Internationally Educated Occupational Therapist (IEOT) Credential Assessment and Education Bursary Program

On July 19, 2022, the Province of British Columbia announced $4.5M in bursary funding to support high priority internationally educated allied health professionals (IEAHPs) that want to work in British Columbia’s (BCs) healthcare system. This program will be administered by Health Match BC (HMBC) and will be designed to retain allied health professionals in the public sector. HMBC acts in an advisory capacity to support IEAHPs throughout their journey to practice in BC, Canada.

A bursary of up to $11,129 CAD, plus applicable taxes, is available to assist IEOTs with the costs associated with becoming licensed to work in BC. HMBC, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health (MoH) will support eligible IEOTs who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with the credential assessment, English language proficiency testing, and eligible supplemental education. This bursary will become available as of January 15, 2024.

IEOT Bursary Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this bursary, IEOTs will need to meet all of the following criteria:

The applicant provides supporting identification document. This document must contain legal first and last names.
The applicant can provide proof of completion of a university-level degree in occupational therapy from a country other than Canada.
The applicant has initiated or will be initiating the Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) Program with the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapist Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO).
The applicant declares and signs a Return of Service (ROS) Agreement indicating that they intend to complete the full SEAS program, obtain full licensure with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) and be willing to work with a Qualifying Employer for one year (if employment is over 0.5 FTE), or two years (if employment is 0.5 FTE or less).
The applicant has a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Please note a SIN is not required to register for the bursary. If you are not currently residing in Canada and are eligible for the bursary, you will be reimbursed once you obtain your SIN, a Canadian address and phone number, and Canadian bank account information for direct deposit as it is necessary for any reimbursements.
The applicant must not currently hold (or have previously held) full licensure as an occupational therapist in any province or territory in Canada.

Note: To ensure fair distribution of resources, if an applicant possesses qualifications in more than one profession that is eligible under the Internationally Educated Nurse Bursary Program and/or Internationally Educated Allied Health Bursary Program, the applicant must proceed with an application for only one profession (i.e., eligible for one funding stream only). Please contact your recruitment consultant for additional information, as multiple applications may result in funding being denied or returned to the Province.

What is the process for Internationally Educated Occupational Therapists?

In BC, occupational therapists (OTs) must be licensed with the CHCPBC in order to practice as an occupational therapist. For IEOTs, the process begins through ACOTRO, the national credentialing body. To become licensed in BC, IEOTs must first apply for ACOTRO’s SEAS Program. ACOTRO will use the SEAS Program to evaluate whether an IEOT’s educational qualifications and competencies are substantially equivalent to those of a Canadian-educated occupational therapist.

The SEAS assessment consists of three phases:

Phase 1 is the Academic Credential Assessment (ACA), including a review of proof of identity documents.
Phase 2 assesses the applicant’s language readiness and conducts a Profession-Specific Credential Assessment
(PSCA), and requires applicants to complete a Jurisprudence Knowledge Assessment Test (JKAT).
Phase 3 is a Competency Assessment (CA) and is the final step in the SEAS program.

Once an IEOT has completed all three phases of the SEAS program, the file is reviewed by the SEAS Determination Committee and a decision is made on whether the applicant has met substantial equivalency and if any supplemental education is required. Determination results will be communicated to applicants in a SEAS Determination Report. Possible determination outcomes include:

Applicant is deemed substantially equivalent:
1. Applicant received an overall score of 90% or greater on the Competency Assessment (CA)
2. Applicant met the minimum threshold for all units on the CA
3. Applicant met the minimum requirements for the following SEAS assessments:
  1. Academic Credential Assessment (ACA)
  2. Profession-Specific Credential Assessment (PSCA) fieldwork hours
  3. PSCA curriculum
  4. Jurisprudence Test (JKAT)
Applicant is deemed substantially equivalent:
1. Applicant has NOT met the minimum requirement of 73% on one of two attempts at the JKAT but is issued a
  certificate of substantial equivalency for eligibility to apply for licensure with CHCPBC if all the
  following criteria are met:
  1. Applicant received an overall score of 90% or greater on the CA
  2. Applicant met the minimum threshold for all units on the CA
  3. Applicant met the minimum requirements for the following SEAS assessments:
    1. ACA
    2. PSCA fieldwork hours
    3. PSCA curriculum
  4. The failed result of the JKAT will be reported to CHCPBC at the time the applicant applies for the licensure.
    CHCPBC will determine whether any gap-filling is required to address applicant’s gaps in jurisprudence
    knowledge.
Applicant is deemed substantially equivalent:
1. Applicant has NOT met the minimum requirement of 1,000 fieldwork hours, but is issued a certificate of substantial equivalency for eligibility to apply for licensure with CHCPBC if all the following criteria are met:
  1. Applicant received an overall score of 90% or greater on the CA
  2. Applicant met the minimum threshold for all units on the CA
  3. Applicant met the minimum requirements for the following SEAS assessments:
    1. ACA
    2. JKAT
    3. PSCA curriculum
2. CHCPBC will be advised that applicant has not met the minimum requirement for fieldwork hours at the time of application for licensure. CHCPBC will determine whether any gap-filling or supervised practice is required.
Gap-filling may be required:
1. Applicant received an overall score of 90% or greater on the CA, but the minimum threshold for one or more unit(s) was not met.
2. Applicant received an overall score of 90% or greater on the CA, but the minimum requirement for the ACA, and/or PSCA fieldwork hours, and/or PSCA curriculum review were not met (see C above if fieldwork hours is the only assessment component not met)
Gap-filling is required:
1. Gap-filling is required if applicant’s overall score on the CA is between 80-89%. The Committee will consider the results of all SEAS assessments to determine the gap-filling requirements.
Applicant is deemed NOT substantially equivalent
1. Applicant is deemed not substantially equivalent if their score on the CA is 79% or less.

Once the applicant receives a positive determination outcome from the Determination Committee, and has completed any required supplemental education (i.e. outcomes 1-5 above), the applicant is eligible to submit for licensure to the CHCPBC. Once licensed with the college, the CHCPBC will send notification to the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE), offered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), that the applicant is eligible to write the NOTCE.

Return of Service

IEOTs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to receive financial support through this program. The ROS agreement states that you intend to complete the full credentialing and licensure process and will work in BC with a public sector employer for a specified length of time.

The ROS is an agreement to work in the public health system for one year, if the participant’s employment is over a 0.5 FTE; or two years, if the participant’s employment is 0.5 FTE or less.

A publicly funded health sector employer includes a regional health board designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority, First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care; or (b) an employer at a publicly funded long-term care or assisted living facility. Qualifying employers EXCLUDE contract agencies supplying temporary and/or short-term staffing solutions to eligible facilities.

Note: Once eligibility has been confirmed, HMBC will send a ROS agreement to the applicant which must be signed and returned.

Financial Support (Bursaries)

Licensure Process Steps Eligible for Bursary Program

Bursary Amount

Requirements for Reimbursement

Assessment of credentials by World Educational Services (WES).

$269 CAD + applicable taxes

Reimbursement can occur upon completion and with proof of payment provided to HMBC.

Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) Phase 1.

$470 CAD + applicable taxes

For Participants who have not yet started the SEAS Program: Upon proof of payment to Health Match BC.

For Participants who have started Phases 1 and/or 2 of the SEAS Program: Upon proof of payment to Health Match BC.

For Participants who have completed Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the SEAS program: Upon proof of payment to Health Match BC. These Participants will also be required to provide proof of a positive Determination Report from the Determination Committee.

Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) assessment Phase 2.
After receipt of the Academic Credential Assessment (ACA), and prior to the Jurisprudence Test (JKAT) and Profession Specific Credential Assessment (PSCA).

$1,500 CAD + applicable taxes

For Participants who have not yet started the SEAS Program: Upon proof of payment to Health Match BC.

For Participants who have started Phases 1 and/or 2 of the SEAS Program: Upon proof of payment to Health Match BC.

JKAT Remote Proctoring Fee.

The exact amount, to a maximum of $45 CAD

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment provided to Health Match BC.

Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) assessment Phase 3.
After completion of the JKAT, PSCA, and the Language Readiness Assessment, and prior to the Competency Assessment (CA).

$2,150 CAD + applicable taxes

For Participants who have not yet started the SEAS Program: Upon proof of payment to Health Match BC.

For Participants who have started Phases 1 and/or 2 of the SEAS Program: Upon proof of payment to Health Match BC.

Completion of course required by SEAS: “Critical Thinking, Clinical Reasoning and Application in Canadian Occupational Therapy”.

Up to a maximum of $3,000 CAD + applicable taxes

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment and after course completion provided to Health Match BC and after proof of SEAS assessment. Up to 2 attempts will be reimbursed.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Testing.

Up to a maximum amount of $800 CAD, inclusive of any applicable taxes.

After proof of payment for SEAS Program. The ELP test bursary is available for up to two (2) attempts of a SEAS-accepted test, whether an applicant is successful or not. Funding is up to $400 CAD per test and is based on official receipts and completion of testing from a recognized English Language Proficiency Test.

UBC Program for Internationally Educated Occupational Therapist (PIE-OT) – Optional step.

$2,500 CAD inclusive of taxes

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment and course completion provided to Health Match BC.

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapist Exam Prep course – Optional step.

$395 CAD + applicable taxes

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment and course completion provided to Health Match BC.

Maximum Possible Bursary Amount:

$11,129 CAD + applicable tax

Documents Required

To be eligible for the Internationally Educated Occupational Therapists (IEOT) Bursary through HMBC, applicants must:

Apply for the IEOT Bursary by registering for an account with HMBC.
Provide proof of completion of a university-level degree in occupational therapy from a country other than Canada.
Apply to the SEAS program through ACOTRO:

- If applicants have already completed the SEAS Program, they may be eligible for reimbursement:
  - Provide HMBC with a copy of the receipt showing the application fee for the assessment has been paid and a positive SEAS Determination Report. Note: Reimbursement for the SEAS fees requires receipts showing the fees have been incurred on or after July 19, 2022.
- If applicants have not yet initiated the SEAS program, they may be eligible for reimbursements at each Phase of the Program.

Submit receipts of payment for:
- Credential evaluations from World Education Services-Canada (WES).

- Completion of the course if required by the SEAS Determination Committee: “Critical Thinking, Clinical Reasoning and Application in Canadian OT.”
- English Language Proficiency (ELP) Testing. Note: HMBC will only accept language proficiency tests accepted by SEAS for the purpose of the assessment process:
- Jurisprudence Knowledge Assessment Test Remote Proctoring Fee
- UBC Program for Internationally Educated Occupational Therapists (PIE-OT) – Optional

Once an applicant receives a positive Determination Report from the SEAS Determination Committee, they may be eligible for the following:
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapist Exam Prep course – Optional

Note: Payment can be expected within 4-6 weeks of submitting all required documentation.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL ALLIED HEALTH BURSARY PROGRAM QUESTIONS

What is the new Internationally Educated Allied Bursary Program?

On July 19, 2022, the Province of British Columbia announced $4.5M in funding to provide bursaries to high priority internationally educated allied health professionals (IEAHPs) that want to work in BC’s health system.

Health Match BC, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health, will support eligible IEAHPs who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for many of the costs associated with credential assessment, English Language proficiency testing, and supplementary education, such as exam preparation and bridging or gap-filling education.

To be eligible, IEAHPs must sign a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to receive financial support through the bursary program.

By reducing barriers to the assessment and licensing or certification process, qualified IEAHPs will be able to enter the workforce sooner, so that people in British Columbia will have access to even more allied health professionals to support their healthcare needs.
Which allied health occupations are included in this initiative?

The first phase of the IEAHP bursary program will offer bursaries to internationally educated physiotherapists, medical laboratory technologists, and occupational therapists.

It is anticipated that more allied health occupations will be added to the program over time. Please watch the Health Match BC website, and follow them on social media, for more details.
Who is Health Match BC?
What role will Health Match BC play in the new IEAHP provincial initiative?

Health Match BC (HMBC), through its navigation team, will support internationally educated allied health professionals throughout their journey to practice in BC. The team will provide customized support in assisting candidates to navigate their credentials assessment, certification and/or registration applications. HMBC will also provide information and access to financial supports, in the form of bursaries and fee waiving, and guide candidates throughout the immigration process.

Through HMBC recruitment team, IEAHPs will be supported in accessing career opportunities with BC’s public health employers.
Are there allied health jobs in BC?

Yes! British Columbia offers a wide range of allied health jobs in large urban centres, medium and small cities, and rural and remote communities.

Opportunities exist for career development in acute care (hospitals), rehabilitation, long-term care and assisted living, community laboratories, and primary care.

The wide range of opportunities means that allied health professionals will be able to find the perfect fit for their career preferences, career growth, and family needs.
Do I need to be licensed or certified to practice in BC?

In general, yes, most allied health professionals require registration or certification with a provincial or national body to practice in BC.

Education, experience, and practice can differ between countries for the same profession. For most occupations, a credentialling organization will need to complete an assessment of your postsecondary credentials.

The exact process to become licensed or certified to practice in BC depends on your profession or field of training. Please see the FAQ for your occupation for more information.
What steps do IEAHPs need to take to practice in BC?

To be able to practice in BC, your credentials from outside of Canada will need to be assessed. After the assessment, you may be directed to take a qualifying examination, or you may need to complete some upgrading courses or supplementary education first.

The exact steps to become registered or certified to practice in BC will depend on your profession or field of training. Please see the FAQ for your occupation for more information.

For financial support to complete this process, contact Health Match BC who will provide information about the bursary program and guide you through the bursary eligibility criteria and the bursary return of service commitment.
Is there an English-language proficiency requirement?

During the credential assessment process, you may be asked to provide the results from an acceptable English-language proficiency test – these may or may not be the same tests that are accepted for immigration purposes.

These tests can generally be booked online and are delivered in-person or online with frequent testing dates.

The IEAHP bursary program will reimburse for a maximum of two English-language proficiency tests for the purpose of your credential assessment.

The credentialing body for your occupation should provide you with information about which English-language proficiency test you need to take.
What costs are covered through the bursary program?

Through Health Match BC (HMBC), the Province of BC will be supporting internationally educated allied health professionals with financial support, in the form of bursaries, to offset some of the costs of becoming licensed or certified to work in BC.

The costs associated with the credential assessment, supplementary education, and licensing or certifying processes vary depending on your occupation.

Some IEAHPs may qualify for a travel stipend to cover costs associated with eligible supplementary education programs.

Please see the FAQ for your occupation for more information or contact the credentialing body responsible for assessing education and qualifications for your occupation.
Who should apply to the bursary program?

The bursaries are for IEAHPs who currently live in British Columbia but are not yet working in a health care role aligned with their foreign training. It is also for those not yet in British Columbia but are looking to relocate here.

Possible applicants also include IEAHPs who are already undertaking the credentials assessment and licensing process.

IEAHPs who are eligible for the bursary can submit receipts for eligible expenses incurred on or after July 19, 2022. A valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), Canadian address and phone number, and a Canadian bank account are required for any expense reimbursements.

IEAHPs who have already completed the full pathway to licensure or certification, or those who have already had their credentials assessed and it was determined they are not able to become licensed or certified in BC, are not eligible for the bursary.

Please see the FAQ section for your occupation for more information on bursary program eligibility.
How is funding provided through the bursary program?

Depending on your occupation, your credential assessment fee may qualify to be paid directly by the Province to the associated credentialing or regulatory body. Otherwise, these fees will be covered by reimbursement.

All other eligible expenses incurred by eligible IEAHPs will be paid by a reimbursement process, by Health Match BC, up to the noted bursary maximum with proof of payment.

See the FAQ section for your occupation for more information.
Do I need a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) to apply?

A valid SIN is not required to apply for one of the IEAHP bursary programs, but you will need one and a Canadian bank account to receive bursary payments (reimbursement).

If you are not currently residing in Canada and are eligible for the bursaries, you will be reimbursed once you provide your SIN and Canadian bank account information for direct deposit.
How many IEAHPs will receive bursaries? Is there a cap?
How long will these bursaries be available?

There is no fixed end date for the IEAHP bursary program. Financial support through the program will be available while the Province has the budget.

Further funding beyond the initial budget may become available for the bursary program in future years, but this is not guaranteed.
How are IEAHPs matched with health care employers?
Health Match BC will:

Guide and support you through the professional licensing and registration process.

Work with you to determine where you want to focus your search efforts and identify the communities where you would most like to live, and work, and that would work best for you, and your family.

Match your skills and interests to job vacancies in regions of your choice and connect you with prospective employers.

Provide you with personal and professional support from the initial stages of expressing interest to receiving an offer of employment, and beyond.

If needed, Health Match BC can also provide information and guidance on the immigration process.
Can I be on Employment Insurance (EI) if I am applying for a bursary?

Yes, if you currently receive EI, you may still proceed with a bursary application for financial support. You may want to confirm with Service Canada whether there is anything you should know about receiving bursary support while on EI or income assistance.

Note that you may not be able to collect EI payments while taking training. For more information, see: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/ei-individual.html
Can I be reimbursed for taxes too?
Can the credentials assessment process be started or completed from outside of Canada?

This will depend on the credentials assessment process for your occupation. For some occupations, the process may be started or completed from outside of Canada however we cannot reimburse you for your valid expenses unless you have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a Canadian bank account.

Please see the FAQ for your occupation for more information or contact the credentialing body responsible for assessing your education and qualifications.
Is the bursary funding considered taxable income?

Yes, bursary funding is taxable income. If you receive bursary funding, at the end of the tax year HEABC will issue you a T4A and mail it to the address you provided on your application. Alternatively, you can retrieve your T4A directly on the CRA website, here.

For advice regarding tax implications of receiving the bursary and your specific circumstance, consult a tax specialist or qualified accountant.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS (IEOTs)

What is the Internationally Educated Occupational Therapist (IEOT) Bursary Program?

Health Match BC, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health and the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapist Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO), will support eligible IEOTs who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with credential assessment, English Language proficiency testing, exam preparation and gap filling courses.
Who is eligible to receive financial support through the IEOT bursary program?
IEOTs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to receive financial support through this program. The ROS agreement states that you intend to complete the full credentialing and licensure process with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) and will work in BC with a public sector employer for a specified length of time.

You must also meet the following criteria:

You have initiated, or will be initiating, the Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) program with ACOTRO.

You do NOT currently hold (or have previously held) registration as an Occupational Therapist in any other province or territory in Canada.

BC must be the only province or territory you have applied for registration as an Occupational Therapist. If you have active applications for registration in any other Canadian province or territory, those applications must be withdrawn.

Must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN), a Canadian address and phone number, and Canadian bank account for direct deposit. Those without these requirements may still be eligible but will not receive payment until they have both a valid Canadian SIN and bank account.

Have incurred costs on or after July 19, 2022.

IEOTs who meet these criteria may already be somewhere along the pathway to full licensure with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC).

For more information and to see if you qualify, visit: https://alliedhealthjobsbc.ca/ieot-bursary/ or contact Health Match BC at otbursary@healthmatchbc.org
Who is NOT eligible for the IEOT bursary?
As an IEOT, you are NOT eligible for this bursary if you have:

Already had your credentials assessed with ACOTRO and it was determined that your education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained OT.

Already obtained full licensure with a Canadian provincial or territorial occupational therapy regulator (College).

Applicants who previously received bursaries for post-secondary training under Ministry of Health targeted programs may be ineligible for this bursary. Contact Health Match BC for further information.
How much does is cost to become licensed to practice as an OT in BC and what costs does the bursary program cover?

The full fee for the three phases of the SEAS program, including an English Language Proficiency (ELP) test is $4,714 CAD.

For IEOTs who are required to take a gap-filling course and/or the optional UBC Program for Internationally Educated Occupational Therapists (PIE-OT) or the optional Canadian Association of Occupational Therapist (CAOT) Exam Prep course, the full pathway to licensure can cost over $11, 009 CAD not including expenses related to immigration or relocation (moving).

The maximum possible bursary amount for eligible IEOTs is $11,009 CAD plus applicable taxes. This includes all SEAS program fees, English Language proficiency testing, a gap-filling course, and supplemental education.

Bursary program participants may be eligible for all or a portion of this amount.
What costs are not covered by the IEOT bursary program?

Although the bursary program covers a substantial amount of the overall costs that IEOTs pay to become licensed in BC, there are some costs that are not covered by the bursary.

Examples of costs that are not covered include transcript fees, document translation and notarization fees, regulatory college registration fees, and licensing exam fees.
How much is the bursary for English Language Proficiency testing?

The program will pay up to a maximum of $800 CAD for up to two eligible English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests (maximum of $400 CAD per test).

Bursary program participants are responsible for determining which ELP tests are accepted by ACOTRO as part of the SEAS program.

Bursary program participants can be reimbursed for eligible ELP tests taken on or after July 19, 2022.
When are funds provided to me? Is there any funding paid up front or are funds always provided by reimbursement? 
All funds are provided to the applicant through a reimbursement model:

Bursary participants who have completed Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the SEAS program and are waiting for their Determination Report from the Determination Committee are eligible for reimbursement upon providing proof of payment to Health Match BC, but must first receive a positive decision through the Determination Report. 

Bursary participants who have completed Phase 1 or Phases 1 and 2 and have not yet completed Phase 3 are eligible for reimbursement upon providing proof of payment to Health Match BC. Participants who receive reimbursement and are also informed by the Determination Committee that their education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained OT will not be eligible for further funding under this bursary program.  

A reimbursement process will also be used for all other costs, including the World Education Services assessment fee, fees for English language proficiency testing, and eligible supplemental education programs. 

Bursary reimbursement payments will be provided upon provision of proof of payment, and any other required documentation, to Health Match BC. A Canadian SIN, Canadian address and phone number, and Canadian bank account are required for reimbursement.  
What travel funding is provided?
How long does it take for IEOTs to complete the full pathway to licensure in BC?

The length of time for the full pathway to licensure depends on a variety of factors, including how quickly you can provide your documents to ACOTRO for the SEAS program, and whether you need to take additional education to help you to pass the qualifying exams.

Immigration routes may also impact the time it takes to become fully licensed to practice in BC. For more information see the immigration FAQ.

We recommend that you move through the pathway as quickly as possible to ensure that bursary funding remains available throughout your journey.

Visit the ACOTRO website for more information about the process to becoming credentialed and licensed to practice in Canada.

Visit the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC website for more information about becoming fully licensed to practice in BC.
What if my assessment demonstrates that my education is substantially different from Canadian education?

Bursary participants who have completed Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the SEAS program and are waiting for their Determination Report from the Determination Committee are eligible for reimbursement upon proof of payment to Health Match BC, but must first receive a positive decision through the Determination Report.

Bursary participants who have completed Phases 1 or Phases 1 and 2 and have not yet completed Phase 3 are eligible for reimbursement upon proof of payment to Health Match BC. Participants who receive reimbursement and are also informed by the Determination Committee that their education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained OT will not be eligible for further funding under this bursary program.

The bursary funding cannot be used towards taking an occupational therapist degree from a Canadian institution.

You may still be able to fulfil the term of the Return of Service agreement if you obtain another type of health care position with a public sector employer.

RETURN OF SERVICE (ROS) AGREEMENT

What is the Return of Service (ROS) Agreement?

The return of service (ROS) agreement is an agreement between you and the Province of British Columbia that you will complete 1 year of full-time continuous service (i.e. not a casual position) with a publicly funded health sector employer in BC. The ROS term is extended to two years if you obtain employment of 0.5 FTEs or less. The length service will also be extended to account for leaves of absence, if applicable.

Qualifying public sector employers will be defined in your ROS agreement document. They include regional health boards designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority (collectively a “Health Authority”), First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care or at a publicly funded long-term care or assisted living (AL) facility OR a publicly-funded private lab provider that is approved by the Province in writing.

Qualifying Employers do not include contract agencies supplying staffing solutions to eligible facilities.

As a bursary recipient, you must obtain employment with a Qualifying Employer within 6 months of obtaining full licensure or certification in your profession, unless otherwise extended by the province. Upon commencement of a Qualifying Position to start the Return of Service Term, you will submit a letter to the Province from the Qualifying Employer confirming the start date of the Return of Service Term, using the Province’s Return of Service Commencement Form and submitting it to: healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca
What happens if I cannot obtain licensure/certification?

The goal of the bursary program is to support you to gain employment in your field of training. Bursary program participants must use their best efforts to promptly obtain licensure or certification to practice in BC to obtain employment.

However, if licensure is not possible with reasonable efforts made (i.e., by taking supplemental education), you may be eligible to complete the RoS in a different “qualifying position” within the health care system. Individuals must contact the Ministry of Health (email healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca ) to confirm approved eligible positions considered for the fulfilment of the ROS commitment. The Ministry must review and approve alternative positions.
Do I have to pay back the money if I don't complete the licensure or certification process?

Yes, if you decide not to complete the process to become fully licensed or certified to practice in BC, you will need to repay any money received or fees waived through the bursary program to the Province of British Columbia.

If you are unsuccessful in passing the exams required to become licensed or certified to practice in BC, even after taking supplemental education, you can apply for an alternative job with a Qualifying Employer instead of paying back the funds. Individuals must contact the Ministry of Health (email healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca ) to confirm approved eligible positions considered for the fulfilment of the ROS commitment. The Ministry must review and approve alternative positions.
How do I pay back the money if I don't complete the process?
Do I need to sign more than one return of service (ROS)? i.e., one for each bursary amount received?
What if I cannot complete the full terms of the Return of Service (ROS)?

If you leave your Qualifying Position(s) for any reason before the ROS term is complete, you will be required to repay the province the amount of the bursary that is proportional to the percentage of the ROS term that has not been completed.

Recipients who do not meet the terms and obligations within the ROS agreement will be required to repay the bursary funds as explained in the agreements.

If you leave your job with a Qualifying Employer(s) for any reason during the ROS term, you will need to notify the Province at least two weeks in advance of your end date by contacting: healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca
Do I need to fulfill my return of service (ROS) in a specific community or region of BC?
What if I can’t find a job?

There are many job opportunities available across the province. Once you are licensed or certified to practice in BC, Health Match BC will assist you in finding a qualifying position. You are required to make your best efforts to find a qualifying position.

If it has been six months since licensure or certification and you are still unable to find a job to meet the ROS requirements, please contact the healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca
Can I change employers/jobs during my return of service (ROS)?
Is full time employment required or can I work two part-time jobs or casual to fulfill the return of service (ROS)?

You can concurrently hold and work in multiple, part-time Qualifying Positions, however casual employment does not meet the requirements of the ROS agreement.

The FTE (full time equivalent) for each Qualifying Position will be added together to calculate the FTE.

“FTE” means full-time equivalent, which is defined as 37.5 hours of work each week.

If you are working 0.5 FTEs or less, your ROS term will be extended to 2 years.
Can I take vacation, parental leave, or other leaves of absence during my return of service (ROS)?
I receive a job offer in another province where my family lives, can I transfer my return of service (ROS) to that province or can that province buy-out my return of service commitment with BC?
I am licensed/ certified or considering licensure/ certification in another Canadian jurisdiction. What are the implications to my Return of Service (ROS)?

If you are licensed/certified or have ever been licensed/certified in your allied health occupation in another Canadian province or terriority, you are not eligible for this program. If you have become licensed/ certified in another Canadian province or territory after you sign a return of service agreement, you will be withdrawn from the program and required to repay the Province any bursary amount(s) received, including any fees waived or reimbursed.
What happens at the end of my return of service (ROS) term? Do I need to contact the Ministry of Health?

IMMIGRATION

Can I apply for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Health Authority Stream from outside of Canada?
Yes, however, you must be qualified for the offered position. For regulated health professions, you would normally require a license to practice in BC prior to being accepted into the BC PNP. You must also meet all other eligibility requirements of the program. This includes:

An offer of permanent, full-time employment with a provincial health authority

Meeting the education, training, experience, and qualification requirements outlined by the provincial health authority.

A written offer of employment on official company letterhead from the employer.

Evidence that you meet the minimum income requirements.

English language proficiency (if applicable).
Is Health Match BC my legal representative for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Health Authority pathway?

Health Match BC is not a legal representative for the BC PNP. Authorized representatives are immigration consultants who are full members in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, or lawyers who are members in good standing with the Law Society of BC or another law society in Canada. To apply to the BC PNP, you do not have to use an immigration consultant or lawyer.

The BC PNP reviews all applications equally, regardless of whether they were prepared with the assistance of a representative. Your application will not receive special attention or faster processing if it was completed using the services of a representative.
When should I start an application for the BC Provincial Nominee Program?
Can my family members also obtain Permanent Residency status?
My application for BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has been approved (nominated), am I eligible to work in BC?

A nomination by the BC PNP does not allow you to work. However, if you are nominated, you may be eligible to receive a work permit support letter issued by the BC PNP to help you obtain or renew a work permit. Work permit support letters also allow you to apply for a work permit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

You must apply and obtain a temporary work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While the BC PNP will provide post-nomination support, it does not apply for a work permit on your behalf. Nominees who do not have a valid work permit must apply for one within three months of your nomination date.
Can I apply for permanent residency before receiving a license to practice in BC and a job offer?
Where can I learn more about immigrating to BC and the BC PNP?

Internationally Educated Occupational Therapist (IEOT) Credential Assessment and Education Bursary Program

IEOT Bursary Eligibility Criteria

What is the process for Internationally Educated Occupational Therapists?

Return of Service

Financial Support (Bursaries)

Documents Required

Apply Now

Personal Information

Education/Licensing Information

Applicants who hold or previously held FULL licensure as an Occupational Therapist in any Province or Territory in Canada are not eligible for the IEOT Bursary. Thank you for your interest.

Required Documents

Disbursement Requirements

Acknowledgement & Consent

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL ALLIED HEALTH BURSARY PROGRAM QUESTIONS

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS (IEOTs)

RETURN OF SERVICE (ROS) AGREEMENT

IMMIGRATION