Canada: Simplified Procedures for Foreign Credential Recognition in British Columbia Forthcoming
July 5, 2024
British Columbia has passed the International Credentials Recognition Act that aims to reduce regulatory barriers for certain internationally trained professionals seeking jobs in the province. Historically, certain foreign-trained professionals (including architects, engineers, and geoscientists, among others) have faced barriers when seeking to work in their professional field in Canada due to high application fees, significant processing delays and burdensome requirements to have their foreign credentials recognized in Canada. Under the new act, certain foreign professionals applying to have their foreign credentials recognized in British Columbia will no longer be subject to language proficiency, Canadian work experience requirements, or higher fees than Canadian-trained professionals, among other changes. Most changes will come into effect in 2025. The removal of these requirements is expected to attract additional foreign nationals to fill positions in the listed fields, many of which are facing labor shortages. The Act also creates a Fair Credential Recognition Office in British Columbia tasked with monitoring performance and compliance of the province’s regulatory agencies involved in the credential recognition process. Additional details on the Act, including a full list of professions/occupations covered by the Act can be found here.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.
Awards
Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.
Media mentions
Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.
Awards
Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.
Media mentions
Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Fragomen news