Foreign-trained workers in British Columbia now benefit from easier credential recognition

Photo by Alesia Kozik/Pexels

If you are a foreign-trained veterinarian or a land surveyor, expect to soon experience a more streamlined process for the recognition of your credentials in British Columbia.

The government recently enacted new legislation aimed at improving the recognition process through the International Credentials Recognition Act.

In hopes to foster inclusivity and harness the potential of internationally trained professionals, the act, which received royal approval on Nov. 8, is poised to make the journey for foreign-trained individuals seeking employment in their chosen fields “more transparent, efficient, and fair.”

According to the press release, they are anticipating a surge in job openings, with projections reaching one million over the next decade. Therefore, British Columbia. is gearing up to tap into the diverse pool of talent that internationally trained professionals represent.

“Skilled professionals from around the world move to B.C. hoping to put their skills to good use, but instead face huge obstacles and an often-confusing process to get their credentials recognized,” said Premier David Eby on the government’s website.

The government further recognized the persistent challenges, including unfair barriers and prolonged waiting periods.

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“With the skills shortage we have in this province, we cannot afford to leave anyone on the sidelines. That’s why we’re taking action to close the gaps in the system so people can get to work faster, fill in-demand jobs, and provide much-needed services to people in B.C,” he added.

To resolve waiting periods, the act will grant authority to the government to establish limits on processing times.

Furthermore, the legislation’s key provisions mandate 18 regulatory bodies to actively break barriers and follow the imposed provisions within 29 professions:

1. registered music teacher
2. professional engineer
3. professional teaching certificate holder
4. land surveyor
5. early childhood educator
6. landscape architect
7. early childhood educator assistant
8. applied science technologist
9. conditional teaching certificate holder
10. certified technician
11. social worker
12. veterinarian
13. registered clinical social worker
14. lawyer
15. professional biologist
16. architect
17. applied biology technician
18. notary public
19. registered biology technologist
20. emergency medical assistant, including paramedics
21. professional geoscientist
22. chartered professional accountant
23. registered professional forester
24. associate real estate broker
25. registered forest technologist
26. managing real estate broker
27. professional agrologist
28. real estate representative
29. technical agrologist

The move is also expected to eliminate the Canadian work experience requirement before obtaining accreditation and even the redundant language testing.