The Framework’s four guiding principles are to ensure that foreign credential recognition will be fair, transparent, timely and consistent. The benchmarks for success are better pre-arrival services, assessments that are fair, sufficient, timely and cost-effective, transparent criteria for credential recognition, efficient bridge-to-licensure opportunities and improved workforce participation services.

“Ensuring that foreign credentials and qualifications are assessed and recognized in a timely manner will enable newcomers to maximize their talents,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development in a statement.

These commitments should be in place for architects, engineers, financial auditors and accountants, medical laboratory technologists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and registered nurses by December 31, 2010.

Additional occupations to be included by December 31, 2012 in the Framework commitments include: dentists, engineering technicians, licensed practical nurses, medical radiation technologists, physicians and teachers (K-12).

Once qualifications are assessed (within a year of application), the applicant will receive a clear decision from the regulatory authority that directs them to one of three pathways: the direct pathway to certification, the pathway of skills upgrading or the path to related occupations.

The final destination of each of these pathways is participation in the Canadian workforce at a level that most appropriately reflects an individual’s qualifications.

The Framework is available on the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Web site at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/publications/fcr/pcf.shtml.

More information about foreign qualification recognition is available at www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

Verus Consulting
December 4, 2009