I was given two-three years to complete a 3 credit education course (Systems of Education in Quebec). It was a correspondance course (2 brief papers, one exam). This gave me equivalency qualifications in QC (BA + PGCE English). Did the same thing in Ontario and BC through their "College of Teachers." The paperwork processing took about three years in QC, six months in Ont., and ten months in BC.

I'd found out that there was a slew of teacher retiremnets taking place in Can in the mid-late 90's. Teaching jobs were a dime-a-dozen.

The requalifying process is complete protectionaism, esp. in Quebec and BC (it's more a form of smoke-and-mirrors intimidation?); but protectionism isn't really practised in either provinces as NQTs abound and are embedded in many schools. Ontario is more anal-retentive about who they hire - they are big on retraining and remediation, etc. To cut it short, the requalifying process for teaching appears intimidating, but it's really a piece of cake (sloppy cake).

[QUOTE=Almost Canadian;8284817]Just out of curiosity, did you need to requalify to work in your occupation in Canada and, if so, how long did this process take?

Obviously, this will only be the case if you work in a similar occupation to the one you did in the UK.

Did you look into how tricky it would be before deciding to relocate to Canada? yes, did loads of research. Knew before we came that Mr Snoops would be unable to continue teaching here at all without completely retraining (GTP trained teachers aren't recognised here). Knew I would need some extra credits in Canadian studies (I'm B.Ed trained - they like that here)

Do you feel the requalifying process taught you anyting, or is it purely protectionism? I'm still retraining, hope to be done by June. Having to do a masters level course in Canadian history. All going well I should have my certification 18 months after landing. I understand the need for Canadian historical/cultural knowledge in a teaching degree, but the course I'm having to do is very high level, and will not really have a whole lot of use for the job I hope to secure - kindergarten teacher!


On the flip side, someone has taken over my old class in the UK recently to cover the teachers long term sick leave, who is Canadian trained, has only just arrived in Britain and was okayed to teach within 2 weeks of landing....no retraining in British history for her! Go figure.....

I havent have to do anything, although I should probably pursue PEng status at some point.

So, Im not a Peng, but so far EVERY position Ive had here in 13 years has the word engineer in the job title... go figure

This reponse has been very useful to me - thanks I am an engineer and I am trying to find out what needs to be done to gain PENG status in Canada. We want to move to Nova Sotia adn I know each province has its own program for becoming licensed. I wasn't sure if it was something you could do on the job. I have contacted APENS and am awaiting a response.

Very interesting thread AC

I'm working in a college now, trying to assist people through the maze of meeting pre-requisites for different educational programs. It's a bit of a nightmare to be honest.

For the newly arrived immigrant - no matter what degrees, qualifications or career history they bring with them - it often boils down to re-taking your Grade 12 Math.

I suspect the Brits that arrive in Canada, despite the need to re-qualify, still have it a lot easier in work, study and play. When English is a second language, good grief, the obstacles are enormous. But then, I can't imagine moving to Russia, for example, and trying to successfully enter the world of work or education.

What about if you went to uni in the US?

Mrs Jericho was a dental nurse in the UK- had been doing it for about 7 years.
She'd have to go back to college here- something she has no intention of doing, so as a result, wont be going back in to the industry.
Like the OP said, a typical case of pure protectionism.

Physiotherapists have to apply for evaluation of their own countries' training by a Canada-wide regulating establishment. You can apply for this while in your own country. This process took me almost a year, with some to-ing and fro-ing of correspondences between me, Canada and my professional body in the UK. Some people are turned down at this point and many others are instructed to take some sort of "bridging" training ....

Once their qualifications are deemed roughly equivalent to a Canadian-trained therapist they are permitted to challenge (there's that word again,... I think it IS Canadian!!) the Canadian National Physiotherapy Competency exams. They have to register for this within 2 years of their equivalency evaluation.

There is a written exam three (four ) times a year and once you have passed that you apply for the practicum which is only held twice a year. Every physio, Canadian-trained or not, has to pass this exam before they can get provincial registration. A high percentage of foreign trained PT's fail the practical exam (cos it's an ordeal the like of which we have never been though), but Canadian students are naturally groomed specifically for the exam during their final year so most (not all!) sail through.

Canadian graduates btw are very peeved at having to even sit this exam after they have paid for and trained on a recognised PT course in Canada, and regard it as a complete waste of money. It is a very limited test of competency in reality, and you can be lucky or unlucky with the questions. I failed my practical dismally the first time, and passed with extremely high marks the second. Does this make me twice as good a physio 6 months later??? I think not!

In most provinces, physiotherapists are allowed to register and work (although maybe restricted practice) after passing the written component and applying for the practical. Once you have qualified and registered in one province there may be difficulties moving to another province, although I believe these are being ironed out ....

I knew about the process before applying as a skilled worker, as my friend had recently gone through it. We both qualified with "degree-equivalent" (snort!) diplomas (at the same school, same class) before degrees were invented!
She was required to upgrade her education to a degree before equivalency was granted, and I was not, much to her chagrine! (I think they counted a post-grad certificate I had done as being sufficient)

I had to 'prove' myself to the Canadians to enter my profession here. The whole application process to the governing body took about a year - providing transcripts of professional education, providing statistics of care I had provided in the last 12 years (which was no mean feat - I had to revisit all my work places which meant going to 4 hospitals in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Surrey & Hampshire!). Once my portfolio of evidence was approved, I had to come over to Vancouver for an intensive 4 weeks of workshops and exams, then return 3 weeks later to do a one week orientation. I did learn lots, and am still learning new things on a daily basis, as the scope of the work I do here is quite different to my old jobs in the UK.

I knew I had to do all this before I applied - I jus didn't realise how hard and emotionally draining it would be - not to mention expensive. The whole procss has cost me about $15,000

Were you able to claim any of that back against taxes? I claimed my practical exam (PT) fee (and my retake) and they paid me back for both! I think you can also claim for books and study materials....

My accountant informs me that I should be able to claim it back - I'm gonna try anyway!

Go for it!!!