Main Logo

Internationally Trained Worker Loan Program

The Internationally Trained Worker (ITW) Loan Program delivered through WILL Access provides access to the funds necessary to complete foreign credential recognition.

On average there are 350 000 immigrants that come to Canada each year with talent, skills and experience in many professions. Immigrants strengthen the Canadian economy by filling in labour shortages, driving innovation and bringing a global perspective.

However, once they start looking for work in their field, they realize that their credentials are not recognized and they cannot get a job in their trained profession. As a result, they take on starter jobs, which are typically low paying jobs, in order to survive and then they cannot afford the costs associated with accreditation and licensure to resume their career in Canada. This barrier results in the underutilization of highlight skilled professionals, which has a negative impact to themselves, their families and the Canadian economy.

WILL Access microloans address this barrier, by providing access to the funds necessary to complete foreign credential recognition.

One of the longest standing microloan programs in Canada, the ITW Loan Program helps you overcome financial barriers to licensure and certification by providing one of the lowest interest rates for loans up to $15, 000 of this type in Canada. The loan helps to cover the direct and indirect costs of credential recognition including:

  • Qualification assessment
  • Tuition fees for training and skills upgrading
  • Exam and licensure fees
  • Books and course materials
  • Professional association fees
  • Any other costs related to obtaining accreditation/training in your profession

The program’s loan counsellors help develop a financial support plan that is tailored to meet your unique needs in achieving licensure and certification. Applicants are pre-approved for loans by the program and referred to our lending partner Libro Credit Union to disburse the loan and provide you with valuable financial planning and money management skills training as part of the program.



A simple path to your career success:

1 – Are you eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

  • be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or person granted refugee status in Canada with a work permit
  • be a resident of Southwestern Ontario
  • be a client of WILL Access
  • have proof of a professional credential/designation obtained in a country other than Canada

Terms and Conditions

  • ITWs may borrow up to $15 000
  • Interest rate will be variable and accrue at Libro Credit Union’s prime rate plus + 1.0% per annum
  • Loan funds are advanced as ITWs progress on their career work plan
  • ITWs have up to four years to repay the loan. Maximum two years of payment of interest only and for the next two years of payments, principal and interest are applied
  • Payment of interest only is based on the amount ITWs have used up to that time

2 – It’s easy to apply

Loan applications are recommended and approved through the program’s delivery partners – WILL Access and Libro Credit Union. Application packages may be obtained from WILL Access.

Applications must include:

– Proof of immigration status

– A copy of the applicant’s licensure/certification plan with supporting documents

– Updated resume

– Copy of Degree, Diploma or Credential

– Information on the training or assessment program in which the applicant wishes to enroll

3 – Let’s Get started

Meet with your career counsellor and get started with planning the best next steps for faster and easier entry into your profession in Canada. Connect to the right resources for you along your path.

Let us help you today!