The B.C. government is making credential recognition for internationally trained professionals more transparent, efficient and fair.
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This fall, B.C. introduced new fair credential recognition legislation that aims to reduce barriers for internationally trained professionals seeking jobs in B.C. The International Credentials Recognition Act received Royal Assent on November 8, 2023, and will come into force next summer.
B.C. expects one million job openings in the next decade. Many of those jobs will need to be filled by people trained in other countries. Internationally trained professionals often face unfair barriers and long waits before they can work in their profession. By supporting them, the government can meet current and future needs for in-demand jobs and strengthen B.C.'s economy.
Professional regulatory authorities have an important role in addressing the shortage of skilled professionals. They assess and license professionals to work in B.C. The Province has been taking steps to improve professional regulators' governance practices to ensure the process is fair, efficient and transparent.
In July 2023, the What We Heard: Public Engagement on International Credential Recognition (PDF, 2100KB) report was released. The report includes feedback from more than 1,450 people who were asked in spring 2023 how the Province could:
Feedback from people responding to the survey included:
The Province is using public feedback to improve the international credential recognition process in B.C. and to guide the development of new legislation.
This new act will help regulatory bodies improve the credential recognition process and make it fairer, faster and easier for people to use their skills to work in B.C. – no matter where they were trained.
The Act outlines new responsibilities for many professional regulators.
Applicants will be treated equitably and fairly, without prejudice. Provisions include:
Applicants will get the information they need to get professional certification quickly and without unnecessary delays. To shorten wait times, the Province will set maximum processing timelines for regulators.
New transparency requirements will require regulators to publish all information about their credential assessment processes online. This will make it easier for applicants to understand how to get certified.
Regulators will be responsible to government and the public for protecting public health, safety and the environment. They will do this by using fair and inclusive processes that allow all qualified applicants to get certified. Accountability will be ensured through new reporting requirements and enforcement authorities.
Establishing a superintendent
The Province will appoint a superintendent responsible for promoting Fair Credential Recognition, monitoring regulatory authority performance and enforcing compliance with the new legislation.
The new legislation will cover 18 regulatory authorities:
To view a full list of all B.C. regulatory authorities, please visit Professional Regulatory Authorities.
The new legislation will impact 29 professions across many sectors, including construction, environmental sciences, teaching and social work.
Explore the career profile associated with each profession to learn more:
Education and social work
Biology and environmental sciences
Engineering and architecture
Health and legal professions
Financial and real estate
To share what the B.C. government is doing to recognize internationally trained professionals, download the poster (PDF, 2MB).
Translated posters
The Province wants to ensure that internationally trained professionals can continue their careers in B.C. – whether they have lived here for years or are just moving to the province. The following resources are available to ensure skilled and experienced professionals can access the information they need:
To understand if you need a certification for your profession and how to get it, visit Getting Certified to Work in B.C.
Many occupations in B.C. are governed by a regulatory body. Check with the appropriate Professional Regulatory Authority to confirm what documents you need to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience.
If you are still considering moving to B.C., learn why B.C. is one of the most appealing places to settle in Canada.
Everyone in B.C. should have access to quality health care, and there is a pressing need for health care workers. To help make sure that everyone in B.C. has access to quality health care, government has taken several actions to train and hire more health care workers, including those trained abroad. Actions include:
Other available resources and supports include:
Prioritizing health and childcare workers through the BC Provincial Nominee Program will help fill the critical need for more health care workers and early childhood educators.
Internationally trained doctors not eligible for full medical license in Canada can apply for restricted licensure under the Associate Physician Classification. They can then work under the supervision of attending physicians in acute care and community primary care settings.
Expanding the Practice Ready Assessment program for internationally educated family doctors to be licensed to work in B.C. will help reduce the shortage of family doctors. Seats will triple from 32 to 96 by March 2024.
For general enquiries about this legislation, contact FairCredentials@gov.bc.ca