Navigating the Path to Accounting Licensure in Canada: A Guide for International Graduates

Transitioning to a new country can pose various challenges, especially when it comes to professional certifications and career prospects. This is the situation faced by my girlfriend, a recent graduate from a prestigious university in the United States, who is now preparing to move to Montreal due to visa complications. As a Canadian permanent resident, she is eager to continue her career in Accounting but is uncertain about the requirements she must meet to practice in Canada.

One of the primary concerns we’ve encountered is the information we’ve come across regarding the necessity of redoing her bachelor’s degree in Canada to work as a licensed accountant. Although she earned her degree from a top 20 institution in the U.S., completed 150 credits, and gained valuable experience working for a year at one of the top four Accounting firms, it appears that she may still face a steep hurdle in the form of educational equivalency assessments.

What complicates the matter further is our discovery that in order for her to enroll in a master’s program or gain the ability to practice accounting professionally in Canada, she may be required to redo her entire bachelor’s degree at a Canadian university. This seems rather excessive, particularly given her solid educational background and professional experience.

In light of these potential obstacles, we are keen to explore alternative pathways that could enable her to demonstrate her qualifications and competence without having to start her studies from scratch. Are there specific exams or certifications that she could pursue that would facilitate her entrance into the accounting field in Canada?

If anyone has insights or experiences related to this process, we would greatly appreciate your guidance. Understanding the requirements for practicing accounting in Canada and exploring potential options will not only help her career but also ease our transition into this new chapter of our lives together. Thank you in advance for your support!