Professional or technical qualifications from your country of origin may be acceptable for practice in Nova Scotia. You may, however, require additional upgrading to meet Canadian or Nova Scotian practicing standards. It is a good idea to start the recognition of international qualification process before you come to Canada as it will be easier for you to get the employment documentation you need before you depart.

Professional Associations may have the answers you need

There are a number of associations in Canada that can provide you with an assessment of your educational background and provide you with a Canadian equivalency. They do not actually assess clients, but refer clients to the appropriate credential assessors.

These include:

• World Education Services - Canada (WES-Canada)
• International Credential Evaluation Service - British Columbia (ICES)
• International Qualifications Assessment Service - Alberta (IQAS)
• Service des évaluations comparatives - Quebec (SEC)
• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials

In Nova Scotia, a number of professions are regulated by associations or by the provincial government. If you have been trained in a regulated profession outside of Canada and you are wishing to find employment in Nova Scotia (i.e., doctor, nurse, engineer, etc.) you should contact the regulatory body for information on licensing procedures and any credentials issues you may have.

The Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association's Employment Services Unit maintains a list of Professional Associations in Nova Scotia.

Capacity Nova Scotia is also a project designed to give International Educated and Trained Professionals (IETPs) a collective voice in addressing the issues of access to professional licensure and employment in the province.