New program at DIVERSEcity thanks to funding by Government of BC and ASPECT BC for international credential recognition
Thanks to new grant funding recently announced by the Government of BC via ASPECT BC to better support international credential recognition for skilled immigrants, DIVERSEcity has launched a new program that provides one-on-one support to newcomers to navigate the challenging and often cost-prohibitive recredentialing process.
Through the DIVERSEcity Foreign Credential Navigation Program, newcomers will get access to the right information and resources to successfully start their career in Canada. Financial grants of up to $1,000 are also available that immigrants can use to:
- Get educational credentials evaluated
- Register for a skills proficiency exam
- Pay licensing fees to practise in their field
- Register for a preparatory or a challenge exam
“With expected labour shortages in BC, the need to invest in skilled newcomers through foreign credential recognition programs is vital,” says Nicolas Tellez-España, Manager, Employment Programs, at DIVERSEcity.
“It’s a known fact that credentialing costs in Canada are high, averaging $6-$10,000 depending on the profession, according to the latest data from Economic and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This why we are so excited to be able to launch the DIVERSEcity Foreign Credential Navigation Program, funded via ASPECT BC, to support skilled newcomers. Through this program we will be able to offer navigation and orientation support regarding the credentialing process in Canada, as well as seed funding to cover some of the initial costs of their credentialing journey. We are excited about this program and the impact it will have in the lives of newcomers, our communities and the BC labour market.”
This program has open eligibility for any newcomer with training outside of Canada.