The International Credentials Recognition Act (ICRA)
Last updated on September 17, 2024Learn about the International Credentials Recognition Act.
On this page
- Purpose of the Act
- How the Act and regulations are applied
- Responsibilities for professional regulators
Purpose of the Act
In 2024, changes to the professional certification process in B.C. were introduced through the:
The Act helps regulatory authorities improve the credential recognition process. It will make it fairer, faster, and easier for people to use their skills to work in B.C., no matter where they were trained.
Most of the Act took effect on July 1, 2024, and applies to applications submitted on or after that date.
- The sections of the Act prohibiting Canadian work experience requirements will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
Who the Act applies to
The International Credentials Recognition Act applies to 18 regulatory authorities listed in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of the Act.
How the Act and regulations are applied
Learn how the International Credentials Recognition Act and the International Credential Recognition Regulation are applied.
Canadian work experience requirements
Learn how the ICRA is removing unfair Canadian work experience requirements for professionals with a valid professional license from outside Canada.
Assessing internationally trained applicants
Learn about the processes and criteria for assessing internationally trained applicants in B.C. The ICRA introduced changes to the international professional certification process.
Standards for transparent application processes
The ICRA makes the application process more transparent for internationally trained professionals. Learn about standards for regulatory authorities.
Holding regulatory authorities accountable
Regulatory authorities have responsibilities under the ICRA. Learn how they are kept accountable.
The Office for International Credential Recognition oversees how regulatory authorities apply the ICRA in B.C.
Responsibilities for professional regulators
The Act outlines new responsibilities for professional regulators.
Under the Act, regulatory authorities must:
- Have bylaws or policies outlining their international credential recognition process posted online
- Make decisions on complete applications within a reasonable time
- Notify applicants (in writing) of the outcome of their application within 14 days of making a decision and explain the reason for the decision
- Submit reports to the Superintendent annually
Under the Act, regulatory authorities must not:
- Require internationally trained applicants to submit new language test results within five years of submitting valid results
- Charge higher application, certification or other similar fees to internationally trained applicants than are charged to other applicants
- Higher fees are only permitted if the difference reflects the actual average costs of administering each type of application
From July 1, 2025 onward, the Act will also prohibit regulatory authorities from requiring Canadian work experience for some internationally trained applicants.