Foreign qualifications for non-regulated work in Canada

Short answer

For a non-regulated role, start with the employer’s request, after checking the intended occupation and location.

Sources: CICIC / CMEC

Who decides

Normally the employer for non-regulated work; a regulatory authority handles regulated work.

Sources: CICIC / CMEC

Check this before paying

Check the occupation and province or territory in CICIC’s directory.

Sources: CICIC / CMEC

When this applies

A job’s recognition route depends on whether it is regulated. An employer may use external academic advice to support its own decision.

Sources: CICIC / CMEC

Which document

The employer’s requested evidence, with an external general-purpose assessment only where required and accepted.

Sources: CICIC / CMEC · CICIC / CMEC

Avoid the wrong purchase

Confirm both the report requirement and accepted provider before paying; provider membership alone does not answer the employer’s request.

Sources: CICIC / CMEC

What this does not do

An advisory report does not guarantee employment or professional registration.

Sources: CICIC / CMEC

Your next official step

Identify the responsible recipient with CICIC, then confirm the evidence request directly.

Sources: CICIC / CMEC

Check the job, title and province before choosing a product

CICIC’s directory uses an occupation and province or territory. Recognition for a regulated occupation belongs to the responsible authority; for non-regulated work it is normally the employer’s decision. A degree subject alone does not identify the recipient for a particular job.

Sources: Identify who recognizes qualifications for work · Regulated occupation and reserved-title check

A report provider gives advice; the employer decides acceptance

CICIC advises checking that the recipient requires and accepts a general-purpose assessment before starting. The provider supplies academic-comparison advice; the report does not guarantee a hiring outcome. Ask what question the employer needs answered before selecting a product.

Sources: General-purpose assessment and recipient acceptance

Québec comparative evaluation is a distinct information product

MIFI’s comparative evaluation is an information-only opinion comparing educational systems. It is not a diploma or diploma equivalence, creates no obligation on the recipient and is not required to file an immigration application. Confirm whether the intended employer needs it.

Since September 4, 2025, the Québec field of study is no longer included. If the employer needs subject-specific information, confirm what evidence answers that request rather than assuming this comparison supplies it. This Québec product is distinct from the IRCC-designated immigration ECA process.

Sources: Québec comparative evaluation: information-only scope · Express Entry ECA: product, designation and validity

DiploWay preparation: name the unresolved hiring question

Ask whether the employer is checking education level, course content, authenticity or a professional title. Record the exact report and accepted sender, if a report is needed. Keep work-permission questions separate; this guide does not determine your right to work.

Explore another use for the same qualification

• University admission: Foreign qualifications for university admission in Canada
• Immigration documents: Immigration documents in Canada
• Regulated profession: Find the qualification regulator for work in Canada