Faire reconnaître son diplôme — l'étape qui débloque votre carrière.
1. Why get your diploma recognized?
Without recognition, you risk underemployment. Recognition validates your real qualification level.
2. The MIFI comparative evaluation
The MIFI comparative evaluation compares your foreign diploma to Quebec diplomas. Many employers and professional orders require it.
3. Regulated professions
About 50 professions are regulated in Quebec:
- Doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists
- Engineers, architects, surveyors
- Accountants (CPA), lawyers, notaries
- Teachers, psychologists, social workers
A professional order's licence is required to practice them.
3 bis. Four orders at a glance — typical fees
Four orders frequently consulted by newcomers, with typical fee ranges for the full accreditation process:
Fees on top of the MIFI comparative evaluation ($159) and OTTIAQ translations ($30 to $80 per document). Add 1 to 3 years of evening classes for the integration program if required.
Realistic total budget for a regulated profession: $3,000 to $10,000.
| Profession | Order | Typical fees | Exams / internship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor | CMQ | ~$5,000 to $15,000 | ✅ Heavy exams |
| Nurse | OIIQ | ~$2,000 to $4,000 | ✅ Exam + internship |
| Lawyer | Barreau | ~$10,000 and up | ✅ Barreau exam |
| Engineer | OIQ | ~$1,000 to $3,000 | ⚠ Varies by file |
4. Non-regulated professions
For non-regulated professions (programmer, project manager, designer...):
- The employer decides the value of your diploma
- Experience, portfolio, and references often matter more
- The comparative evaluation still helps, especially at the start
5. How to apply for the evaluation
The application is done online on the MIFI portal:
- Diplomas translated to French or English (by a certified translator)
- Detailed transcripts
- Processing fees
- Timeline: several months
6. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on credential recognition: timeline, what to do if refused, comparative evaluation without your original diploma, real costs, and alternatives when a profession is too closed.
How long does the MIFI comparative evaluation take?
Officially 4 months from receipt of a complete file. In practice in 2026, expect 4 to 8 months due to volume.
Incomplete files (missing translations, unofficial transcripts) add 2 to 3 months of waiting for clarification.
Apply BEFORE arriving in Quebec if possible — translations and certified transcripts are much easier to obtain from your country of origin.
Evaluation cost: $159.
What if my evaluation rates me below my actual diploma level?
The evaluation is INDICATIVE — it doesn't bind professional orders or employers.
If you disagree, you can request a review from MIFI within 90 days (additional fees).
More productive:
- Target your job search at employers who accept your evaluated level
- Take complementary Quebec coursework to bridge gaps
- Pursue professional-order accreditation directly (where the financial return justifies it)
What if I no longer have my original diploma?
Contact your graduating institution to request a certified copy. Most universities issue them for a fee of $25 to $100.
For lost or destroyed institutions (war, closure, regime change), MIFI accepts alternative proofs:
- Official transcripts
- Attestation from a professional order in your country
- Employer letters confirming the diploma
Cases involving destroyed records take longer but are routinely handled.
What's the real total cost?
Typical costs:
- Comparative evaluation (MIFI): $159
- OTTIAQ certified translation: $30 to $80 per document
Each professional order has its own fees:
- Doctors (CMQ): ~$5,000 to $15,000 (including exams)
- Nurses (OIIQ): ~$2,000 to $4,000
- Lawyers (Barreau): ~$10,000+
- Engineers (OIQ): ~$1,000 to $3,000
Add 1 to 3 years of evening classes for the integration program if required. Plan at least $3,000 to $10,000 for regulated professions.
My profession is very restricted. What are my alternatives?
Three pragmatic paths:
- Work in a related non-regulated role while pursuing accreditation in parallel (e.g., a foreign doctor working as a paramedic or researcher)
- Integration programs at Quebec universities — many regulated fields offer 1-to-2-year bridges with public funding
- Reframe entirely — your skills may transfer to adjacent fields (regulated or not)
The MIFI's Labour-Market Integration Program offers free counseling on each option.
7. Official sources
For official information:
8. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Writing a Quebec-style résumé — how to present your foreign diplomas and their equivalence on your résumé.
- Learn French free with Francisation Québec — a common language requirement for professional orders.
- Finding a job in Quebec — free support services that help you navigate credential recognition.
Author's Note: It's long, sometimes discouraging, but essential. Ask for help from a community immigrant-aid organization — they know the pitfalls and can guide you.
