Navigating the Path to Accounting Certification in Canada: What You Need to Know

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially when it involves navigating professional certification requirements. A common query arises among individuals transitioning from the United States to Canada—specifically, whether they must redo their undergraduate degree in order to practice as a licensed accountant. This is particularly relevant for expatriates with prior qualifications, such as my girlfriend, who recently graduated from a reputable university in the US and is now facing visa challenges that compel her to relocate to Montreal.

Despite her educational background, which includes 150 credit hours, one year of employment with a Big Four Accounting firm, and the completion of two CPA exams, there are significant hurdles in meeting Canadian requirements for practicing Accounting. From our research, it appears that for her to be eligible for a Master’s program or to register as a licensed accountant in Canada, she may be required to retake her entire Bachelor’s degree at a Canadian institution.

This situation seems particularly perplexing given her comprehensive academic and professional experience. Thankfully, there may be alternative avenues worth exploring. For instance, could she pursue an examination or specific certification program that recognizes her capabilities without necessitating a full degree retake?

As someone who is not well-versed in the intricacies of accounting practices in Canada, I am reaching out to the community for insightful guidance. Are there specific certifications or examinations recognized by Canadian authorities that could validate her skills and help her integrate into the Canadian accounting workforce? Any advice or shared experiences with similar transitions would be greatly appreciated!