Starting your journey in Canada with the right information is crucial to achieving your professional goals. For many internationally educated and trained newcomers, understanding the requirements for practicing their profession is an essential first step. Accessing reliable and comprehensive resources can help pave the way for a smooth transition into the Canadian workforce.

The following is a list of websites to help you learn about qualifications recognition and licensure in Canada:

1. Pre-Arrival: Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA)

   SOPA is one of the best programs to help you get prepared while you’re still in your home country. It is a Canada-wide pre-arrival program that provides training, customized pre-employment support, free tools, resources and courses designed to help you find a job in Canada. It’s designed to help you get ahead in your career! You are eligible to enroll if you:

   • live outside Canada
   • have received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to immigrate to Canada. You must have one of the following documents:
   • A confirmation of Permanent Residence document
   • A letter notifying pick up of Canadian visa (for permanent resident applicants only)
   • A request for medical examination letter
   • A passport request letter
   • A Canadian visa (but have not landed in Canada yet)
   • An IRCC invitation letter to obtain pre-arrival services
   • Have an English level (IELTS) 5.5 or higher
   • Have access to a computer and high-speed Internet

   The SOPA Program will also connect you to Canadian professionals in the specific province you’re moving to so you can build your connections even before you arrive. Please visit the SOPA website to know more about the courses and other support services you can avail.

2. Regulated occupations – 19 Fact Sheets

   This is a list of the most common regulated professions in Manitoba, with 19 fact sheets developed by the Province of Manitoba’s Immigration Division. Each fact sheet directs users to information, tools, and resources to help better understand the professional registration process in Manitoba. Newcomers can also click on the link to the Regulatory Body they belong to to learn more about requirements of registration, the steps involved, application forms, a list of required documents, information on exams, fees, and other important information.


Where to get information about licensing in a self-regulated profession, Fair Registration Practices Office

3. Resources for Internationally Educated Immigrants

   This is a list of links to various information compiled by the Manitoba Labour and Immigration’s Fair Registration Practices Office. The links lead you to infographics and various sites, all helping you to learn more about the process of qualifications recognition and licensing. You’ll benefit from the easy-to-read frequently asked questions, and learn about the costs of licensing and financial supports available for internationally educated professionals in Manitoba.

4. List of Manitoba Regulators

   This is a helpful list of the 31 regulated professions in Manitoba, each profession’s regulatory body, and their contact details (list updated May 3, 2024).

5. IEHP Resource Hub

   This is a comprehensive platform that provides resources, tools, reports, and an up-to-date list of supports for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs), organizations supporting them, and employers. They can access both Canada-wide and province-specific information on this site. The hub was created by N4, a national network that assists newcomers in navigating the complex Canadian healthcare and socials services systems.

Taking the time to explore these resources can bring you closer to your career goals in Canada. Whether you’re planning to settle or have already arrived, these tools will help you better understand the pathways to success in your field. Start your journey with confidence and the right information!