If you want to migrate to Canada, your professional credentials or work experience received outside Canada is assessed if:

·         You are immigrating to Canada as Federal skilled worker

·         You are coming to Canada for study

·         You are coming to Canada to work in a specific occupation or trade

Credential assessment process involves time and money however it will help you to

·         check if your credentials match with the standard of Canadian workers

·         You can have more training or any education or Canadian work experience

·         You will understand the various categories of jobs

·         Employers can understand your profile

A.     To immigrate as a Federal Skilled Worker

If you apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) of your completed educational credentials is a must. An ECA is used to verify whether your qualification is valid and equal to a completed credential in Canada for the purpose of migration to Canada. They are required to be assessed to work in any particular job as well.

B.      To work in some jobs in Canada, including certain trade

Lets discuss about the two types of occupation in Canada:

1.      Regulated Occupations, including trades

Regulated occupation is one which is governed by a regulatory body and is aimed to protect public health and safety. They are also known as apprenticeable trade or skilled trade. Doctors, nurses, lawyers fall under this category. To use a regulated title and work, you need to have a license or certificate for which there may be different requirements in different provinces or territories. It generally includes:

·         Skills assessment against the profession you will migrate to Canada for

·         Language and communication skill assessment

·         Assessment of work experience

In Canada, every provinces and territory regulate certain professions and trades while others do not.

2.      Non-Regulated Occupations

Some employers want the applicants to register or certified themselves by the relevant professional association. Credential assessment and recognition is useful for the employers understand your qualifications. Job requirements varies greatly between employers. Be prepared to prove that you have the education or experience to do the job. You may have to:

·         Certain level of skill and competence,

·         Specific qualifications

·         Personal characteristics suitable for the job.

Please note that all the permits and visas have different requirements. To be successful in obtaining Canada Express Entry, or a Canadian Visa or Canada Work Permit, taking professional help is always a good idea.