B.C. Streamlines International Credentials Act for 29 Occupations

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.

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List of 18 Regulatory Authorities

1. Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC
2. Architectural Institute of BC
3. Association of BC Forest Professionals
4. Association of BC Land Surveyors
5. Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
6. BC College of Social Workers
7. BC Institute of Agrologists
8. BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association
9. BC Society of Landscape Architects
10. College of Applied Biologists
11. College of Veterinarians of BC
12. Director of Teacher Certification (and BC Teachers’ Council)
13. Director of the Early Childhood Educator Registry
14. Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board
15. Law Society of BC
16. Organization of Chartered Professional Accountants of BC
17. Society of Notaries Public of BC
18. Superintendent of Real Estate (and BC Financial Services Authority)

29 Eligible Occupations Under the B.C. International Credentials Recognition Act

1. Registered Music Teacher
2. Professional Engineer
3. Professional Teaching Certificate Holder
4. Land Surveyor
5. Early Childhood Educator
6. Landscape Architect
7. Early Childhood Educator Assistant
8. Applied Science Technologist
9. Conditional Teaching Certificate Holder
10. Certified Technician
11. Social Worker
12. Veterinarian
13. Registered Clinical Social Worker
14. Lawyer
15. Professional Biologist
16. Architect
17. Applied Biology Technician
18. Notary Public
19. Registered Biology Technologist
20. Emergency Medical Assistants, including Paramedics
21. Professional Geoscientist
22. Chartered Professional Accountant
23. Registered Professional Forester
24. Associate Real Estate Broker
25. Registered Forest Technologist
26. Managing Real Estate Broker
27. Professional Agrologist
28. Real Estate Representative
29. 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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