Operational bulletin 693 – April 2, 2026

OB 693 – Processing Physiotherapists (NOC 31202) under Significant Benefit (R205(a) – C10)

Summary

This Operational Bulletin (OB) provides guidance to officers on the processing of C10 work permits under paragraph 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) for physiotherapists (National Occupational Classification [NOC] 31202). Under the National Occupational Classification, physiotherapists are generally required to hold a master’s degree in physiotherapy and to complete a period of supervised practical training in order to be eligible to work in Canada. However, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) has established a policy that allows internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) to apply for credential assessment where they completed their entry to practice physiotherapy education in one of CAPR’s pre approved countries or jurisdictions. Under this policy, applicants are not required to hold a master’s degree.

The purpose of this OB is to provide information and processing instructions for officers assessing C10 work permit applications under R205(a) in these circumstances, recognizing that eligible physiotherapists contribute significant social and economic benefits to Canada.

Background

Provinces have identified a substantial need for additional physiotherapists. In light of provincial regulatory practices and labour market needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has determined that, when examining the requirements set out in R200(3)(a) for the purpose of issuing C10 work permits, officers should consider CAPR’s policy framework, which does not require applicants to hold a master’s degree. This approach aligns IRCC processing with CAPR’s policy framework and recognizes that approved international credentials may be used to demonstrate that applicants are able to perform the work sought and thus meet the requirements set out in R200(3)(a).

For further information on which jurisdictions qualify under the CAPR policy, refer to the following link:

Assessment Requirements – Pre-Approved Credentialling Pathway - Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators

Processing instructions

For the purpose of this OB, the term “officer” refers to employees of both IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Effective immediately, officers assessing C10 work permit applications for Physiotherapists (NOC 31202) are instructed to consider whether the applicant has

(1) proof of completion of a master’s degree in physiotherapy; or

(2) completed their entry to practice physiotherapy education in a jurisdiction approved under CAPR’s Pre Approved Credentialling Pathway.

Officers should be satisfied that the applicant

• completed physiotherapy education in a CAPR approved jurisdiction;
• is eligible for assessment under CAPR’s Pre Approved Credentialling Pathway; and
• otherwise meets all applicable requirements under R205(a), including that the employment will result in significant social or economic benefit to Canada.

Jurisdiction information is available at Assessment Requirements – Pre-Approved Credentialling Pathway - Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators.

As of the effective date of this OB, officers must continue to assess all remaining employment requirements and conditions under NOC 31202 – Physiotherapists, as well as all other applicable admissibility and program integrity requirements.