Professional groups should drop “gatekeeper” attitude, says Canadian immigration minister

In the past, professional agencies have been criticised for too often rejecting overseas training qualifications, making it difficult for migrants to find jobs in their professions.

A new streamlining program to recognise foreign credentials was unveiled last year by Canadian immigration, but so far only eight professional associations over the whole country have joined the program.
 
"The biggest obstacle has always been a gatekeeper attitude amongst some professional agencies that have been in the past unwilling to be part of the solution," Kenney said in an interview.

"I think the pressure is building, [there is] an expectation that all of them will streamline the process and make it easier."

The Canadian government has shifted Canada's immigration policy to favour migrants with skills that match the needs in the economy, and when these migrants are prevented from working the economy suffers, Kenney said.

Mr Kenny expects all professional associations to join the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications by 2013.

Critics of the program say the government has not done enough to fight the reluctance of professional associations, and that there should be more incentives for them to join. 

The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Canadian Visa applications with the Canadian Embassy.