Canadian work experience requirements for internationally trained professionals

International Credentials Recognition Regulation

Section 4(3) An internationally trained applicant is a member of the class if the applicant:

1. Has a valid international certification that authorizes the applicant to engage in independent practice in the profession or occupation in respect of which the applicant is applying for certification,
2. Is in good standing with the international regulatory authority in each jurisdiction in which the applicant has a valid international certification,
3. If applicable, was in good standing with the international regulatory authority in each jurisdiction in which the applicant was granted an international certification at the time the certification ceased to be valid, and
4. Has, at the time the applicant submits an application for certification to a regulatory authority, engaged in independent practice for at least 2 years in the profession or occupation in respect of which the applicant is applying for certification

• The terms “internationally trained applicant” and “certification” are defined in section 1 of the International Credentials Recognition Act 
• The terms “international regulatory authority” and “international certification” are defined in section 4(1) of the International Credentials Recognition Regulation

Regulatory authorities in British Columbia may have a different definition of "good standing" than international regulatory authorities. B.C. regulatory authorities do not have to use the same definition of "good standing" as the corresponding international regulatory authority.

However, if the international authority offers information that covers the aspects of "good standing" as defined by the B.C. regulatory authority, this information should be treated as equivalent.

Differences in scope of practice

The International Credentials Recognition Act and Regulation do not provide a specific test for establishing which professions are equivalent. However, section one of the Labour Mobility Act defines 'occupation' as: "a set of jobs that, with some variation, are similar in their main tasks or duties or in the type of work performed." This means:

• Small differences in the scope of practice between B.C. and another jurisdiction can be allowed
• Significant differences mean the professions are not considered the same, even if they have the same name

Options for regulatory authorities

If there are significant differences in the scope of practice that pose a risk to the public, regulatory authorities have two options:

1. Apply for an exemption from the ban on requiring Canadian work experience

2. Give internationally trained applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their competence in applied knowledge and skills without needing Canadian work experience, as long as they meet the criteria in section 4(3) of the International Credentials Recognition Regulation

In order to meet the criteria, internationally trained applicants must have two years of work experience as an independent practitioner, not under supervision. For example, experience obtained during a traineeship or articling period does not count toward the two years of work experience.

This also ensures that domestic trainees who undergo a period of supervised practice before certification are not unfairly disadvantaged.

In accordance with their rules and regulations, a regulatory authority may require Canadian work experience for any applicant who has no applicable work experience, regardless of the jurisdiction where they were trained.