Helping newcomers restart their careers.

Newcomers arrive with experience, ambition, and hope—only to find, more often than not, that their credentials aren’t recognized. Years of valuable training and experience are suddenly set aside, and rebuilding a career in Canada becomes a costly, uphill climb.

To help address this barrier, Vancity’s Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program supports newcomers—including immigrants and refugees—in restarting their careers.  

Delivered through community partners like Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) and Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, the Program helps internationally trained professionals obtain Canadian qualifications. With a referral from one of these agencies, Vancity provides financing to cover the cost of relicensing, retraining, and related expenses—helping newcomers return to work in their chosen field.

A loan that opens doors.

An FCR Loan can be used for credential evaluations, bridging programs, licensing exams, English courses, work equipment—or even for rent. It’s also structured to provide flexibility for those without an established credit history in Canada.  

“Loan approval is based on past professional experience and future potential in Canada,” explains Ashley Grewal, Manager, Financial Inclusion and Affordable Housing at Vancity.  

For Robbie Umbao, that flexibility made all the difference. After arriving in Canada in 2019, he worked in security while pursuing a degree in Leadership at Trinity Western University—where he now serves as a campus facilities and security supervisor—but tuition costs posed a major barrier.  

“At first, I was hesitant about taking on more debt,” he says. “But my case manager explained the low interest and flexible terms. I received an additional $10,000 for tuition at a much lower rate than I expected. I’m incredibly grateful for that support. It allowed me to complete my degree and pursue my career goals.”

Wraparound support and restored confidence.

Many participants in the FCR Program discover more than just financial support; they find renewed confidence.

The Program addresses not only cost barriers, but also the emotional and psychological burden of being sidelined from a profession. With wraparound services offered by ISSofBC and PICS Society, newcomers gain both the practical tools and the encouragement they need to succeed.

For Rosmery Morera, it started with something as foundational as language.

“I got my permanent residency, but it was difficult to find a job because my English was very basic,” she explains. “Then I heard about the loan for English classes. I got my first job and after six months, they renewed my contract. Now I feel I have regained my self-confidence, and that motivates me to continue growing professionally.”

Building credit and economic resilience.

When newcomers apply for an FCR Loan, Vancity advisors help with more than just financing. They share financial literacy basics, providing knowledge to navigate Canada’s financial system and plan for long-term stability.

For health care professionals like Shadi Talei and Ameneh Abolhassanimoghadan, the combination of financial support and guidance helped them return to their fields. Shadi, a pharmacist, used the loan to recertify her license.

“FCR's assistance was a game-changer for me,” she says. “The guidance from my financial counselor made the process manageable. It provided not only financial aid, but valuable insights that helped me in my journey toward professional accreditation.”

Ameneh, a nurse, used the loan to pay for tuition and English exams.  

“The guidance and support I received renewed my hope,” she says. “I took a loan for appearing for the nursing exam [and] I’m on the path to pursue my registration process with high motivation.”

A broader impact.

With newcomers expected to fill nearly 40% of BC’s projected one million job openings by 2033, supporting their career re-entry isn’t just equitable—it’s essential.  

Through its collaboration with ISSofBC and PICS Society, Vancity’s FCR Program helps remove systemic barriers—offering newcomers not just financial tools, but a path to thrive in the communities they now call home.