Dear Mr Brown:

I have just completed a degree programme at a local institution in Kingston. I would like to pursue a graduate certificate programme in accounting in Toronto, Canada. I have relatives who live in North York. However, I wish to confirm whether my qualification from Jamaica would be recognised in Canada. Would I be able to transfer my credits?

— SH

Dear SH:

I do not know which school you attended. However, I will respond by stating that a new report by the Conference Board of Canada has found that 844,000 Canadians are unemployed or underemployed due to their skills not being fully recognised. Almost 60 per cent of those affected are immigrants with international credentials.

The cost of unrecognised credentials

It is estimated that these individuals would earn up to C$17 billion more annually if their credentials were recognised. The report also suggests the following:

• Improving how credentials are recognised could potentially increase the annual incomes of those affected by an average of $15,000 to $20,000 per person.

• There are relatively more high-skilled jobs than ever before and fewer low-skilled jobs.

• An economy that is increasingly reliant upon skill and knowledge leads to an increased need to have credentials recognised.

• Failing to have qualifications recognised costs the individual, in particular, and the country in general.

Canadian experience

Canadian experience

Although your degree may be recognised, I believe that earning a Canadian qualification is important if you want to be marketable in Canada. Canadian employers prefer Canadian qualifications as a general rule. In fact, an assessment of educational qualifications and credentials earned outside of Canada is part of the application process under Express Entry for permanent residence. However, despite having a positive credential assessment, a Canadian employer may still not be familiar with the foreign credential.

Seneca College seminar

Seneca College seminar

You are on the right track with your plans to study in Canada. Seneca College has very marketable post-graduate certificate programmes in accounting in the North York area. Your degree and transcript would have to be submitted as part of the application process. Post-graduate certificates are based on the possession of a degree from a recognised institution. As such, the issue of the transfer of credits may not apply.

I would like to invite you to the free Seneca College seminar I will be hosting this evening at the Knutsford Court Hotel. The seminar will give you general information and facilitate on the spot applications. I will also discuss general matters pertaining to study permits, work permits and permanent residence, as it relates to attending Seneca College.

Please visit jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work programme, visitor’s visas or Appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM — a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com or devry.jamaica@gmail.com.