Credential Evaluation in Canada

Before you come to Canada, it is very crutial to have your academic documents such as diplomas, transcripts and certificates evaluated. As an immigrant, you may need to evaluate your credentials for the following purposes:

1- Immigration, for skilled or Economic categories.

2- Employment.

3- Licensing with Professional Association.

4- Entry to Apprenticeship training programs.

5- Higher Education and/or Continuing Education.

The process for getting your credential evaluated will depend on whether you want to enter a regulated or not regulated occupation., or pursue continuing education. As a general rule, if your chosen occupation is regulated, the recognition of qualifications will be determined by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body, while for a non-regulated occupation, recognition is normally at the discretion of the employer.

You can find out more about the specific requirements for recognition of your qualifications in your profession/trade by doing the following:

1. Contact the professional association governing your occupation in your own country to find out if there are any links with similar associations in Canada. Consult the publication entitled National Occupational Classification at the closest Canadian diplomatic mission to find out more about employment requirements for your occupation.
2. Find out the name and address of the professional regulatory body governing your profession/trade in the province or territory where you intend to settle by enquiring with CICIC.
3. Write to the regulatory body and ask about the specific requirements and costs for licensing, certification, or registration, as well as the recommended procedure for an assessment. The regulatory body will advise you concerning the required documentation and the fees for assessment.

You should be aware that the recognition process is different in each province and territory and for each profession/trade. It can be a costly and time-consuming process; so it is important that you obtain all the information you need to know about the process and specific requirements before undertaking an assessment.

There are several evaluation services that can help you in assesssing your credentials in comparison with the canadian educational standards.Some of the organizations that perform credential evaluations in Canada are:

Alberta

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry

9^th Floor, 108th Street Building

9942 - 108 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J5 Canada

Tel.: +1 780 427-2655

Toll-free in Alberta: 310-0000 ask for 427-2655

Fax: +1 780 422-9734

Web site: http://employment.alberta.ca/cps/rde/xchg/hre/hs.xsl/4512.html

British Columbia

International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)

3700, avenue Willingdon

Burnaby, British Columbia V5G 3H2 Canada

Tel.: +1 604 432-8800

Toll-Free within North America: +1-866-434-9197

Fax: +1 604 435-7033

Email: icesinfo@bcit.ca

Web site: http://www.bcit.ca/ices/

Manitoba

Academic Credentials Assessment Service - Manitoba (ACAS)

Manitoba Labour and Immigration

Settlement & Labour Market Services Branch

5th Floor, 213 Notre Dame Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1N3 Canada

Tel.: +1 204 945-6300

Toll-Free within North America: +1-800-665-8332

Fax: +1 204 948-2148

Web site: http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/immigrate/work/recognition/acas.html

Ontario

Comparative Education Service (CES)

University of Toronto

315 Bloor Street West

Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A3 Canada

Tel.: +1 416 978-2190

Fax: +1 416 978-7022

Costs for service

Site Web : http://www.adm.utoronto.ca/ces/

International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)

Ontario AgriCentre

100 Stone Road West, Suite 303

Guelph, Ontario N1G 5L3 Canada

Tel: +1 519 763-7282

Toll-free: +1 800 321-6021

Fax: +1 519 763-6964

Email: info@icascanada.ca

Fees and Services

Web site: http://www.icascanada.ca/

World Education Services-Canada (WES Canada)

45 Charles Street East, Suite 700

Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1S2 Canada

Tel.: +1 416 972-0070

Fax: +1 416 972-9004

Toll-free: +1 866 343-0070 (from outside the 416 area code)

Email: ontario@wes.org

Web site: http://www.wes.org/ca/

Québec

Centre d'expertise sur les formations acquises hors du Québec (CEFAHQ)

Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles

255, boulevard Crémazie Est, 8^e étage

Montréal (Québec) H2M 1M2 Canada

Tel.: +1 514 864-9191

Elsewhere in Quebec (toll free): +1 877 264-6164

Fax: +1 514 873-8701

Email: renseignements@micc.gouv.qc.ca

Web site: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/education/comparative-evaluation/index.html

Saskatchewan

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry

9^th Floor, 108th Street Building

9942 - 108 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J5 Canada

Tel.: +1 780 427-2655

Toll-free in Alberta: 310-0000 ask for 427-2655

Fax: +1 780 422-9734

Web site: http://employment.alberta.ca/cps/rde/xchg/hre/hs.xsl/4512.html

* The Government of Saskatchewan provides this service through an interprovincial agreement with the Government of Alberta.

Territoires du Nord-Ouest

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry

9^th Floor, 108th Street Building

9942 - 108 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J5 Canada

Tel.: +1 780 427-2655

Toll-free in Alberta: 310-0000 ask for 427-2655

Fax: +1 780 422-9734

Web site: http://employment.alberta.ca/cps/rde/xchg/hre/hs.xsl/4512.html

* The Government of the Northwest Territories provides this service through an interprovincial agreement with the Government of Alberta.

The government’s Foreign Credentials Referral Office website (www.credentials.gc.ca) features a useful search engine called” Working in Canada”. You can type in your occupation and the search engine will bring up a comprehensive report that tells you whether this occupation is regulated in Canada and whether you need to be licensed by a regulatory body. Then it will tell you where in your region of choice you can get licensed.

Canadian Job Market

The Canadian Immigration system is designed to attract highly educated and skilled people to meet the economic demand of the society. But once newcomers arrive, they are confronted with a lot of challenges once they start looking for employment. Every year more than 250,000 new immigrants are in this situation. Those who work smart and hard can overcome the initial barriers.

The most common barriers for new immigrants in Canada are:

1- Language Skills in either English or French.

2- Accreditation of foreign diplomas and recognition of international experience.

3- Lack of social and business networks.

4- Competing with established Canadian.

5- Lack of Canadian experience in their field.

6- Need a Canadian licence to work in a regulate occupation.

These barriers are just some reasons why skilled immigrants such as doctor, engineers, lawyers and teachers may start working as taxi drivers or fast food cashiers. In most cases these are temporary survival jobs. For instance, a new immigrant might consider improving his skills by taking language and computer classes or enrolling in college to prepare for certification in a professional field.

If you want to immigrate to Canada, you will need to have a plan. Remember if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I highly recommend these tips for success:

1- Learn, improve and practice the language.

2- Become computer literate.

3- Acreditate your credentials before coming to Canada.

4- Obtain an international driver’s licence.

5- Know the requirements of your occupation.

6- Understand the job market.

7- Email your resume to companies or online job board such as Monster.ca, Workopolis.com, nexus-jobs.com, etc.

Success will not come easy, but if you use the Canadian support system (government, businesses, online communities and settlement organizations), your chances for success will increase dramatically.

International students: migrating to Manitoba

The International Student priority assessment stream is for graduates who have established strong ties to Manitoba and intend to live, work and establish their careers here.

To be eligible to apply you must have already:
graduated from a post-secondary educational program of at least one academic year at a Manitoba institution
obtained a post-graduation open work permit from CIC
received from a Manitoba employer a formal offer of a full-time, long-term job related to your field of studies, AND
You must be working for that Manitoba employer, and have been so for at least six months.
How to apply for a post-grad work permit NOTE: You must apply to CIC for your work permit within 90 days of completing your educational degree or program requirements. The CIC website has the application, instructions and details on the program. If you need help see the international student advisor at your school.

Get help with your Manitoba Provincial Nominee applicationTo apply for the PNP download an application kit or pick one up at Manitoba Immigration and Multiculturalism's Winnipeg office. If you need assistance or more information attend one of our information sessions for students. They are held the last Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. on the 7th floor of 213 Notre Dame Avenue.
To attend an information session please register in advance. E-mail mpnp-info-sessions@gov.mb.ca or phone 945-2806.

CIC changes don't affect current MPNP applicationsCitizenship and Immigration Canada changed the criteria for its Post-graduate Work Permit Program April 21, 2008. Manitoba grads currently on a work permit issued prior to that date can still apply to the PNP under the old criteria. As well, the changes do not affect applications already submitted.

Manitoba's processing times for student applications continue to be expedited and you will continue to receive priority assessment.

If your status changes while you're awaiting MPNP assessmentWorking grads who move from the job they indicated on their PNP application must notify the PNP in writing and include a personal reference and job offer letter from their new employer in Manitoba.

Grads from other provinces are welcome. If you completed a post-secondary educational program in another province of Canada you could still qualify for the MPNP under the Employer Direct stream.

To be considered, grads from other Canadian provinces or territories must:
be working and have been with the same Manitoba for at least six months on a post-graduate open work permit
demonstrate strong ties to Manitoba (such as friends or family)
Go to the Employer Direct page to read what you must do under this PNP assessment stream.

10 STEPS to apply to Manitoba PNP

This is the procedure followed by immigrants who have successfully settled in Manitoba as provincial nominees.

1-Learn about Manitoba Read the information in the Before you apply section about jobs, society, language, etc. so you can make an informed choice and have realistic expectations about resettling yourself and your family in Manitoba.

2-Download and print the free application kit.The application kit is a booklet with detailed explanations and instructions. It includes all PNP forms, free of charge.

3-Read the entire application before you start filling it in.

4-Determine which forms you need.For example, Family stream requires an affidavit of support (MAS); the General stream requires different supporting documents with your application.

5-Gather your supporting documents.The Document Checklist explains what personal and other documents you are required to send with your application. For example, letters from your employer, school records.

6-Fill in your application.

7-Check your application.Verify you have filled in every question and included all documents you were instructed to prepare and include.

8-Mail your application to our office.Photocopy your completed application for your records (and your permanent residence application should be approved by the PNP). Mail the original to the PNP office in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

9-Wait for their reply.Their will mail you a letter advising that they received your application, then a letter advising you of the outcome of your application.

10-Successful applicant applies for Canadian permanent resident visa.If you are accepted to the PNP we will send you a Letter of Approval. You need this when you take the last step in the immigration process, which is applying to the Government of Canada for permanent resident visas for you and eligible family members.

The Manitoba Nominee Program

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a government immigration program that selects skilled workers who demonstrate they have the potential and the desire to immigrate and settle themselves and their families in the Canadian province Manitoba.

This page explains eligibility requirements. Note that the PNP has several "streams." For example, there's a stream for graduating international students and a stream for applicants who have the support of family who reside in Manitoba. The streams have different criteria; each is explained on its own page.

In summary, the PNP accepts applications from skilled workers who can make a positive contribution to our economy and society as permanent residents. This requires:
education and training
work experience
enough English or French to start a job soon after arrival
a connection to Manitoba (for example, friends or family or current employment)
settlement supports (enough money to maintain yourself and your family while you are becoming established)
the intention to settle permanently in Manitoba

Please review the information in each of the five steps below to find out if you are eligible to apply to the PNP.
Step 1: Do you have legal status in your country of residence?You must be able to show proof that you have legal status in the country where you are now living. If you are currently living in Canada you must provide proof of your current status as a visitor, student or temporary worker. You are not eligible to apply if you are currently a refugee claimant or refused claimant living in Canada. You may apply from outside Canada if you are able to provide proof of legal status in your country of residence.

Step 2: Are you a skilled worker who is employable in Manitoba?You must be able to provide proof that you have the training (including any licence or certification), work experience and language ability to find employment in your intended occupation in Manitoba, soon after you arrive. (The PNP does not guarantee employment to successful applicants in their intended or other occupations.)

Step 3: Do you have sufficient settlement supports?To apply you must provide evidence that you have financial resources in your own name demonstrating that you are able to:
• pay your Government of Canada immigration fees and travel expenses to Manitoba
• support yourself while you are looking for employment
• ensure your successful settlement in ManitobaAs a general rule, applicants should have at least C$10,000 plus C$2,000 for each accompanying dependant.

Step 4: Do you meet the criteria of an application assessment stream?Priority assessment streams are for applicants who can demonstrate the strongest potential to settle successfully and permanently in Manitoba. They are assessed before applications under the General stream.


Employer Direct
• an offer of a long-term, full-time job in Manitoba pre-approved by the MPNPIf your job offer has not been pre-approved by the MPNP you must:
• have an offer of a long-term, full-time job in Manitoba
• have a work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• be currently working for the Manitoba employer that has offered you the job and been working there for at least six months

International Student
• an offer of a long-term, full-time job in Manitoba
• a post-graduate open work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada after you completed a post-secondary educational program of at least eight months in Manitoba
• currently working for the Manitoba employer that offered you the job and been working there for at least six months

Family Support
• a close relative in Manitoba who has signed a Manitoba Affidavit of Support (MAS)

Strategic InitiativeStrategic Initiatives are undertaken at the discretion of the PNP in accordance with program needs and available resources.

You are eligible to apply if you:
• participated in an exploratory visit to Manitoba, confirmed by the MPNP, and had an interview with a MPNP officer, or
• were interviewed by a MPNP officer and received a letter of invitation to apply as part of a MPNP targeted overseas promotional initiative
General stream.

You must have at least one of the following:
• a close relative in Manitoba who has signed an Affidavit of Support (MAS)
• two friends or distant relatives in Manitoba who have each signed an Affidavit of Support
• completed education in Manitoba
• previous work experience in Manitoba (six months minimum)

Step 5: Do you have a complete application?You must submit all required forms and documents described in the Documents Checklist (MDOC) for the principal applicant and all accompanying dependants. The MPNP will not accept incomplete applications.

NOTE: There is no deadline for applying to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. However, program criteria may change without notice and your application will be assessed according to the criteria in place at the time we receive your complete application.

Foreign Worker Program in Canada

Only citizens and permanent residents of Canada are entitled to work in Canada without any special document. Each year about 90,000 persons come into Canada to work in a temporary resident capacity.

The Temporary Foreign Worker program (TFW) allows employers to hire foreign
workers to meet their human resource needs when Canadian workers are not readily
available.
The Program is jointly administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and
Human Resources and Social Development Canada/Service Canada (HRSDC/SC), and
operates under the authority of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and
Regulations (IRPA).

HRSDC/SC’s role with respect to the entry into Canada of temporary foreign workers is
to provide employers and CIC with a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) which describes the
impact the entry of a temporary foreign worker would have on the Canadian labour
market. HRSDC/SC assesses employer requests against set criteria such as recruitment efforts for Canadian workers and confirms that wages and working conditions are consistent with those prevailing in Canada for the occupation. If HRSDC/SC confirms that there are not enough Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the jobs, a positive LMO is issued. The foreign national can then proceed and apply to CIC for a work permit.

Employers will still be required to first advertise for Canadian workers to ensure that
Canadians and permanent residents are given the opportunity to apply for available
positions. However, employers will only need to advertise on the Job Bank, Canada’s
national job website for at least seven days, or conduct similar recruitment activities.
For certain low-skilled occupations, employers have to satisfy both conditions.
An employer seeking to hire a temporary foreign worker for an occupation which
appears on a regional occupations list is still required to obtain an LMO from
HRSDC/SC and will still need to satisfy all other Foreign Worker Program criteria (e.g.
wages and working conditions) in order to receive a positive LMO (i.e. confirmation).