Navigating the Path to Becoming a Licensed Accountant in Canada: What You Need to Know

The journey of transitioning from one country to another can be filled with complexities, especially when it comes to professional certifications. This is the situation my girlfriend finds herself in after graduating from a well-regarded university in the United States and planning to move to Montreal due to visa constraints. Having gained essential experience and academic credentials in the U.S., she is now facing uncertainty regarding her career in Accounting.

She graduated from a top 20 university and, despite her impressive qualifications—having completed the required 150 credit hours, gained valuable experience with one of the Big Four Accounting firms, and passed two CPA exams—she has encountered a significant hurdle. It has come to our attention that in order for her to practice Accounting in Canada or even pursue a master’s degree in the field, she may need to redo her entire bachelor’s degree at a Canadian institution.

This requirement appears rather extreme, especially given her strong academic background and professional training. We want to clarify whether there are alternative pathways available. Is there a specific examination or certification program that could validate her skills and allow her to practice accounting in Canada without the need for starting from scratch?

If you have insights into the processes or requirements for internationally-trained accountants looking to establish themselves in Canada, your advice would be invaluable. Understanding the landscape of accounting certification in Canada could greatly assist in navigating this challenging situation. Thank you in advance for your support and guidance!