EU adopts first ever Mutual Recognition Agreement for professional qualifications

The MRA will make it easier for architects from the EU and Canada to work in the other jurisdiction, by facilitating the recognition of their qualifications. The MRA will therefore remove one of the main hurdles facing EU architects who wish to work in Canada, allowing them to explore new business opportunities and export their world-class skills. It will also give European businesses access to a new pool of Canadian professionals looking to supply their services in the EU.

The agreement is the first of its kind: the first MRA pursuant to the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), but also the first MRA for professional qualifications to be concluded by the EU (existing MRAs cover trade in goods, but not trade in services). The Agreement will enter into force once the EU and Canada have completed their internal approval procedures.

Background

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) already makes the provision of architectural services easier for EU professionals, by providing guarantees on the conditions under which they can temporarily go to Canada to provide their services or set up a business there. The MRA will supplement these guarantees with a straightforward process for EU architects to obtain a Canadian licence, provided they meet the conditions in the MRA.

Specifically, once the MRA for architects enters into force, architects with a minimum of twelve years of combined education, training and practice (including four years of practical experience) will be able to apply online for recognition of their professional qualifications by the authorities of the jurisdiction where they wish to practice. EU architects will also need to complete a one-off 10-hour online course. Both EU and Canadian architects will have to register with the relevant local authorities in order to get permission to work.

For more information

Mutual Recognition Agreement

EU-Canada Trade Relations