On April 23, 2025, representatives from the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada / Regroupement des ordres d’architectes du Canada (ROAC) and the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). The agreement creates a streamlined and quicker registration process for eligible architects in both countries. The AIBC, on behalf of the ROAC, was the secretariat for the agreement.
Applications through this route will open on May 14, 2025.
Photo courtesy of the UK Department for Business and Trade
“Architecture is a global profession – streamlining cross-border registration is key to expanding opportunities for qualified architects, while still upholding professional standards. We are delighted to have been part of the negotiations and final signing, and look forward to the new prospects this agreement creates for architects on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Ian R. McDonald Architect AIBC, Chair of the ROAC, at the signing ceremony.
In both Canada and the UK, an architect must be registered with the relevant professional regulator to practise architecture in the jurisdiction as well as to use the legally protected title. This agreement recognizes the high and equivalent competency standards of both countries, and the importance of qualified professionals in order to help protect the public.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Canada to UK – Those who have obtained CACB-accredited qualifications, or who have achieved the same standard following certification, and who have additionally completed the Canadian experience requirement and licensing examination.
- UK to Canada – Those who have obtained ARB-accredited qualifications and registered with the ARB. The agreement also includes those who have registered through passing the Prescribed Exam at Part 1 and Part 2 level and additionally completed a UK Part 3.
View the UK-Canada MRA Information Session
An information session on the UK-Canada MRA was held on April 24 at a livestreamed event in Toronto. The event began with a joint presentation from ROAC and ARB, which provided an overview of the agreement and the process of using the new registration pathway. The presentation was recorded, and can be viewed online: youtube.com/watch?v=SvT6NWL7tHQ.
Have a Question?
More information will be published on May 14, including application forms. Interested applicants should first visit the website of the regulator with which they are currently registered:
- ROAC (Canada): roac.ca/professional-mobility/
- ARB (UK): arb.org.uk/international-routes/
If you have any questions about the agreement, please email either registration@aibc.ca or info@arb.org.uk.