In Canada, about 20% of jobs are regulated to protect the health and safety of Canadians, such as doctors, engineers, plumbers, and teachers.
- In regulated occupations, the recognition will be determined by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory authority.
- In non-regulated occupations (80% of jobs), recognition is normally at the discretion of the employer.
Some professions in Ontario set their own standards for practice, known as regulated professions. Professional licensing bodies generally require a credential evaluation if qualifications were obtained abroad.
The
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) identifies three lead agencies/organizations that conduct academic credential assessments and qualification recognition services in Ontario:
The above organizations support individuals in assessing academic credentials for the purposes of immigration, employment, further education, professional licensure, and general information. Support is also provided to employers in understanding the Canadian equivalency of academic credentials.
There are fees associated with completing assessments with the above organizations, each agency differing in terms of
cost and processing times.
Credentials Tip – Free Quick Assessments
WES offers
free preliminary assessments of credentials that employers could use to better understand a candidate's
foreign credentials right away.
Visit the WES
Employer page
Regulated Professions and Mandatory Certification | Regulated Professions and Mandatory Certification | <p>If a Foreign Trained Professional (FTP) is licensed under an Ontario regulatory body, then they meet all required standards to work in that industry. There is no need to assess a candidate's international credentials with the organizations listed above, as the regulatory body has already completed a very detailed evaluation. Here are lists of <a href="http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/working/OI_HOW_WORK_PROF_PROFS.html" target="_blank"> <font color="#0066cc">regulated professions</font> </a>and <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/work-your-profession-or-trade" target="_blank"> <font color="#0066cc">trades that require mandatory certification</font>. </a></p><p>If a Foreign Trained Professional (FTP) is not licensed under an Ontario regulatory body, they must begin the process. To begin the process of licensing, visit the above site and click on the specific profession. This site outlines the process of registration within that body, fees and associated costs, timelines, and other information specific to that profession. </p><p>Consider an alternate employment level while waiting for certification.</p><p>The process to become licensed under a regulatory body can take a long time. Employers are encouraged to consider this option:</p><p style="text-align:center;">"In regulated professions where licensure is required, consider hiring skilled immigrants at an associate level until their licensure requirements are met and they can be employed fully at the appropriate level."</p><p style="text-align:center;"><em> (Source: hireimmigrants.ca)</em></p><p>For example, a certified general accountant could perform senior office and bookkeeping duties while the license is pending. Read more at <a href="http://www.hireimmigrants.ca/2011/08/18/international-credentials/" target="_blank"> <font color="#0066cc">HireImmigrants.ca - International Credentials</font><strong>. </strong></a></p> | | |
Sector Councils | Sector Councils | <p><a href="http://www.newcomersuccess.ca/index.php/partner-engagement/sector-councils" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">Sector Councils</font></a> are industry-led partnership organizations comprised of business, labour, and educational stakeholders. Many sector councils provide information to employers seeking to hire, including, sector-specific assessment tools. The Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) provides a <a href="http://www.newcomersuccess.ca/index.php/en/partner-engagement/sector-councils" target="_blank"><font color="#0066cc">list of sector councils by industry</font></a> and links to council websites that host resources to further support employers.</p> | | |
Simcoe County Resources:
Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS)
Accreditation is a comparative evaluation or assessment of international credentials, skills and experiences.
Accreditation is needed when:
Newcomers can participate in individual interviews with a facilitator in order to conduct research for their accreditation and professional goals. Steps and career options will be discussed during a confidential, one-on-one session, accompanied by a customized career pathways action plan at the end.
* Services are available in Simcoe County. For more information contact: 905-895-0809, or toll-free: 1-866-243-9925.
Global Experience Ontario (GEO)
GEO helps internationally-trained and educated individuals in regulated non-health professions find out how to qualify for professional practice in Ontario. This one-stop centre offers a range of services for internationally-educated individuals.
GEO services/resources include:
- Contact information and referrals to the regulatory body in the appropriate field of expertise
- Links to education and assessment programs to provide timely access to the best services available, as close to home as possible
- Information about the licensure and registration processes
- Knowledge about alternative professional avenues to complement skill-sets
- Information on internships and mentorships
- Career maps (guides to the professions)
Professions served by Global Experience Ontario (GEO).
Health Force Ontario
Health Force Ontario (HFO) is the province's strategy to ensure that Ontarians have access to the right number and mix of qualified health-care providers, now and in the future.
Health Force Ontario services focus on providing resources to a variety of health professionals (physicians, nurses, and other regulated health professionals) who are looking to train or practice in Ontario. Immigrants are supported by HFO in their journey towards employment in a health occupation in Ontario and employers have access to a recruitment centre and job listing service in order to assist with the hiring of qualified skilled workers.
Language Assessments
Having a clear understanding of the specific language proficiencies required for a job is an important process to consider before assessing the language skills of a potential candidate. Some jobs do not require strong language skills, while others do. For example, a hotel concierge requires excellent verbal communication skills, whereas a steam fitter or lab technicians may not. To build the language skills of an employee, see
"Improve Language Skills in the Workplace" for more information
Useful language assessment resources:
hireimmigrants.ca – Visit the Assessing language proficiency page for useful links
Working in Canada - Great for ascertaining essential skill levels and language competencies for each job.