If you are thinking about practising occupational therapy in Canada, there are a number of things you should know. For example, each of Canada’s provinces and territories has its own occupational therapy practise regulations and language skill requirements. In addition, occupational therapists in many provinces and territories must take the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination offered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). Working and living in Canada also means you must apply for immigration status.
The information below will help you understand what you need to know about working as an occupational therapist in Canada.
Review the language requirements
Apply for immigration status
Submit a registration application to a provincial regulatory organization
Apply to take the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination
Canadian citizens: If you are a Canadian citizen and received your education in occupational therapy outside Canada, you must contact the regulatory organization in the province where you wish to practise.
Review language requirements
Depending on where you want to practise in Canada, you will have to meet either English or French language requirements. If you were not trained in either of these languages, you can assess your language skills before you take your first steps to becoming an occupational therapist in Canada.
If you are confident that you can meet the language requirements, you can take some of the first steps simultaneously:
Apply for immigration status
Apply for immigration status (permanent residence or temporary work) if you are not already living in Canada. This can be a lengthy process depending on the class of visa you want.
Submit your registration application
Submit your registration application to the regulatory organization in the province you wish to work in. Some documents, such as your [education transcripts](), can be submitted later. But be sure to include information that is needed for the initial application.
Apply to take the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination
Most of the provinces (except Québec) require occupational therapists to pass the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination. This examination is held two times per year. Applicants are subject to an academic assessment and/or credential review. It is best to consult with the regulatory organization in the province where you wish to practise regarding the optimum timing for you and your circumstances.
Next steps
Each of Canada’s provincial regulatory organizations has its own registration requirements. It is important for you to know the requirements in the province or territory you want to practise in.
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