Loan for licensing in Canada: Financial support for internationally trained professionals

Starting over in a new country is never easy - especially when you’ve already built a professional career elsewhere. For thousands of internationally trained professionals arriving in Canada each year, one of the biggest challenges is the cost of credential recognition, licensing, and accreditation. According to Statistics Canada, more than 40 per cent of immigrants with foreign credentials work in jobs below their education level due to delays in the licensing process.

The good news? Windmill Microlending help skilled immigrants get back to their careers faster by covering key expenses like credential assessments, exam fees, training costs and licensing applications.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

• The costs involved in professional licensing
• Who can benefit from financial help for licensing exams in Canada
• Why Windmill Microlending is a proven solution
• Frequently asked questions

Why licensing and credential recognition is important

If your profession is regulated in Canada - such as nursing, medicine, engineering, accounting or pharmacy, you must go through an official recognition process. This includes:

• Credential assessments (e.g. WES, ICAS, MCC, NNAS)
• Licensing exams
• Bridging programs or refresher training
• Registration with a provincial or national regulatory body

These steps can cost thousands of dollars and often take months or even years to complete.

Average cost of licensing in Canada for internationally trained professionals

Depending on the profession, licensing and accreditation fees can range between $1,000 and $15,000 or more. Here's a quick breakdown of typical costs:

• Physician / IMG
  Licensing or Exam Body: MCC, CaRMS, NAC, PEAP
  Estimated Cost Range: $7,000 – $15,000
• Nurse
  Licensing or Exam Body: NNAS, NCLEX, OSCE
  Estimated Cost Range: $3,000 – $10,000
• Pharmacist / Tech
  Licensing or Exam Body: PEBC
  Estimated Cost Range: $4,000 – $10,000
• Engineer
  Licensing or Exam Body: Engineers Canada
  Estimated Cost Range: $2,000 – $6,000
• Dentist
  Licensing or Exam Body: NDEB
  Estimated Cost Range: $10,000 – $14,000

Who needs a loan for licensing in Canada?

You may need a loan for licensing or accreditation in Canada if you are:

• A newcomer with international education and experience in a regulated profession
• A permanent resident, convention refugee, or protected person
• Unable to access traditional bank financing due to limited Canadian credit history or income
• Ready to begin or continue the licensing journey but face financial barriers

What does Windmill Microlending offer?

Windmill Microlending is a national charity supporting skilled immigrants and refugees with affordable financing to return to their careers in Canada. Here's what we offer:

• Low-interest loans up to $15,000
• No credit history required
• Flexible repayment options
• Career coaching, mentorship, and financial planning
• Funding for:
  • Credential assessments
  • Exam prep courses
  • Licensing fees
  • Travel and living expenses related to exams or training
  • Professional association fees

Many clients use Windmill’s loans for funding their licensing process in Canada when other options are unavailable.

Check your eligibility now

Other funding options for licensing and accreditation

While Windmill Microlending is a leading option, you may also explore:

• Provincial bridging programs: Some include bursaries or government grants
• Line of credit: Offered by major banks but often require strong credit or income
• Settlement agencies: May refer you to free or subsidized training options
• Employer support: Occasionally available for in-demand health care or tech roles

Note that international students and temporary residents typically do not qualify for loans for licensing unless they gain permanent status.

Getting licensed in Canada can be expensive and time-consuming—but it’s also your gateway to resuming a career you’ve worked hard to build. If you’re an internationally trained professional searching for financial help for licensing exams, loan for credential recognition, or accreditation loan in Canada, Windmill Microlending is here to support your journey.

With a loan for licensing in Canada, you can cover essential costs and confidently take the next step toward your professional future.