists that will guide you through the process. Click here to book an appointment and transfer your credentials to Canada. Additionally, you can book a consultation with one of our consultants to find the best path to Canada.
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