The federal government is strengthening its efforts to support internationally trained professionals entering the Canadian workforce, setting a new target to establish 58 agreements during the 2026–27 fiscal year through its Foreign Credential Recognition program. The initiative aims to help approximately 32,000 newcomers apply their education and skills more quickly in Canada’s labour market.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada, the agreements will primarily focus on high demand sectors such as health care and construction. These partnerships involve provinces, regulatory authorities, credential assessment agencies, and professional organizations that deliver services to help internationally trained workers meet licensing requirements and find employment in their fields.
Support available through the program includes faster credential assessment pathways, navigation assistance, job readiness training, and employment supports connected to Canadian work experience. Many newcomers can also access Foreign Credential Recognition loans ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 to help cover licensing exams, training costs, tuition, and related professional expenses.
The federal government is also advancing a new Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund, which will provide $97 million over five years starting in 2026–27. The funding is intended to improve fairness, transparency, consistency, and processing timelines across credential recognition systems nationwide, again with priority attention on health and construction professions.
In addition, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is working with provincial and territorial partners to reduce barriers that prevent internationally educated professionals from entering regulated occupations. These efforts include coordinated action plans and pre arrival support services that help newcomers begin preparing for licensing and employment before they arrive in Canada, improving their chances of integrating into the workforce more quickly.
