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 in Canada: Can My Girlfriend’s U.S. Degree Be Validated?

Transitioning from one country to another can often come with unexpected hurdles, especially when it comes to professional qualifications. This is the situation my girlfriend is currently facing after her recent graduation from a prestigious university in the U.S. Unfortunately, due to difficulties obtaining a U.S. work permit, she will be relocating to Montreal, where she holds Canadian Permanent Resident status.

However, we’ve encountered a concerning piece of information: it appears that for her to practice as a licensed accountant in Canada—or even to pursue a master’s program in accounting—she may need to redo her entire bachelor’s degree at a Canadian institution. Given that she graduated from a top 20 school in the U.S. and has already completed the required 150 credit hours, alongside a year of experience at one of the “Big Four” Accounting firms and passing two CPA exams, this requirement seems quite excessive.

I’m reaching out to our community for guidance. Are there alternative paths available for her to demonstrate her qualifications and competence without having to start from scratch? Is there a certification or an exam she could undertake that might validate her skills and education from the U.S.?

Understanding the intricacies of the Accounting profession in Canada is new terrain for both of us, and any insights or shared experiences would be incredibly valuable. Thank you in advance for your support and advice as we navigate this challenging situation!