Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Overview of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program program:

he Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) is a federally administered initiative under Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) aimed at helping internationally trained individuals (ITIs) enter the Canadian workforce in occupations that match their education and experience. The program addresses challenges faced by newcomers whose credentials are not readily recognized in Canada, by funding organizations that support foreign credential recognition processes and employment integration. The FCRP works by providing funding to organizations—not directly to individuals—that undertake projects to streamline and improve the credential recognition process, reduce systemic barriers, and help ITIs acquire Canadian work experience. These funded initiatives may include mentorship programs, exam preparation support, skills bridging, wage subsidies, job placements, and improvements to credential assessment systems. The program emphasizes supporting skilled immigrants, including women, visible minorities, and racialized individuals, especially in regulated professions and skilled trades. The intent is to reduce the time and cost involved in obtaining recognition for foreign qualifications, improve employment outcomes for ITIs, and increase the supply of skilled workers in Canada’s labour market. Funding proposals must align with the FCRP’s objectives, particularly around accelerating credential recognition, enhancing employment services, and improving labour mobility. While the program doesn't fund individual newcomers directly, it has a major indirect impact by resourcing the ecosystem of service providers, regulatory bodies, and employers working with immigrant talent.

Benefits of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program program:

• Supports organizations in offering credential recognition services
• Enhances the speed and efficiency of credential assessment processes
• Funds development of bridging programs, language and exam training, and mentorship models
• Helps ITIs gain Canadian work experience through job placements and wage subsidies
• Reduces barriers to employment in regulated and non-regulated fields
• Encourages development of sector-specific solutions for improving access to employment
• Promotes equity in labour market access for immigrants
• Enhances collaboration with regulatory bodies, post-secondary institutions, and employers

Eligibility criteria of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program program:

• Eligibility to Apply for Funding (Organizations Only):
• Canadian not-for-profit organizations
• Regulatory bodies and credential assessment agencies
• Post-secondary institutions
• Municipal, provincial, and territorial governments
• Indigenous organizations
• Professional associations and sector councils
• Projects must be focused on:
• Reducing barriers to credential recognition
• Enhancing labour market integration of internationally educated professionals
• Improving access to work experience, training, and employment supports
• Targeting regulated professions and skilled trades
• Supporting equity-deserving groups, such as racialized individuals, women, and Indigenous peoples
• Note: Individual immigrants are not eligible to apply for direct funding.