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 Accounting Credentials in Canada: What You Need to Know

Transitioning from one country to another can often present a labyrinth of challenges, especially when it comes to professional qualifications. Recently, I found myself exploring the Accounting landscape in Canada for my girlfriend, who graduated from a prestigious university in the United States. Unfortunately, due to visa complications, she is moving to Montreal and is facing some daunting questions about her Accounting career.

Having completed her undergraduate degree at a top 20 school in the US, my girlfriend gathered significant experience working for one of the Big Four accounting firms for a year. Additionally, she has successfully passed two CPA exams and amassed the necessary 150 credit hours. With all this, one would think she would be well on her way to practicing in Canada. However, we came across some concerning information: it appears that in order for her to become a licensed accountant in Canada or even pursue a master’s program in accounting, she might have to start her bachelor’s degree from scratch at a Canadian institution.

This requirement seems somewhat outlandish given her extensive credentials and experience. Is it really necessary for her to redo an entire undergraduate program merely due to the differences in educational systems?

The good news is that there may be alternative pathways available. Instead of starting over, my girlfriend could explore the possibility of taking specific exams or certifications that would validate her existing expertise and proficiency in accounting to Canadian standards. Organizations such as CPA Canada offer routes for internationally-educated accountants to become recognized within the country, often through evaluation of credentials and additional examinations.

As she embarks on this journey, we are eager for insights or advice from those who have navigated the accounting profession in Canada. Any guidance on effective steps she can take to utilize her existing qualifications and experience would be extremely helpful. The complexity of international accounting credentials can be overwhelming, but with the right information and support, I hope to see her thrive in her new home.

If you have any expertise to share or resources that could assist in this transition, I would appreciate your contributions immensely!