Navigating the Accounting Profession in Canada as a Foreign Graduate

Navigating the professional landscape in a new country can be daunting, especially for recent graduates seeking to establish their careers. This situation is particularly relevant for my girlfriend, who is facing a significant transition after completing her bachelor’s degree at a prestigious university in the United States. Due to visa complications, she is relocating to Montreal, Canada, where she hopes to continue her journey in Accounting.

During our research, we encountered information suggesting that she would need to start anew by redoing her entire bachelor’s degree at a Canadian institution to obtain the necessary qualifications to practice Accounting. Given her impressive resume, which includes 150 credit hours, a year of experience with a Big Four accounting firm, and passing two CPA exams, this requirement feels extremely excessive.

This situation raises critical questions for international graduates: Is it really necessary to redo one’s degree in Canada to pursue a career in accounting? Fortunately, there may be alternative pathways available. We are eager to explore whether studying for a specific exam or obtaining a certification could affirm her qualifications and skills without the need for an entire degree program.

For anyone familiar with the Canadian accounting landscape, we would greatly appreciate your insights. Are there recognized exams or credential evaluation processes that can validate her education and experience? Your guidance would be invaluable as we navigate this complex scenario together. Thank you for your help!