Applicants under 0111 and 1111

[babutv2000]

I have applied under 0111 and my application is approved. Currently my passports sent for visa stamping under FSW category. I am looking at various job portals and speaking to some friends who are already in Canada and in accounting field. So far my understanding is bit discouraging as all opine that one has to have Canadian accounting designation and Canadian experience to get decent jobs. Mine with 20+ years experience in Finance & Accounting with ACA and AICWA designations from India, hard to believe that I have to again join school to acquire canadian designation before I can get middle level jobs in my field. Any way this seems to be a reality. I need some feed back from friends in this forum on credits available for internationally qualified accountants in canadian accounting courses viz., CGA or CA or CMA. CGA-BC recognises Indian accounting designations for Advanced standing. Not sure what this means but believe one has to do professional course (PACE). My friend in Toronto told me that we have to write 8 papers. Another friend tells me only tax paper need to be written. I wrote to CGA- Ontario. The Client Service advisor asks me to send evaluation request along with Offical sealed transcript and a letter of good standing. Fees is usd 350. The application requires subjects to be listed for which we want to claim exemption. How do we fill in this form? if we do not know what subjects will be exempt? Hence seeking more information from friends in this forum.

[b2c]

Thanks for starting this blog. Lets keep it active and share ideas with each other
The details of possible exemptions for CAs are available at http://www.icai.org/post.html?post_id=1773&c_id=227. We have to send documents with evaluation fee to them for claiming the exemptions. But i think we should start this process only after getting PR. In the meanwhile we may try to get certificates like like CIA abd CISA. These are fully recoganised in Canada and are in highly demand.
Thanks & regards

[cpd_faye]

thanks for bringing this topic, i am also under this category. While reading the website of canada, i read that we need to forward our qualifications to their authorized body for asessing our credentials. As i understand, (correct me if im wrong!) we have to choose the state that we want our qualifications to be assessed as this is not applies to all of their state; i think that each state has their own asessment.

[CPA2CANADA]

fellows...im on the same boat ...already inquired with CA and CGA and what BABUTV mentioned is really true....we really have to  take an exam after some years of Canadian Experience......

B2C...i am a CIA.....do you think this certification will be recognized even at an entry level position in the Internal Audit? I have read in some job posting that they required to be a CA at the same time CIA for an internal audit position....

attached below is the correspondence I had with CICA.......just for your information


for the meantime let's just keep this thread updated with some research on Canadian designations and requirements.....

Cheers!


==============================================================================================
To join the CICA - you will have to start the CA from the beginning. The CA program takes about 3 years to complete and is a combination of work experiment and education. You work for 30 months at an approved training office, while completing 6 modules through the CA School of Business. For more information, please explore: www.becomea.CA.
 
To have your designation assesed, please contact the CA School of Bussines directly:
CASB
1-866-420-2350
prospectivestudents @ casb.com
 
Cheers,
Ashley
 

============================================================

Hello Ashley,
 
Thank you for your prompt response. Just a scenario, because I might be immigrating next year to Vancouver and work there. What will be my option to become a member of CICA and eventually earn my CA designation. Note that my organization in the Philippines did not met your standard for reciprocity. I also read in the website that you may somehow assess my qualification and training experience for you to know the bridging program you may offer to me.
 
Appreciate your feedback.
 
Thanks,
 

==================================================================================

On Mon, Sep 14, 2009 at 11:54 PM, Hetherington, Ashley <Hetherington @ ica.bc.ca> wrote:


Thank you for your question. The Canadian CA program is not offered outside of Canada. You do have to live and work in Canada to gain your CA designation.
 
I think you are thinking of the CGA program - which you can take outside of Canada.
 
Regards,
Ashley
 
Ashley Hetherington, MA
Recruiting and Communications Coordinator
Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia
Suite 500, One Bentall Centre, 505 Burrard Street, Box 22, Vancouver, BC V7X 1M4
Office: 604 681.3264   Toll free: 1 800 663.2677   Fax: 604 681.1523
Direct: 604 488.2631   e-mail: hetherington @ ica.bc.ca
www.becomea.ca

[b2c]

thanks for bringing this topic, i am also under this category. While reading the website of canada, i read that we need to forward our qualifications to their authorized body for asessing our credentials. As i understand, (correct me if im wrong!) we have to choose the state that we want our qualifications to be assessed as this is not applies to all of their state; i think that each state has their own asessment.

As per my understanding exemption of papers is based on Mutual Recognition  Agreement ( MRA) between ICAI, India and CGA, Canada.  Hence, the papers which will falls in the ambit of exemption evaluation criteria of respective institutes shall be exempted and remaining papers we have to clear get the CGA certification.

[b2c]

UPDATE FROM CGA INSTITUTE

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in the CGA Program of Professional Studies. To obtain the "CGA" designation, you must first enroll in the CGA Program through an established program/exam centre. The Program is currently offered in Canada via the provincial affiliates, and internationally, via program/exam centers established in Hong Kong, China, the Caribbean (which includes the Windward and Leeward Islands of the West Indies and the Bahamas) and Bermuda. Regretfully, the CGA Program is not offered in Kuwait or India.  In other words, the CGA Program cannot be delivered in countries where a CGA affiliate or Program Office has not been established.
To enroll in the CGA Program in Canada one is generally required to be either a landed immigrant or permanent resident or citizen and must reside in the jurisdiction of one of the provincial CGA affiliates. Some provincial affiliates may enroll students who are residing in Canada on a temporary student or working visas, but will be unable to confer the CGA designation until the student has permanent residency status. The provincial affiliates will most likely discontinue the administration of the program if the student returns to their country of origin. To enroll in the Program through one of our International exam centers, one must reside and be employed in the respective country.
If you are in the process of moving to Canada or to the jurisdiction of one of the above international program offices, you should contact the respective association/office to find out about their registration requirements. The exact number of transfer credits you are entitled to and the advanced standing in the CGA Program you would qualify for based on your university studies and other qualifications will be determined at the time of enrolment.
In addition to the CGA academic requirement (see the attached outline) and a university degree, practical experience - a minimum of 3 years at intermediate/senior level - must be satisfied prior to admission into CGA membership.
Please note that CGA has signed mutual recognition agreements with several international accounting bodies; they being: ACCA UK and CPA Australia.  Members of these accounting bodies who obtained their designation through completion of the respective program of studies are eligible to apply for CGA membership. Perhaps a mutual recognition agreement will one day be signed between CGA-Canada and ICAI as well.
I hope the above is of assistance.

Anne
Anne Jetelina, Coordinator
CGA International - (note new address below effective June 6, 2008)
100 - 4200 North Fraser Way
Burnaby, BC  Canada V5J 5K7
Tel:604-605-5053/Fax:604-689-5845
ajetelina @ cga-canada.org

Explore: www.cga.org

[b2c]

UPDATE FROM CGA-ONTARIO

Hello,
 
Thank you for your interest in the CGA Ontario program of professional studies.
 
The CGA program is open to permanent residents of Ontario who either Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
 
You may qualify for advanced standing if you have passed written examinations in courses considered to be equivalent to CGA courses (i.e., from university commerce program, college business programs or courses offered by professional associations).
 
In order for us to adequately evaluate your transfer credit status, please complete fully the “Application for Transfer Credits” (available on our web site www.cga-ontario.org) and submit it with the $300 non-refundable evaluation fee.  Please arrange for an official sealed transcript to be forwarded directly from the post-secondary institution to the Association.  Official sealed transcripts can be forwarded directly to the prospective student and they can forward the unopened envelope to CGA Ontario. For professional association members, an official letter stating “active member in good standing” is required along with an official transcript.  Original foreign transcripts must be provided directly from the post secondary institution to the CGA Ontario office. An official notarized translation (if university will not provide transcripts in English) can be submitted by the student; however the official non-translated copy must come directly to CGA Ontario.
 A Transfer Credit Evaluation Report will be sent to you by return mail within 25-30 business days.
 
Work experience is not accepted as a basis for granting transfer credits but will be considered for practical experience purposes.  If your transfer credit exceeds the time limit of 10 years (or less, depending on the subject matter), work experience may be considered in conjunction with your post-secondary education.  A detailed resume will be required for evaluation.
 
Please forward you're mailing address and I will be glad to mail you a copy of the 2008/2009 Program of Professional Studies.  It contains valuable information regarding our program, as well as schedules, fees, and application forms.
 
Program of Professional Studies booklet (course calendar) request online can be accessed by the link given below:
 
https://www.cga-ontario.org/applications/ccr/Default.aspx
 
The electronic version of the Program of Professional Studies booklet is available at www.cga-ontario.org
 
    Josephine Jegasothy
Client Service Adviser

240 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto ON M4P 1K8
Tel: 416-322-6520
Toll free: 1-800-668-1454
www.cga-ontario.org

 
This communication is intended solely for the use of the addressee and contains information that is legally privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Anyone who receives this message in error should notify the sender immediately and delete it from his or her computer.
 

[babutv2000]

Hi guys, thanks much for all the useful information. Let us continue to share. Now I have to get official transcripts in sealed envelop from the ca and icwa institutes of India. Does any one know the procedure? how long it takes? and how much it costs? I have sent emails to both institutes and have not received the reply yet.  I will also share with you once I get the feed back.

[babutv2000]

Thanks B2C. Message from CGA official stating that "Perhaps a mutual recognition agreement will one day be signed between CGA-Canada and ICAI as well" is very encouraging. In fact in the CA institute's 50 years anniversary celebrations, there was also an announcement of possible tie up with CGA institute canada for mutual recognition. B2C, pl clarify your statement regarding "meanwhile we may try to get certificates like like CIA abd CISA. These are fully recoganised in Canada and are in highly demand." What are these certifications? and how can we get them? Is there a website or link which can give us more info?

[penpal]

Hi All,

Before i applied for the canadian visa,i had done enquiries and found out that the Indian professional accounting qualifications are not recognised in Canada fully.With this knowledge and under the assumption that i need to struggle and get my qualifications upgraded,only,did i apply.
As far as my knowledge goes,Canada recognises canadian qualifications and canadian experience only,inspite of the oodles of experience you may possess in your native country.
The CGA exempts certain papers for Indian qualified accountants.And this course can be pursued only after you get the PR and land in canada.Rather than Doing any other Internationally recognised course right now and upgrading later on to candian standards,it is better to land in canada,get your credntials recognised as per the provice where you are landing and then upgrading would be a better option.This is my personal opinion and this is what i intend to do.
The option left in this case is to land and search for a job based on your current qualification and experience and in the meantime try to upgrade yourselves.

Thnx

[babutv2000]

Does any one know whether year of passing ca or icwa in india has a bearing on credits from cga? I passed in 1992 ie more than 10 years! Hence not sure what credits i may get.

[b2c]

Hi guys, thanks much for all the useful information. Let us continue to share. Now I have to get official transcripts in sealed envelop from the ca and icwa institutes of India. Does any one know the procedure? how long it takes? and how much it costs? I have sent emails to both institutes and have not received the reply yet.  I will also share with you once I get the feed back.

Customers Services at CGA normally take 3-4 days time in replying back. I am sure by monday or tuesday they will get back.
Good luck

[b2c]

Does any one know whether year of passing ca or icwa in india has a bearing on credits from cga? I passed in 1992 ie more than 10 years! Hence not sure what credits i may get.

I think it will depend on the subjects studied and compatibility of course contents. The general instructions on compulsory papers and exemptions  are available at

http://www.icai.org/resource_file/11586p294-295.pdf

Hope all will find it useful.

[b2c]

Thanks B2C. Message from CGA official stating that "Perhaps a mutual recognition agreement will one day be signed between CGA-Canada and ICAI as well" is very encouraging. In fact in the CA institute's 50 years anniversary celebrations, there was also an announcement of possible tie up with CGA institute canada for mutual recognition. B2C, pl clarify your statement regarding "meanwhile we may try to get certificates like like CIA abd CISA. These are fully recoganised in Canada and are in highly demand." What are these certifications? and how can we get them? Is there a website or link which can give us more info?

See one thing is sure that one must have a canadian accounting degree to get a decent job over there. But i have seen for the field of internal audting the certifications of Certified Internal Auiting  (CIA) done through www.theiia.org and Certified Information system Auditors ( CISA) done through (www. iscaca.org are additionally required by the employers world over. In canadian market also i have employers ask for these certification in addition to CA/CGA/CMA. I think by doing doing these courses in addition to Indian CA/ICWA the chances of getting jobs will become betters for internal auditors.
 

[b2c]

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Signs Joint Declaration with CGA

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) signed a joint declaration with the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two Institutes will explore areas of mutual cooperation, potentially paving the way for a future mutual recognition agreement. The ICAI and CGA will explore possible co-operation in respect of professional training, education and examination and technical research, as well as international representation on relevant professional bodies. CGA Canada provides services and develops the CGA Program of Professional Studies. ICAI pursues activities for development of the profession in India.

Information summarized from: Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Press Release
Date Posted: Jul 6, 2009
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