Getting Hired in BC is Getting Easier

The British Columbia government has presented new legislation aimed at assisting more globally qualified professionals to enter the province’s employment .

The province pushed last year to expedite the process of allowing internationally qualified doctors and nurses to begin practice. The administration submitted legislation on Monday that would add 29 more professions to the list, including social workers and engineers.

“Skilled professionals from around the world move to B.C. hoping to put their skills to good use but instead face huge obstacles and an often-confusing process to get their credentials recognized,” stated David Eby, Premier of B.C.

“Ensuring international professionals can build strong, prosperous lives for themselves and their families in B.C. is important to this government,”

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The overseas Credentials Recognition Act, according to the province, will “properly value international work experience and eliminate the ‘Catch-22’ of requiring Canadian work experience prior to being accredited in Canada.”

The new rule requires 18 regulators who oversee 29 professions, including early childhood educators, veterinarians, lawyers, and paramedics, to expedite their processes for globally trained applicants.

The initiative to recognize overseas qualifications, according to Minister of State for Workforce Development Andrew Mercier, is a matter of fairness.

“The legislation we’ve introduced today will make it easier for people to get their credentials recognized, regardless of where they were trained.” This will help people find work in their professions more quickly, boost their chances of success, and develop a stronger British Columbia economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and leaves no one behind.”

Mercier adds that it is also eliminating unnecessary language testing and setting a processing time limit.

“From veterinarians to paramedics to social workers and engineers and teachers, we have too many qualified professionals who have the skills they need that are universal here … that we need to help reach their full potential,” he went on to say.

Mercier adds that an oversight committee will be established, and that the new laws will go into effect in the summer of 2024.

Improving credential recognition for internationally trained professionals

The international credentials recognition act, if passed, will require 18 regulators overseeing 29 professions to streamline processes for internationally trained applicants. The 29 occupations are: