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: A Case Study

Transitioning from one country’s job market to another can often be challenging, particularly in specialized fields like Accounting. A reader recently raised a question regarding their girlfriend’s situation, and it serves as a valuable case study for others in similar predicaments.

The Scenario

The individual in question graduated from a prestigious university in the United States, earning necessary credentials and experience that should ideally make her competitive in the workforce. However, with visa complications preventing her from obtaining a US work permit, she is now relocating to Montreal, Canada, as a Canadian Permanent Resident.

Here’s where the confusion arises: after researching the requirements to practice in Canada, the couple discovered that she might need to redo her entire Bachelor’s degree at a Canadian university to become a licensed accountant. Given that she has already completed 150 credits, worked for a year at one of the “Big Four” Accounting firms, and passed two of the CPA exams, this requirement seems rather excessive.

Understanding the Canadian Accounting Landscape

It is essential to understand that the accounting profession in Canada is regulated differently than in the United States. Each province has its own regulatory body, and the requirements can vary significantly. While it’s true that Canadian credential recognition can be complex, particularly for internationally educated accountants, there may be alternatives to completely redoing her degree.

1. Credential Evaluation:
   To assess her current qualifications against Canadian standards, she could initiate a credential evaluation with organizations such as World Education Services (WES). This will provide an overview of how her US degree compares to Canadian educational benchmarks.

2. Pathway to Certification:
   Depending on the findings of the evaluation, she may not need to retake her entire Bachelor’s. Instead, she could pursue the necessary courses or examinations that Canadian regulatory bodies require. The Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) offers specific pathways for internationally trained accountants, allowing them to bridge gaps in their knowledge without redundant coursework.

3. Provincial Regulators:
   Since she plans to practice in Quebec, it’s important for her to contact the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (CPA Quebec) for guidance tailored to her situation. They can provide information on accreditation, as well as potential exemptions based on her previous experience and qualifications.

Additional Considerations

Aside from educational credentials, practical experience in the Canadian job market can also play a significant role in her employ