Every year, Canada welcomes increasing number of skilled migrants pouring in from all the corners of the world. Most are highly skilled in regulated and unregulated occupations with many years of experience under their belt. However, Canada still reports a shortage of labour in most occupations.
Internationally-educated or trained immigrants are less likely to work in their fields due to a number of reasons such as shortage of jobs in that industry or no relevant Canadian experience, but one of the main factors is usually because of lack of credential assessment and recognition.
Credentials refer to academic or educational qualifications you have completed or partially-completed. It can also mean occupational qualifications.
This post will briefly touch on the top reasons to get your foreign credentials assessed and accredited in Canada:
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Showcase to employers what you are qualified for
Often times employers really love a candidate but are unable to offer them a position because they do not have the necessary licenses or credentials. By getting your credentials recognized, employers would be assured that your skill-set and education matches the standards set for Canadian workers. It might also be a legal requirement in order for you to start a job.
Additionally, it sets you apart from the other equally-capable candidates who might not have the necessary credentials, but have quite a bit of experience under their belt.
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Expand your current job opportunities
Many regulated and non-regulated occupations do not allow an individual to work in that field unless they have a locally-obtained license. By getting your credentials assessed and recognized, you will be eligible for a lot more job opportunities since many employers ask for a Canadian license.
If you are looking for a parallel move within an industry without experience in that role, your credentials could be what secures you that job.
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Make a knowledgeable decision about further training/education
Often times the skill set or educational qualifications earned in another country do not equal the same qualifications in Canada. For example, a Bachelor’s degree completed internationally might only equal to a partially-completed degree in Canada, and you might require further study in order to earn a Canadian-equivalent Bachelor’s degree.
This will help in giving you a clear idea of where you stand, so you can make an informed decision about what your next steps should be.
To summarize, many immigrants are able to secure jobs by not having to get their credentials recognized, but by getting them assessed and accredited, they are able to widen their job prospects and not limit themselves in their career choices.
