Planning to work in Canada?
An essential workbook for newcomers

Section E – Education and academic credentials

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Introduction

Education is an asset when searching for work in Canada, but your education may not automatically be recognized in Canada. Demonstrating your education and academic credentials is, therefore, important. Understanding educational equivalencies between your country of origin and Canada will also help you to understand the kinds of jobs you will be likely to obtain in Canada.

Step 1: Canadian equivalents for international education

You will need to have an assessment done to determine the Canadian equivalent for education obtained outside of Canada. Be aware that this can be done before you leave your home country and may cost money.

There are several ways to do this:

• Contact a recognized assessment agency responsible for credential assessment in the province or territory where you plan to live.
• Visit the website of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) to find credential evaluation, assessment and qualification recognition services in the province or territory where you plan to live and work.
• Contact the university or college where you would like to continue your studies. Find a directory of universities, colleges and schools in Canada on the CICIC website.

Use the Comparative Chart of Services and Fees to find information about services offered by credential evaluation and qualification recognition agencies in Canada.

Based on this research, note the approximate cost of the assessment and the length of time it takes to receive an assessment.

Step 2: My credentials assessment

Get your academic credentials assessed to determine their Canadian equivalency.

Track the following information:

• The name of the document requested
• The organization to which the document should be sent
• Confirmation that the document was sent
• Whether or not the document was received
• The cost of the assessment
• Whether payment was submitted

Step 3: Continuing education or training opportunities in my field

Once you have received your assessment, you will be able to determine if you need to upgrade your skills or your education for your intended occupation. If so, you will need to find a course of study at an educational institution near where you plan to live where you can obtain the required training. Review the continuing education and training opportunities you listed in Section C – Step 11.

Step 4: Other educational or training opportunities

You may also wish to know about opportunities to continue your education in a field other than the one you intend to work in when you arrive in Canada. You can learn more about universities and colleges in Canada by visiting the website or contacting the following institutions if you are planning to continue your studies in Canada:

• Association of Canadian Community Colleges
• Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials

You might want to track the following information:

• School
• Location
• Program
• Contact Information
• Costs

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