VANCOUVER, BC: BC has introduced the International Credentials Recognition Act to help internationally educated professionals have a more streamlined, efficient and transparent process to get their credentials recognized in B.C.
The International Credentials Recognition Act will come into effect on July 1, 2024, after significant consultation with 18 regulatory bodies, led by the parliamentary secretary for international credentials. The Act will ensures fair fees for all applicants, eliminate redundant English-language tests, and introduce new transparency requirements. The Province of BC will appoint a Superintendent of International Credential Recognition to oversee compliance with the new regulations.
The act will require regulatory bodies to reduce red tape and remove barriers in 29 professions and make it easier, more transparent and quicker for those qualified professionals to pursue and achieve credential recognition, no matter where they were trained.
One major change is eliminating the catch-22 of unnecessary Canadian work experience requirements for experienced internationally trained professionals. The catch-22 was that a person needed work experience to work in Canada, but couldn’t work in Canada because of the lack of Canadian work experience. The removal of Canadian work experience requirements for regulators who require it will come into effect on July 1, 2025. The ministry is working with regulatory authorities to understand current approaches and identify any existing Canadian work experience requirements that would be prohibited under the new regulations.
The ministry is working with regulatory authorities to understand current approaches and identify any existing Canadian work experience requirements that would be prohibited under the new regulations.
The professions include engineers, social workers, veterinarians, paramedics, early childhood educators, teachers, biologists, land surveyors, architects and more.
“The Premier gave me the task to get the International Credentials Recognition Act across the finish line, and I’m happy to say we’ve done it,” said Ravi Parmar, Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials. “For too long, skilled professionals from around the world have come to our province hoping for a better life, only to find roadblocks in their way. But now, with these regulations, we’re changing that. It means simpler, fairer rules so these professionals can start working in their fields faster, providing the services our communities need.”
The act will also enhance fairness by requiring regulators under the act to charge similar fees for international and domestic applicants, eliminating redundant English-language testing requirements. There is also required accountability and transparency to the public through new data collection and reporting requirements, and enforcement tools to ensure compliance with the act.
The Province will be appointing a superintendent of international credential recognition. The superintendent will oversee the fair recognition of international credentials, addressing any systemic or procedural issues. Additionally, they will have the authority under the act to issue orders for compliance and impose administrative penalties as needed.
“It is time to do a re-set of how we envision an inclusive and prosperous economy that benefits everyone. The International Credentials Recognition Act is an important milestone for our province as it seeks to further eliminate barriers in various past models through thoughtful consultations and provides a renewed optimism that when we work collectively together, we can indeed forge a path forward for the betterment of all British Columbians,” said Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSECity.
Patrick MacKenzie, CEO, Immigrant Employment Council of B.C. (IEC-BC), said, “Employers have struggled for decades to recognize the skills and credentials immigrants bring to British Columbia. The International Credentials Recognition Act is an important step in helping B.C. businesses fill critical needs in their workplaces, while immigrants who choose our province can grow our communities and economy through full and meaningful employment. We at IEC-BC encourage all employers to focus on candidates’ skills, abilities, and potential, not just credentials. When the right talent can be hired for the right job, we all win.”
“This Act is a significant step forward for Surrey’s business community,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “We hope that the Act will allows skilled professionals from around the world to work in their area of expertise, benefiting businesses and our community.”
