FAQ’s for Foreign Trained Psychology Professionals
What if my degree is from outside Canada or the United States?
The College welcomes trained psychologists from outside Canada and the United States. As part of the application process, all applicants with foreign credentials (excluding the United States) must provide documentation of the evaluation for Canadian equivalency as part of the application process.
What do I need to know to immigrate to Canada?
Information about immigration to Canada is available on line from the Canadian government.
Check the website for the Citizenship and Immigration Canada department at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp
How do I find a job in BC?
The College of Psychologists of BC does not have any information on job openings but interested applicants are encouraged to check other websites for information on job openings such as the Canadian Psychological Association, (http://www.cpa.ca/careers/) and the British Columbia health authorities (http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/socsec/index.html ).
What is the first step in having my foreign credentials evaluated?
The College has developed a document summarizing the credential review process and this document is available for download from our website ( Credentials Review Summary, www.collegeofpsychologists.bc.ca ) and provides information about assessment of credentials for Canadian equivalency. You may also find more information regarding the evaluation of foreign credentials at the following websites:
What are the names of credentialing agencies recommended by the College?
The College recommends the following credentialing agencies:
How do I learn more about the practice of psychology in North America?
To learn more about the practice of psychology, we recommend the websites of the following psychology organizations for more information:
What can I call myself when I arrive in BC?
Individuals registered with the College of Psychologists of BC are entitled to use the titles “Psychologist” or “Psychological Associate” . In addition there are some limited exemptions as listed in the Psychologists Regulation. Words such as “consultant,” “counsellor,” and “mental health” are not currently regulated terms.
I am registered (licensed) to practice psychology in my home country and have been working as a psychologist for years there. Is there a special category that recognizes my registration elsewhere?
The College's bylaws establish categories of application for registration. Currently, individuals not registered anywhere in Canada or the US, are in the category of regular applicants. The College is actively working with other Canadian regulatory bodies and with the Registration Committee on issues related to psychology professionals trained outside the US and Canada. College bylaws and policies will reflect any developments from this work over time. Foreign trained applicants have been very successful in completing the regular registration process.
My foreign training appears to be different from Canadian psychology training and I am unsure about what some of these registration requirements mean. Can I talk to someone about this?
The College has scheduled information meetings for foreign trained professionals who wish to become registrants of the College. These meetings will be an opportunity for pre-applicants to ask questions of the College staff and obtain clarification regarding requirements. These meetings are designated specifically for foreign trained pre-applicants. Persons who have already submitted an application will have an opportunity to attend an orientation session for applicants. Please visit the Website for upcoming dates and times.
