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 Certification in Canada: A Guide for International Graduates

Relocating to a new country can present numerous challenges, especially when it comes to continuing your professional career. This dilemma is particularly relevant for my girlfriend, who recently graduated from a prestigious university in the United States and is now facing obstacles related to her Accounting qualifications as she prepares to move to Montreal due to visa complications.

Having earned her degree from a top-ranked institution and successfully completing the required 150 credit hours, she also garnered valuable experience working for one of the Big Four Accounting firms for a year. Additionally, she has passed two CPA exams. However, despite this strong foundation, we’ve encountered some unsettling information regarding her ability to practice accounting in Canada.

Our research suggests that she may need to completely redo her bachelor’s degree at a Canadian university to qualify for licensure as an accountant. This prospect seems somewhat unreasonable, given her substantial academic and professional background.

So, what are her options? The Canadian accounting landscape does have pathways that might allow her to demonstrate her competency without starting from scratch. One possible avenue is to look into specific exams or certifications that can validate her existing skills and knowledge. Organizations like the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) offer various routes for internationally educated accountants to have their qualifications assessed, which can help determine what additional steps may be necessary for her.

It’s crucial for her to explore the specific requirements of the province she is moving to, as Canada has a decentralized education and credentialing system. By connecting with local accounting bodies or seeking advice from professionals already established in the field, she can gain clarity on the necessary steps to achieve her goal of becoming a licensed accountant in Canada.

Navigating international qualifications can be daunting, but with the right information and resources, my girlfriend can find a pathway that allows her to leverage her education and experience, while fulfilling the requirements for success in her new home. If anyone has insights or experiences to share regarding this transition into the Canadian accounting landscape, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.