Internationally educated professionals will soon have a more streamlined, efficient and transparent process to get their credentials recognized in B.C.

The International Credentials Recognition Act will come into effect on July 1, 2024, after significant consultation with 18 regulatory bodies, led by the parliamentary secretary for international credentials.

The act will require regulatory bodies to reduce red tape and remove barriers in 29 professions and make it easier, more transparent and quicker for those qualified professionals to pursue and achieve credential recognition, no matter where they were trained.

The professions include engineers, architects, land surveyors, social workers,  paramedics, teachers, biologists and more.

One major change is eliminating Canadian work experience requirements for experienced internationally trained professionals.

“For too long, skilled professionals from around the world have come to our province hoping for a better life, only to find roadblocks in their way. But now, with these regulations, we’re changing that. It means simpler, fairer rules so these professionals can start working in their fields faster, providing the services our communities need,” said said Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials Ravi Parmar.

The act will also enhance fairness by requiring regulators under the act to charge similar fees for international and domestic applicants, eliminating redundant English-language testing requirements. There is also required accountability and transparency to the public through new data collection and reporting requirements, and enforcement tools to ensure compliance with the act.

B.C. will appoint a superintendent of international credential recognition, who will oversee fair recognition of international credentials, and will address systemic or procedural issues. They will also have the authority under the act to issue orders for compliance and impose administrative penalties as needed.