Holding regulatory authorities accountable

Learn about the responsibilities that regulatory authorities have under the International Credentials Recognition Act, and how they are kept accountable.

On this page

• Applicant complaints and concerns
• Annual reports to the Superintendent
• Compliance enforcement

Applicant complaints and concerns

Appeal process

If an internationally trained applicant is not satisfied with the way a regulatory authority is handling their application, they may pursue any appeal processes offered through a regulatory authority’s authorizing enactment, bylaws, or policies.

File a complaint with the BC Ombudsperson

It may be appropriate to file a complaint with the BC Ombudsperson if: 

• The applicant’s dissatisfaction is related to unfair decisions, actions, omissions, or procedures of a regulatory authority, and
• Appeal options have been exercised or no right of appeal exists for the matter

Provide feedback to Superintendent

Internationally trained applicants may contact the Superintendent to provide feedback about the application process. While the Superintendent cannot directly intervene in individual application matters, they may be interested in specific concerns about the application process. Applicant feedback will contribute to the Superintendent's knowledge about systemic or general procedural matters.

Annual reports to the Superintendent

Regulatory authorities must submit annual reports to the Superintendent that include aggregated, depersonalized data about credential recognition processes and outcomes. These reports help the Superintendent assess whether the government's international credential recognition policy goals are being met.

Compliance enforcement

Applicant feedback and data from regulatory authorities helps the Superintendent identify and address systemic issues. This information is used by the Fair Credential Recognition Office to make: 

• Informed decisions about interventions
• Systemic changes intended to improve efficiency for all internationally trained applicants

Based on these sources, the Superintendent may decide to take action to address concerns about systemic or procedural matters relating to international credential recognition processes. Compliance enforcement will follow an escalating, risk-based approach, considering factors such as:

• Severity of impact
• Factual circumstances of non-compliance
• Compliance history
• How to achieve the best remedy and reduce the likelihood of repeat non-compliance