British Columbia is making progress in acknowledging international educational qualifications
The Act brings about various modifications in recognizing international credentials in the province and simplifying the application process. It eliminates the need for Canadian work experience, language testing for certain applicants, and extra fees for international candidates.
This will affect 29 professions such as engineers, accountants, real estate brokers, and healthcare professionals. The province collaborated with 18 regulatory bodies to develop the law, which the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia approved in November.
The complete list of professions affected by the Act comprises
- Applied biology technician
- Applied science technologist
- Architect
- Associate real estate broker
- Certified technician
- Chartered professional accountant
- Conditional teaching certificate holder
- Early childhood educator
- Early childhood educator assistant
- Emergency medical assistant, including paramedics
- Land surveyor
- Landscape architect
- Lawyer
- Managing real estate broker
- Notary public
- Professional agrologist
- Professional biologist
- Professional engineer
- Professional geoscientist
- Professional teaching certificate holder
- Real estate representative
- Registered biology technologist
- Registered clinical social worker
- Registered forest technologist
- Registered music teacher
- Registered professional forester
- Social worker
- Technical agrologist
- Veterinarian
Requirements for work experience
British Columbia aims to simplify recognizing international credentials by eliminating unnecessary Canadian work experience criteria. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills is collaborating with regulatory bodies to assess current practices and identify any Canadian work experience prerequisites that would be banned under the new rules.
The province notes that the superintendent of international credential recognition may exempt a regulator from the Canadian work experience requirement if a valid reason is provided. Additionally, there is a one-year transition period in place.
For instance, starting on January 1, 2025, regulations specifying prohibited Canadian work experience and exceptions will be enforced, with the ban on Canadian work experience requirements taking effect on July 1, 2025.