The Canada–European Union Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Architects is now in effect. The MRA, adopted by Canada and the EU and in force since December 18, 2025, recognizes the equivalence of architectural education and professional experience across participating jurisdictions.
Registered architects in Canada and the European Union may request recognition of their professional qualifications, and subsequently submit an application to a regulatory organization of architecture in one of the countries party to the agreement, to be granted the right to use the title of architect and practice the profession in a host jurisdiction.
“Although there are differences in practice from one jurisdiction to another, the common mission of architectural regulatory organizations, both here in Canada and in the EU, is to protect the public interest,” said Scott Kemp, chair of the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) International Mobility Committee (IMC). “This provides a foundation for mutual trust and allows us to build on the learning opportunities available to us. Architecture is a team sport, and thanks to the MRA, we now have many more players on our roster,” he added.
MRA Requirements
Architects planning to register through the Canada-EU Mutual Recognition Agreement must:
- hold a diploma in architecture from a recognized program;
- be members in good standing of an architectural licensing authority in their home country;
- have at least 12 years’ education and experience, including 4 years’ professional experience earned
after their registration/licensure; - provide proof of good conduct; and
- if they are from an EU country, take a 10-hour online course on architecture practice in Canada
Additional information about the MRA requirements are available on the Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) website.
The Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ), as ROAC secretariat, is responsible for processing recognition requests from the EU for all of Canada. Once their application is accepted, architects may register with any of the country’s architectural regulators.
Learn more about the Canada–European Union Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Architects
Read the Canada–European Union Mutual Recognition Agreement Press Release (PDF)