Do you have a degree from abroad that you want recognized in Quebec? The process can feel complex, but by understanding the steps and the organizations involved, you can navigate the system with confidence.
Understanding the difference between assessment and equivalency
First key distinction: a comparative assessment is not the same as a degree equivalency. The Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Quebec, issued by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI), is an expert opinion indicating which Quebec educational benchmarks your studies correspond to. It's a job-market tool that helps employers understand your background. A degree equivalency, on the other hand, is granted by a professional order or an educational institution and may involve upgrading courses or exams.
Step 1: The comparative assessment (MIFI)
For most non-regulated jobs, the MIFI comparative assessment is enough.
Documents required: the most recent version of the application form A-0361-FO, a photocopy of a piece of ID, your diplomas and detailed transcripts for each year of post-secondary studies. If your documents are not in French or English, a certified translation by a recognized translator is required.
Cost: about $130 per assessment. Processing time: variable, expect several weeks. If you have a job offer, your employer can request priority processing at no extra cost.
Step 2: The WES assessment (for federal immigration)
If you are going through immigration via Express Entry (federal), you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization such as World Education Services (WES). Important: the WES assessment for immigration and the MIFI comparative assessment are two different things and are not interchangeable.
Step 3: Regulated professions
If your profession is regulated in Quebec (engineer, nurse, accountant, doctor, architect, lawyer, etc.), you must obtain a licence to practise from the relevant professional order. In general: submit your academic documents and work experience, possibly take upgrading courses, complete a supervised internship, and demonstrate proficiency in professional French.
The Qualifications Québec portal is your best starting point. Realistic timeline: 6 months to 3 years depending on complexity.
Step 4: Trades and technical training
For construction trades and certain technical training, contact Emploi-Québec or the sector-based labour committees. Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) programs are offered by CEGEPs.
Practical tips
Start early — begin the process before your arrival if possible. Have your documents translated by a translator certified by OTTIAQ ($50 to $100 per page). Don't stay idle — look for a related job during the process. Use CARI's free resources.
