My girlfriend graduated from a US university, but will have to move to Canada because of Visa issues, is it true that she would need to re do her bachelor’s in order to be a licensed accountant in Canada?

Navigating the Path to Accounting Licensure in Canada: What You Should Know

When seeking to align one’s professional qualifications across borders, especially in fields as regulated as Accounting, it’s important to understand the specific requirements of the country you’re transitioning to. For those in similar situations, like my girlfriend, the shift from the United States to Canada has raised some pivotal questions about her future career as an accountant.

Having graduated from a prestigious university in the US, my girlfriend is now faced with a relocation to Montreal due to visa complications. As a Canadian permanent resident, she was hopeful about continuing her Accounting career. However, we recently learned that, to practice accounting in Canada or pursue a master’s program in the field, she might need to complete her entire bachelor’s degree again at a Canadian institution. This revelation was surprising given her substantial academic and professional background—she has completed 150 credit hours, gained valuable experience working with one of the Big Four accounting firms, and passed two of the CPA exams.

This situation raises an important question: Is it truly necessary for someone like her, equipped with relevant qualifications, to re-enter undergraduate studies?

Fortunately, there may be alternative pathways. While each province in Canada has its own regulatory body for accounting professions, many of them recognize foreign credentials and experience to some degree. My girlfriend could potentially explore options such as:

1. Credential Assessment: Organizations like World Education Services (WES) or the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) evaluate academic credentials to determine their equivalency in Canada. This could provide a clearer picture of what she needs to fulfill the Canadian accounting licensure requirements.

2. Continuing Education: Depending on the results of the credential assessment, it might be feasible for her to take specific courses or exams to bridge any gaps rather than starting from scratch.

3. Professional Certification: The Canadian CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation might have provisions for internationally trained accountants. It’s worth investigating whether she can take an exam or complete a training program to demonstrate her competence without redoing her entire degree.

4. Consulting Local Accounting Bodies: Engaging with local accounting associations or regulatory bodies—such as CPA Canada—could provide invaluable guidance and insight into her specific situation and potential pathways.

Transitioning professional qualifications across national borders can be complex, but understanding the processes and available support can help individuals like my girlfriend streamline their journey. For anyone who has faced or is facing a similar challenge, it helps to do thorough research,