Regulated occupations
Some 20% of jobs in Canada are regulated. Workers require a special license before they can begin work in these trades and professions. And specialized education and experience are required in order to obtain this license. This applies to all, whether new immigrant or Canadian citizen.
Licensing is often the responsibility of independent organizations which also set professional standards and admission criteria. Licensing requirements vary from one occupation to another and may vary from province to province.
For instance, if you are a licensed medical doctor (M.D.) in your country, you will neither be recognized as such in Canada nor be allowed to practice until you have been admitted as a member of the college of physicians of the province where you intend to work.
In Québec there are approximately 50 professions which are regulated by about as many separate colleges or organizations. As well, construction trades (elctricians, plumbers etc), have their own licensing requirements.
When planning to immigrate to Canada it is a good idea to get in touch with the appropriate organization in charge of regulating the profession or trade which you intend to practice well before your arrival in order to familiarize yourself with the requirements.
Here is a recent list of regulated professions in Quebec.
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Acupuncturist
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Dental hygienist
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Occupational therapist
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Advocate/Lawyer
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Dental technician
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Optometrist
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Agrologist
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Dentist
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Pharmacist
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Architect
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Denturologist
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Physical rehabilitation therapist
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Audiologist
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Dietician
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Physician
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Bailiff
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Dispensing optician
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Physiotherapist
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Certified general accountant
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Engineer
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Podiatrist
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Certified human resources professional
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Forest engineer
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Professional technologist
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Certified industrial relations counsellor
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Geologist
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Psychoeducator
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Certified interpreter
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Guidance counsellor
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Psychologist
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Certified management accountant
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Hearing aid acoustician
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Radiology technologist
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Certified terminologist
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Land surveyor
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Respiratory therapist
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Certified tranlator
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Marital & family therapist
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Social worker
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Chartered accountant
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Medical technologist
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Speech therapist
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Chartered administrator
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Midwife
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Town planner
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Chartered appraiser
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Notary
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Veterinary surgeon
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Chemist
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Nurse
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Chiropractor
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Nursing assistant
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December 2007
