Why credential recognition matters

If your education, work experience or professional credentials were obtained outside Canada, they may not be equivalent to Canadian credentials. To work in Canada, you will need to have your credentials assessed to see whether they meet Canadian standards or whether you need more training, education or Canadian work experience.

Foreign credential recognition is the process of verifying that the education, training and job experience you obtained in another country are equivalent to the standards established for Canadian workers.

Here are some things you need to know:

• Starting in May 2013, if you apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must get an educational credential assessment (ECA). An ECA is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a completed credential in Canada for the purpose of immigrating to Canada.
• Qualifying to immigrate to Canada does not mean that your education, work experience and professional credentials are automatically recognized in Canada.
• Working in some jobs in Canada, including certain trades, may require a licence. To get a licence, you will need to have your credentials recognized.
• You can start the credential assessment and recognition process before you arrive in Canada.
• Getting your credentials recognized takes time and costs money.

Be aware that the words credentials, competencies and qualifications may often appear to have the same meaning, but in Canada have specific definitions.