Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) will be a newly designated organization authorized to conduct Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for foreign-trained architects, effective May 20, 2024.
What is an Educational Credential Assessment?
An Educational Credential Assessment is a process used to evaluate whether an individual’s foreign education credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards. This assessment is a requirement for certain immigration programs, as it helps determine if an applicant’s qualifications meet the criteria.
CACB’s New Role: Issuing ECAs for Architects
With the IRCC’s announcement, the CACB will now be permitted to issue ECAs for architects classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 21200. This is significant, as the CACB also administers the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) program, which facilitates the registration process for internationally trained architects seeking to become licensed to practice in Canada.
ECA vs. Licensure: Clarifying the Process
It’s important to note that while an ECA confirms the equivalency of one’s foreign education, it does not automatically grant licensure to practice architecture in Canada. Architects are regulated provincially or territorially, so individuals will still need to fulfill any additional requirements set by the relevant regulatory body in their intended province or territory of settlement.
As further details emerge from the CACB regarding its new ECA program for architects, we will provide updates to ensure foreign-trained architects have the most current and accurate information to navigate the immigration and licensure process in Canada.
