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Foreign Credential Recognition Program
Supports foreign credential recognition and newcomer integration
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : November 15, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Maximum funding amount is not specified. The program supports projects that improve foreign credential recognition, labour market integration for skilled newcomers, and labour mobility through activities such as research, tool development, training, and employment supports.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : November 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research, analysis, or testing of new approaches to reduce barriers to entry to practice.
- Projects that improve career advancement for skilled newcomers in targeted occupations and sectors.
- Development, validation, and implementation of tools and processes for credential recognition and assessment.
- Development and implementation of Pan-Canadian certification or licensure pathways to improve labour mobility.
- Development of gap training, alternative career pathways, and employment support services for skilled newcomers.
Documents Needed
- Completed Concept Paper Template
- Organization identification details
- Project description and expected results
- Project budget and funding sources
- Signed declaration by an authorized representative
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Provincial and territorial governments
- Regulatory bodies, professional associations, and industry associations
- Not-for-profit organizations and unions
- Municipal governments, school boards, public health institutions, universities, colleges, and CEGEPs
- Consortia made up of eligible recipient organizations
Who is not eligible
- Individuals.
- For-profit businesses not listed among eligible recipient types.
Eligible expenses
- Staff wages, employment-related costs, and other administrative expenses.
- General operating costs and equipment rental.
- Professional fees such as research, legal, consulting, facilitation, IT, and technical expertise.
- Travel costs.
- Capital costs and other project-related operating costs for a non-profit association or ad hoc consortium.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- ESDC acknowledges receipt after the application is received.
- Applications are assessed against program objectives, priorities, organizational capacity, project need, support, and value for money.
- Not all concept papers are approved, as funding is limited and subject to budget considerations and Parliamentary allocations.
- Applicants are notified in writing of the review outcome.
- Project activities cannot begin until funding is approved and a formal agreement is signed.
Additional information
- The program does not provide funding directly to individuals.
- Applications are currently paused, and no new concept papers or proposals are being accepted.
- Concept paper information may be shared with reviewers, other government officials, and external consultants for assessment purposes.
- The concept paper is subject to federal privacy and access to information laws.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Foreign Credential Recognition Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Foreign Credential Recognition Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Foreign Credential Recognition Program?
Maximum funding amount is not specified. The program supports projects that improve foreign credential recognition, labour market integration for skilled newcomers, and labour mobility through activities such as research, tool development, training, and employment supports.
Who is eligible for the Foreign Credential Recognition Program program?
To be eligible for the Foreign Credential Recognition Program program, you must:
Eligible public or not-for-profit organization
Project supports foreign credential recognition
Project aligns with program priorities
What expenses are eligible under Foreign Credential Recognition Program?
Research, analysis, or testing of new approaches to reduce barriers to entry to practice.
Projects that improve career advancement for skilled newcomers in targeted occupations and sectors.
Development, validation, and implementation of tools and processes for credential recognition and assessment.
Development and implementation of Pan-Canadian certification or licensure pathways to improve labour mobility.
Development of gap training, alternative career pathways, and employment support services for skilled newcomers.
Who can I contact for more information about the Foreign Credential Recognition Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at mmo-lm@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Where is the Foreign Credential Recognition Program available?
The Foreign Credential Recognition Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Foreign Credential Recognition Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Foreign Credential Recognition Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program?
Foreign Credential Recognition Program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)