Professional Licensing

Foreign Credential Recognition

“Credential recognition” means two different things in Canada: an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration, and licensing by a provincial regulator for regulated occupations. We help you work out which you need, in what order, and how each fits your immigration plan.

Book a Consultation
TWO SEPARATE PROCESSES

Assessment for Immigration, Licensing for Work

Immigration

Educational Credential Assessment

An ECA verifies that a foreign degree, diploma or certificate is valid and equal to a Canadian one. If you studied outside Canada, you need one to be eligible as a principal applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or to earn Express Entry points for that education. It must be less than 5 years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your application.

Work

Licensing in Regulated Occupations

About 20 per cent of jobs in Canada are in regulated occupations, such as doctors, nurses, engineers and plumbers. To work in one, you need a licence or certificate from the regulator in the province or territory where you plan to settle.

Important

An ECA Is Not a Licence

IRCC is explicit that an ECA does not guarantee a job in your field or a licence to practise a regulated profession. The two processes are run by different bodies and usually need different documents.

WHO DOES WHAT

Organizations You May Deal With

General ECA Organizations

Comparative Education Service (University of Toronto), International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), World Education Services (WES), International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) and International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).

CESICASWESIQASICES

Profession-Specific Bodies

The Medical Council of Canada for physicians, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada for pharmacists, and the Canadian Architectural Certification Board for architects.

MCCPEBCCACB

Finding Your Regulator

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) keeps a directory of occupational profiles that points to the body responsible for recognition in each province and territory.

CICIC
IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

The International Credentials Recognition Act

  • In force since July 1, 2024, the Act applies to 18 regulatory authorities and more than 29 professions in British Columbia.
  • Canadian work experience: since July 1, 2025, covered regulators may not require Canadian work experience from applicants who meet the criteria set out in the Act, unless the regulator has been granted an exemption.
  • Language testing: regulators cannot require new language test results within five years of an applicant submitting valid results.
  • Fees and decisions: internationally trained applicants cannot be charged more than domestic applicants unless the difference reflects actual costs, and regulators must decide within a reasonable time and give written reasons.
  • Financial help: the federal Foreign Credential Recognition Program supports loans of up to $30,000, delivered through service providers, for costs such as licensing fees, examinations and training.
OUR SERVICE

How We Support You

Needs Assessment

ECA, licence, or both — and in what order

Right Organization

Choosing the assessing body or regulator

Documents

Document requests and certified translations

Immigration Strategy

Using the results in your application

FAQ
For most occupations, a report from any of the five general organizations is accepted by IRCC. Physicians, pharmacists and architects have designated professional bodies. If you also plan to apply to a regulator, check which report it accepts first, so that you do not pay twice.
No. An ECA is for education completed outside Canada.
Not to be eligible. You do need one if you want Express Entry points for education completed outside Canada.
Yes. They are separate processes. But licensing can take time, and some steps can be started from abroad, so it is worth planning both together.

Requirements change frequently. The information on this page summarizes IRCC, CICIC and Government of British Columbia guidance as reviewed in October 2026 and is for general information only. Assessment and licensing decisions are made by the designated organizations and regulators. For current rules, see the official Government of Canada page, or book a consultation for advice on your situation.

NEXT STEP

Know Which Recognition You Need

We help you separate what immigration requires from what your profession requires, and plan both.

Book a Consultation