Canada targets 32,000 skilled workers for Foreign Credential Recognition in 2026-27

The Canadian government has set a new target under its Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program for 2026-27, aiming to establish 58 agreements to assist approximately 32,000 internationally trained professionals (ITPs). Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) says these agreements will primarily focus on the healthcare and construction sectors.

The FCR program helps internationally trained workers integrate into the Canadian labour market by supporting credential recognition and employment in their respective fields. “These measures are particularly important for newcomers to Canada,” the government noted.

Federal support and FCR loans

Under these agreements, federal funding is provided to partner organizations, including provinces, regulatory bodies, professional associations, and credential assessment agencies.


These organizations offer services such as faster credential-recognition processes, FCR loan support, and employment assistance linked to Canadian work experience. FCR loans, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, help cover licensing and exam fees, additional education, tuition, and other costs.

Career counselling, mentorship, and job-readiness workshops are also offered alongside the loans.

Action fund and system improvements

In addition to setting new annual targets, the government is launching the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund, committing $97 million CAD over five years starting 2026-27.

The fund will work with provinces and territories to improve the fairness, transparency, timeliness, and consistency of foreign credential recognition, with a focus on healthcare and construction. This initiative was first announced in Budget 2025.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue collaborating with ESDC and provincial partners to address barriers that prevent internationally trained professionals from entering regulated occupations. A federal-provincial-territorial action plan is also being developed through the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Group to streamline credential recognition across Canada.

Currently, IRCC provides pre-arrival services to eligible permanent residents, helping them prepare for licensing, employment, and settlement before arriving in Canada. Canada’s online FCR Tool allows users to check whether their occupation is regulated in a specific province and identify the relevant regulator.

These measures reflect Canada’s ongoing effort to make the foreign credential recognition process more accessible and efficient, supporting the integration of skilled newcomers into the workforce.