B.C. Streamlines International Credentials Act for 29 Occupations
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A new law called the International Credentials Recognition Act will come into effect in British Columbia (B.C.) on July 1, 2024. This law aims to make it easier for professionals in 29 different occupations to get licensed, whether they were trained in Canada or abroad.
The International Credentials Recognition Act requires 18 regulatory bodies to remove barriers to qualified professionals. This means that people can get their certifications recognized without unnecessary hurdles, even if they received their training outside of Canada.
What are the Changes Expected in this Act?
- One major change is removing the need for Canadian work experience, which has been a significant barrier. Previously, internationally certified professionals needed Canadian work experience to work, but couldn't get that experience without first being allowed to work. This situation will be soon eliminated.
- The new law also ensures fairness by requiring authorities to charge the same fees for both international and domestic applicants. Additionally, it will remove unnecessary English-language exam requirements for those who have already proven their proficiency.
- To promote accountability and transparency, the act includes new data collection, reporting requirements, and enforcement measures.
Also Read: Canadian Experience Class Immigration for Canada PR
Details and Timeline of the New International Credentials Recognition Act
The regulations will take full effect on July 1, 2024, with additional requirements for removing Canadian work experience prerequisites by July 1, 2025.
Key points of the Act include:
- Applicants with previously submitted valid English-language test results will not need to retake them.
- Regulators must charge the same fees to both international and domestic applicants.
- The process will be more efficient, providing necessary information swiftly to help candidates obtain certification without unnecessary delays.
- Decisions on certifications must be made within a reasonable timeframe to reduce wait times
- Regulators are required to post all information about their certification processes online for increased transparency
- New reporting and enforcement measures will ensure accountability
- A new superintendent will be appointed to oversee fair credential recognition, review regulatory performance, and ensure compliance with the new law
This new act is set to make a significant positive impact on skilled professionals seeking certification in B.C., ensuring a fairer and more efficient process for everyone involved.
Explore: British Columbia Cracks Down on Exploitative Practices: New Measures for International Students
List of 18 Regulatory Authorities
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC
- Architectural Institute of BC
- Association of BC Forest Professionals
- Association of BC Land Surveyors
- Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
- BC College of Social Workers
- BC Institute of Agrologists
- BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association
- BC Society of Landscape Architects
- College of Applied Biologists
- College of Veterinarians of BC
- Director of Teacher Certification (and BC Teachers’ Council)
- Director of the Early Childhood Educator Registry
- Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board
- Law Society of BC
- Organization of Chartered Professional Accountants of BC
- Society of Notaries Public of BC
- Superintendent of Real Estate (and BC Financial Services Authority)
29 Eligible Occupations Under the B.C. International Credentials Recognition Act
- Registered Music Teacher
- Professional Engineer
- Professional Teaching Certificate Holder
- Land Surveyor
- Early Childhood Educator
- Landscape Architect
- Early Childhood Educator Assistant
- Applied Science Technologist
- Conditional Teaching Certificate Holder
- Certified Technician
- Social Worker
- Veterinarian
- Registered Clinical Social Worker
- Lawyer
- Professional Biologist
- Architect
- Applied Biology Technician
- Notary Public
- Registered Biology Technologist
- Emergency Medical Assistants, including Paramedics
- Professional Geoscientist
- Chartered Professional Accountant
- Registered Professional Forester
- Associate Real Estate Broker
- Registered Forest Technologist
- Managing Real Estate Broker
- Professional Agrologist
- Real Estate Representative
- Technical Agrologist
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The new International Credential Recognition Act in British Columbia is set to streamline the licensing process for 29 occupations, making it easier for qualified professionals to gain certification. This significant change will benefit both internationally trained professionals and the local economy by removing unnecessary barriers and promoting transparency and fairness.
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