New Government Initiatives Helps Newcomers get Credentials Recognized for Faster Employment Opportunities

A new Government of Canada initiative will have newcomers applying their skills in Canada faster. Budget 2017 introduces a new Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers, which will help internationally trained newcomers find jobs that match their skills and experience.

Many newcomers to Canada face challenges in getting their credentials recognized, limiting their ability to find work. The Targeted Employment Strategy reduces barriers for employment for newcomers by introducing the following measures:

• Improved pre-arrival supports to help newcomers get started on the foreign credential recognition process before arriving in Canada;
• A loan program that will defray the costs of having their foreign credentials recognized, such as licensing exams, training, travel and skills upgrading; and
• A pilot project to test innovative approaches in helping newcomers get Canadian work experience.

Budget 2017 will commit $27.5 million over five years beginning in 2017-18. Thereafter, the Trageted Employment Strategy for Newcomers will receive $5.5 million yearly.

This initiative is based in part on the 2012 Foreign Credential Recognition loans pilot which was shown to accelerate the recognition of newcomers’ foreign credentials, thereby allowing them to enter the job market, earn wages that were commensurate with their skills more quickly, and depend less on government assistance.