On June 30, 2025, the AIBC was granted exemption from prohibiting the six months relevant Canadian architectural experience requirement based on criteria set out in section 5 of the International Credentials Recognition Regulation.
ICRA Background and Overview of Decision
The International Credentials Recognition Act (ICRA) and the International Credentials Recognition Regulation came into effect on July 1, 2024. It establishes requirements for how professional regulators assess and recognize internationally trained applicants for some licensed professions. It sets out provisions to reduce unnecessary barriers to registration, while maintaining the authority of regulators to assess candidates using valid, reliable, and competency-based evaluation methods.
One identified barrier was the requirement for Canadian work experience. As of July 1, 2025, eighteen regulatory authorities in British Columbia included under the ICRA are prohibited from requiring Canadian work experience for internationally trained applicants who meet the requirements under the section 4(3) of the International Credentials Recognition Regulation. However, the ICRA has a process by which regulators can formally request an exemption from the Superintendent.
The AIBC’s Broadly Experienced Foreign Applicant (BEFA) Program requires an applicant to obtain at least six months of relevant Canadian architectural work experience. This local experience is a critical component for applicants in order to provide direct exposure to the unique practice and regulatory requirements of architecture in Canada.
On this basis, the AIBC requested an exemption from the prohibition on Canadian work experience. The Superintendent considered the request and granted an exemption to the Institute. This will allow the AIBC to continue requiring the Canadian experience consistent with the national BEFA program requirements.
At this time, there will be no changes to the BEFA program requirements brought by the enforcement of the International Credentials Recognition Act or the International Credentials Recognition Regulation.