Foreign Credential Recognition Program
July 7, 2021Across the National Capital Region, there are several organizations that support newcomers in different ways. Labour market integration for immigrants in regulated professions can be quite complex. The process can be lengthy, costly and intimidating. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) created in January 2019 to support their clients in getting an equivalency of their international educational qualifications and integration into the workforce. We all have heard about highly skilled immigrants being underpaid, forced to work in different fields than their education or experience, etc. After having their foreign credentials recognised, FCRP clients are enabled to make full use of their education, skills, knowledge, and experience. It also opens the door to multiple well-paid opportunities in their field or related-field. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program work closely with World Skills to helps newcomers to overcome barriers such as a lack of Canadian professional work experience, professional networks, labour market information related to specific occupations, understanding of Canadian style resume, cover letters, interview skills, etc.
FCRP clients are benefitted in many ways as they get access to multiple services provided either by World Skills Employment Centre and any of its coalition organizations such as:
- Career Orientation, Credential assessment guidance, Licensing information and guidance, Academic Career support – provided by World Skills Employment Centre
- Credential assessment plan – provided by Lebanese and Arab Social Services Agency (LASSA)
- Mentorship with a professional in their respective field – provided by Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)
- Microloans up to $15,000 to support professional development activities – provided by Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF)
Financial support for clients pursuing licensure is provided under this program through low-cost professional development loans from OCLF which allows clients to access required training programs in a cost-effective manner. OCLF’s involvement ensures that the client has access to financial support that does not place their credit history in jeopardy but allows access to funds when needed.
To be eligible for this program clients must have completed their post-secondary education outside of Canada. Also, they need to be a Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee or naturalized Canadian Citizen.
So far, the program has served more than 850 clients and despite of the Pandemic, the trend on the number of clients served, continues to grow.
“The services received made me more confident and enhanced my network. One of the connections developed in the framework of the FCRP Mentorship program permitted me to get my first Canadian experience with the support and help of an experienced mentor in my field.”
“It was an amazing meeting filled with advice, great career choices and open paths for us to take.”
To find out more about how you can participate in the Foreign Recognition Credential Program contact: manpreet@ottawa-worldskills.org