Transparency in international credential recognition processes

The International Credentials Recognition Act (ICRA) is making the process for transferring credentials to B.C. more transparent. Learn about the standards and requirements for regulatory authorities.

On this page

• Clear, transparent information
• Fees for application and certification
• Application processing times

Clear, transparent information

Application information

Regulatory authorities must ensure that internationally trained applicants have access to clear and transparent information about the application process on their public-facing websites. This helps applicants understand the requirements and timeframes. Regulatory authorities must:

• Provide clear and transparent information about each step in the process
• List all necessary information for submitting a complete application
• Communicate the status of the application upon submission
• Inform applicants about completeness and any required missing information during the review

Other information that must be accessible online

Regulatory authorities must also publish the following information on their public-facing website:

• Their bylaws and policies for recognizing international credentials
• Certification requirements for each profession they regulate
• Any alternative certification pathways or criteria
• Any third parties involved in the certification process and information about the third party's process
• Typical processing times for applications from internationally trained professionals
• Whether an appeal or review process is available and what the process is
• Fees that applicants need to pay
• How applicants can request information about their application status
• Any exemptions approved by the Superintendent for the professions they oversee
• Directives issued to the regulatory authority by the Lieutenant Governor in Council or the Superintendent

Fees for application and certification

In general, a regulatory authority must charge the same fees to all applicants for the same services, such as application and certification. 

• If a regulatory authority charges higher fees for internationally trained applicants, these fees should reflect the actual average cost of assessing international credential recognition applications

Application processing times

Regulatory authorities must make a decision about applications within a reasonable time after receiving a complete application.

There is no specific deadline that regulatory authorities must meet. However, typical processing times must be published on their website. The Superintendent of International Credential Recognition will monitor processing times through regulatory authorities’ annual reporting.

• Find more information about the Superintendent's authority to hold regulatory authorities accountable