What is PICS-FCR Loans?
Immigrants arrive in Canada with hopes and dreams, eager to continue their professional careers. However, for many, the reality is different.
In regulated fields like healthcare, education, law, and engineering, credential evaluation by regulatory bodies is required, and the process can be expensive. As a non-profit, funded by the Federal Government of Canada, PICS-Foreign Credential Recognition understands the challenges skilled immigrants face. That’s why we are able to provide multiple loans of up to $30,000 to help you return to your profession or explore alternative career paths.
What Can FCR Loan Be Used For?
1
Books & Materials
2
Credentials Evaluation
3
Tuition / Courses
4
Living Allowance / Travel Expenses
5
Short-term Bridge Training
Why PICS-FCR Loans?
1
How Much Can I Borrow?
From $1000 – $30,000
2
Is There An Interest Rate?
Prime rate only
3
What repayment options are available?
Flexible repayment from weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly
4
Can I Pay Early?
Can always pay early without any penalties or hidden fees
Are you eligible?
- Permanent Resident, Canadian Citizen, Temporary Resident, or Refugee with working status
- Resident of British Columbia
- Proof of education/work experience outside of Canada
How To Apply For A Loan
1
Check Your Eligibility
To be eligible for the loans, you will need to be a BC resident who are entitle to work in British Columbia.
2
Submit Your Application
You can submit your application by clicking “register now”
3
Start Your Journey to success
Upon approval, Vancity will directly deposit the loan amount to your account
Testimonials
Auxillia – Accounting Sector
I am an internationally trained Accountant. I came to Canada as a temporary resident. I was looking for financial assistance to become an accountant. The requirement to achieve settlement in the accounting sector was possible with the financial support of the PICS FCR Loans Program. I received financial support to cover my university course fees, which is a prerequisite for entering the financial sector. I am grateful to the PICS FCR loans program for providing the loan services that helped me achieve my goal.
Dr. Parvinder Singh
Thank you Fcr so much for helping me arranging finances for my exams. I feel myself lucky that I could contact you. You were so helpful and kind that I instantly connected with you and felt at ease talking to you about all my problems.
I immigrated to Canada from India as a skilled worker (professional, Doctor) and as you know, in Canada you have to write all the exams to get license for practicing medicine and the whole process is very expensive.
Shadi – Healthcare
FCR’s assistance was a game-changer for me. When I immigrated to Canada six months ago, I faced the daunting task of evaluating my pharmacy license. Thankfully, I found FCR through a friend, and with guidance from the FCR counselor, the process became manageable. Their support not only provided financial aid but also valuable insights that made a significant difference in my journey toward professional accreditation in Canada.
Taraneh – Healthsector
I want to express my sincere appreciation for the counseling services I received from the PICS-FCR from 2 months ago till now.
FCR has been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout every session.
FCR created a safe and comfortable space for me to discuss my concerns.
At every session, the FCR counselor provided insightful feedback and effective strategies so that I could move forward with my registration.
Thanks again for the guidance, I feel more confident and better equipped to handle these complicated challenges.
Dr.Wazmah Hakimi
I would like to take this opportunity to thank PICS- Foreign Credential Recognition Program for the support. I am genuinely grateful for the guidance and the financial support FCR provided me to become a doctor here.
As a newcomer, I am happy to be a client of PICS- FCR and to be in contact with, as I am satisfied with the service.
Thank you once again for helping newcomers and providing them with support.
Oluwole Soyinka
I am writing to express my extreme gratitude to PICS-Foreign Credential Recognition (PICS-FCR) program for the guidance and financial support provided by the career and financial counsellor. I took FCR Loan to secure my tuition fee for pursuing Master’s at UBC to work towards my career goal, which is to become a professor. Timely response and dedication from the counsellors helped me navigate the complex process of securing a loan with a lower interest rate, and I am grateful. Thanks to PICS-FCR again for renewing my hope, I am on the path of pursuing my educational goals again with high motivation. Thank you so much.
Fatima Es-Bia
I had the privilege of participating in an exceptional online webinar hosted by the PICS Society- Foreign Credential Recognition Program which is funded by the Federal Government of Canada.
The focus of the webinar was to equip skilled newcomers with the essential interview skills needed to shine and excel in their professional journey. I must say, it was an enlightening experience. Under the expert guidance of our remarkable speaker, the webinar surpassed all expectations. The speaker’s knowledge and expertise in the field were evident as she effortlessly addressed every question posed to her, providing comprehensive explanations that left us feeling empowered and ready to conquer any interview.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this webinar and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to PICS-FCR for the dedication and efforts in making it a resounding success.
Mahmoud Mahdavi – Electrical Engineer
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for creating a resume for me. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into it.
I’m sure it will be a great asset in my job search. I attached my new resume in order to update it.
Thank you again for your help.
Huiting Wang – Education
“FCR program is great for helping internationally trained newcomers to be connected with professionals here in Canada. It helps them to get an idea about the Canadian workplace culture and expectations. People who are trained from other countries can adapt faster to life in Canada, and reduce the time of job searching and getting qualified, with the help and support from FCR.” Huiting Wang- Language Instructor
Noha -Pharmacist
“I am thankful to the FCR team for all the help and guidance. FCR program assisted me with financial support to become a Pharmacist in Canada. I appreciate the FCR team’s help at every step of my journey. I will definitely recommend FCR Loans Program to immigrants who want to pursue careers and settle back in their profession in Canada. Thank you so much for making my dream come true!”
Jatinder Khokhar – Education
“I cannot express my gratitude enough, for all the valuable advice the FCR counselor has given to me regarding the selection of my courses. The career guidance has opened a door and the prospect of a brighter future and plays a key role in shaping me into a successful person in the future.
Thank you for the life-changing guidance and I will forever be grateful for your guidance and kindness.
I appreciate the extra time you spend answering my questions.
Thank you for everything you do!” “Thank you so much for being an incredible advisor and an incredible listener. You constantly help me put things into perspective and prepare me for great things in the future. Thank you!”
FCR Client – Education
I would like to thank you the FCR staff for helping me out in getting my loan approval. I have been struggling financially and really wanted to complete my professional studies. PICS FCR department helped me in achieving this dream of mine.
FCR Team was very efficient and kind who were always there to help, and answer my questions throughout the process. They helped me in every step of the loan application and made sure that I am comfortable accessing this program. They made this journey smooth and now I am almost done with my courses. Thank you!
Mohammed – Business Management
” I am Mohammed, a new resident of Victoria. I am very thankful to FCR Counsellor and their team for guiding me with their services and excellent mentorship.
With the help of their professional career guidance, I am employed and my family is settled. Thanks once again to FCR Program and its team. Just wanted to say keep up the good work ”
Atyeh Ebadi – Health
I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the FCR Loan Program for their assistance and financial program. I am grateful beyond measure for my considerate and obliging FCR counsellor. Having their kind support and guidance, I could move forward smoothly without any inconvenience or hassle. I highly recommend the FCR program to international graduates who are willing to pursue their career within their professional scope. They are people who make you feel you are not alone but valued.
Atyeh Ebadi, MD
Internationally graduated Dermatologist
Tolou Damavandi – Technology
A big Thank you to FCR Team and my financial and career counsellor who has been very supportive and kind in helping me out in working towards my goal.
Really appreciated all your follow-up. I will be pleased to refer my friends and family who are looking for these kind of services.
It will be very helpful for new comers to Canada.
Thanks so much.
Prachi Singh – Pharmacist
“I am very grateful for the help I have received from the FCR program. From the casual inquiry email to finalization of the FCR assistance, FCR program has resolved my each and every query. Now, It will cater to my dream to be a licenced Pharmacist in Canada.
I came to know about FCR assistance via University of British Columbia website and I must say it changed my course of life. With FCR assistance I can envision myself as a future pharmacist in Canada. And I hope lots of international graduate like me get to know about the program which is the real HOPE!!
Thanks to PICS-FCR program and the Entire PICS team who made it possible!!”
Best regards,
Prachi Singh
Yousef Alan
I would like to express my appreciation for all the efforts that my counsellor put into getting the approval of FCR loan. As a FCR career and financial counselor, she have always been helpful and a supporter of me and surely, other clients as well. And I will definitely introduce the PICS -FCR services to others.
Regards,
Yousef Alan
Edwin – Electrical Foundation Program -Technology
“I was working at a warehouse when I decided to upgrade my skills but unfortunately I don’t have financial support from the government as my institutions are not a designated school to student loan yet, so they introduced me to the PICS – FCR Loan Program. . There I met the Surrey FCR counsellor who has been very helpful to me regarding financial assistance with low interest. I’ve been enrolled for a 8 months Full-time Electrical Foundation Program @ ACE college in Surrey which had already started in June and will finish January 2022. FCR loan program helped me to pay the tuition fees, to buy a laptop and for living expenses.
Thank you FCR for helping me to pursue my new career.
Edwin
Hooman Farkhondeh – Technology Sector
I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to FCR Loan Program for providing me the opportunity to achieve my career goals. FCR team expertise and help have been invaluable. I am grateful beyond measure for my counsellor ‘s support and compassion throughout this process. Counsellor’s guidance made it much easier to work through and move forward smoothly without any hassle. I highly recommend FCR team to immigrants who need to pursue their career in their own professional sphere.
Hooman Farkhondeh
Mandana – Accounting Sector
My dear counselor and the team behind her did a fantastic job, it was quick, efficient and very professional. I was very satisfied with this program which helped me to continue my education with less worry. My path is now clear and I can focus on my studying and have peace of mind while doing it. this platform provides a great help to assist new immigrants to move forward in the best way possible. I wish all the best for the team.
Mandana
Liza – Nursing
I just want to say that I cannot thank my counsellor and FCR team enough for creating a program that assists international educated professionals get their credentials recognized here in Canada. My journey won’t be as smooth sailing if I have not found this program. I now embark on my next journey to become a Canadian certified nurse by completing a bridging program. Without my counsellor’s , I couldn’t have continued this final step which is the most crucial of them all. More power and continue to be a blessing to others!
Sincerely,
Liza
Sandhya Yadav -Education
I was amazed when I first came across FCR. It’s an amazing platform for new commerce to make feel at home. More so in my case, FCR career counsellor followed with me regularly, while it should I have been vice verse. I can’t thank FCR enough for all the support I got. Especially when I just immigrated and my laptop went for a toss. FCR helped me get a loan instantly which I would be forever grateful for. I wish FCR all the best.
Regards,
Sandhya
Carlito
“Discover your passion. Education is the key to knowledge for you to find your passion. And once you find your career path, it is easier to achieve fulfillment. Thank you FCR for bridging the gap between those aspiring individuals who want to continue their education and to the institution that support these individuals.”
Thank you,
Carlito
Sahra Rahim (Bio-Medical Data Analyst)
“I am so grateful that I was connected with FCR. They were so helpful. I had the deadline and they were so considerate and made all the arrangements within a week. I was connected with Vancouver Career counsellor, a very humble lady. She is remarkable, she explained me everything even the rate dropped after my loan was approved but before I signed it, so she made sure that I get that new rate applied. She went far and beyond. Very Thankful to her and FCR.”
Sahra Rahim (Bio-Medical Data Analyst)
Czarina – Nurse
“I would like to thank all FCR family for helping me getting back on track. As an immigrant in Canada, you need to adjust everything and adapt its weather, culture and even their education system. Being a Registered Nurse back home, I wanted to pursue and continue my study here in Canada but the system here is very much different from back home.
FCR family helped me, encouraged and motivated me to get my license here as an RN. I might still be in progress but I wouldn’t be here where I am now without their help and I am so grateful that they believed in me. To all Foreign Professionals, don’t lose hope. FCR family will always be there to help everyone of us.” Czarina
Murtaza Sultani – Accounting Professional
The FCR program for new comer is the best program for those who newly come to Canada specially BC. It helped me with my problems and obstacles that I had for finding job and continue my studies. It helped me to have financial assistance for the courses which I wanted to study, evaluation of my home country graduation documents ,how to make a good resume, and to find me desired job. Thank you!
Purnima Hari –PIDP-Instructor
I am so thankful to PICS and FCR program for the services that enables an immigrant to pursue their career in their own professional sphere in spite of any retarding constraints, may it be pandemic or financial hurdles and that too without any procrastination. Let me take this opportunity to thank my counselor for her untiring help and unceasing support in every move from course selection to loan sanction and still continuing even after is itself a driving force for me to gain momentum to achieve my vocational goal. I strongly recommend every new immigrants to utilize this privilege before stepping on to the threshold of Canadian job market to be competent enough by upskilling rather than compromising.
Lakhwinder Singh – EA – Education
“I am quite impressed with all the guidance, suggestions and inputs received from you to shape my career. I was well directed to join the EA course at Western Community College , Surrey. It was always my passion to become a teacher and now I think I am on the right track. My course is almost coming to the near end and I am quite confident that I pursue further more studies to be a teacher. I truly appreciate the opportunity you have provided including securing the study loan from Vancity bank for tuition payments. I am glad to come under your guidance. Thank you again for your commitment, counseling and putting me on the right track”. Regards, Lakhwinder Singh
Anu Mehta (PhD. Bio-Chemistry, Assistant Professor)
“It is a great pleasure to share my experience regarding PICS and the services that I availed. My Career counsellor and the entire team helped me in providing valuable information regarding my dream career trajectory. They provided me information through seminars, webinars and introducing us to people who shared similar career journeys. Such programs helped me to maintain my zeal and encouraged to work on my education and transferable skills amidst period like COVID19.
Almie Herberly – Education
I have heard about Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society – Foreign Credential Recognition Program through the social media, Facebook. They made an advertisement regarding a free seminar for those who just came to Canada and has a career to be a teacher. I vividly remember that the seminar addressed different concerns and gave us information about teaching and how does it work in Canada and because of that I have the chance to talk to one of the FCR Career and Financial Counsellor She helped me regarding the financial loan program that can assist me in getting an online course that I needed as an English as a Second Language teacher. The FCR program assisted me with resume review and resume building when it comes to writing my resume.
Harjeet Dhaliwal – Education
I take this opportunity to appreciate and thank the FCR Program and Counsellor who guided me to get through financial assistance in the form of a study loan from Vancity. The overall process was well guided and my counsellor left no stone unturned to make it happen even in the midst of hard times (covid-19 pandemic). She is so good and cooperative that my words may fall short to describe her assistance provided at each step. I have high regards for PICS which provided me with the services of such helpful and friendly staff members. I highly recommend PICS to all newcomers. It is just like a second home for them who need proper guidance, education and assistance in the very initial years of their settlement in Canada.
Mehraj Mohammad – Masters in Biotechnology
As a new immigrant in Canada, I was curious to get back to my professional job after landing in Canada. After attending counselling sessions and speaking to my career advisor at PICS, Vancouver office I got to know about the Foreign Credential Recognition Loan Program which would help me get my International Degree evaluated here in BC and later I can apply to jobs.
PICs also guided me in editing my resume according to Canadian Job Market and are still keeping in touch with me every time to give me any important information that will be helpful for me as a new immigrant in Canada.
I am thankful to the entire team of PICS – FCR those who helped me in extending the moral, as well as financial support and I, would definitely recommend FCR for new immigrants.
Saeid Mirza Aghaei – Technology Professional
It is my pleasure to thank the FCR counselor, my employment Coach and the FCR loan program for their brilliant roles in finding financial support in order to continuing studies and getting new sources of useful information. They are very hardworking people, very fast in providing help and answering questions. I would definitely recommend newcomers to use this program to help them just focus on their job’s technical aspects and feel free about financial issues.
Mahshid Salami – Education
I would like to thank my Foreign Credential Recognition career and financial counsellor, who is amazingly helpful and professional, supportive and responsive. FCR program provided me professional and financial guidance through the loan application process really well. FCR program and team did a great job following up every step of the way. That was a great experience for me.
I highly recommend PICS Foreign Credential program for the services they provide. I would definitely use their services again!
Fatemeh Yadollahi – Education
Sometimes you have to break down to have the pieces to build yourself up again. Thank you for your time and information FCR, especially my counsellor. I contacted FCR ,from work BC, They were more than helpful. FCR team has helped and supported me all to learning new things and challenging for new job. They helped me achieve my current goals. Thank you FCR:-)
Mona – Health
“ Many people had succeeded in finishing their equivalency process in Canada. But how many were able to get the Canadian experience before they apply to work!!?. Myself , I have tried so many times to apply for jobs. The common question was “ Do you have Canadian experience!?”… To overcome the “No” answer. I contacted FCR program and they were more than helpful. In a very short time, I started already my volunteering and started my Canadian experience. FCR Team has helped and supported me all the way to get my volunteering. Even more, they believed in me, and started to help to paint my future in Canada. Thank you!
Sara – School Teacher
PICS – FCR program is doing a great job at helping people like me pursue their dreams!
The FCR program has helped me study nutrition, so I can help incorporate it into the school curriculum! Thank you so much for all your help! 🙂
Mohamad Mottaghi ( Environmental Design Engineer)
I have worked with several institutions for learning and employment, and FCR is one of the best among the service agencies. They went directly toward the problems without wasting time, and by helping me to plan and making the necessary appointments, they helped me achieve my current goals. At each stage, Meena was patient and diligent in providing explanations and sending me well-timed information and answers. A great technology advisor, Jacqueline, also provided me with valuable and helpful information on related courses and resources. I wish these folks and this institution success.
Parwinder Rai – Education
“I want to thank the FCR Program for helping me with my Career Action Plan and credential assessment. I have received my credential evaluation report and has been accepted in the Teacher Assistant program at Surrey Community College. I feel very happy with my enrolment and today I will be attending my first class. I really appreciate the work of my counsellor and FCR program. This has given me the opportunity to settle back in my related career.”
Valentine Osa Eweka – Education
“The staff of FCR program is fantastic, very professional and made sure I got the help I needed. With FCR loan amount, I am able to pay my rent and other expenses while completing my addiction counselling practicum to become an addiction counsellor. These FCR services has provided me with the opportunity to concentrate on my practicum”.
Satveer Dadrwal (International Vet Graduate)
” When I met the FCR counsellor in Vancouver, I had no idea about this program (FCR). She explained everything to me in a very detailed manner. I highly appreciate the time she spent to take me through the program and helping me with the application process. FCR counsellor made the process super easy and quick for me. Her experience and knowledge benefited me to choose the right option. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is seeking to get low interest loan with minimum hassles. After getting the loan approval, I am financially more confident and able to concentrate on my studies than worrying about the fees. Thank you Meena and her team !”
Shabnam Arya Malhi – Instructor
“My sincere thanks to PICS and my Counsellor whom I met @Vancouver Job Fair. With my counsellor’s guidance and career action plan, I decided to take the Instructional skills workshop in Victoria. I used the FCR loan to get my credentials evaluation and to pay the fee of ISW workshop. PICS paid for my travel expenses and as a result of this program, I am working part-time as an assistant instructor at a community college. Sincere thanks to the FCR program and my counsellor”.
Mahsa Keikha – Mechatronics Engineer
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my career counsellor Meena, and the FCR loan program for their amazing role in facilitating loans to new comers for continuing studies. They are amazingly fast and provide help and support to anyone who plans to get their foreign credentials evaluated. My experience with Meena was great, the loan process was very fast and I accessed the money with little to no wait. The FCR program is very helpful for any one who is eligible and I highly recommend going through them.Thanks again Meena and FCR loan program.”
Morolake Malomo – Health
The Foreign Credential Recognition program helped me to pay for my MCCQE II, ILETS and other certifications. T as well as some upkeep as I had to to my clinical trainee program which was an unpaid position so I definitely needed help. The process was smooth, the staff were polite and kind and the Loan was approved in no time. Thank you FCR loan program. I won’t forget this.
Mona Aseem Abdelmotelb – Dentist
Since I came to Canada 2014, I was trying to find a way to prove myself. To be a dentist in Canada is costly. However, I had to go this hard way, I started already doing my exams, successfully finished two of them but It was hard for me to go to the last step without the FCR program. They helped me a lot, by giving me clear clues about my main plan as well as the alternative ones. When I applied for the loan, in less than 24h, I got the approval and in less than 3 days, the money was already in my account, ready to go.
When you get the loan, theoretically, you think job is done. No, it did not. FCR program will be still supporting you tremendously by sending you all the events and the opportunities that might be helpful for you. I’m really grateful for them and without them, I would not be able to move forward
Big Thank you”
Mehak Sharma – Dentist
My experience with the FCR program has been exceptionally good. They truly understand the struggle of immigrants and help you at each step in your professional journey. The staff is super friendly and got an appointment with FCR counsellor right away and she worked so efficiently to get my loan approved for the exams to practice dentistry in Canada. I will highly recommend this program to all the professionals seeking some sort of financial help. Can’t thank them enough for the wonderful job they do.
Mohammad G – Education
I was a teacher in middle east and needed some financial supports to evaluate my bachelor and master degrees and become ready for academic IELTS. I applied for FCR loan program and my loan became ready in less than one week.
I appreciate Meena Verma in Main street branch for her guidance, help and patience during the process too.
Fadi Esber – Technologist
I would like to thank you Meena for all the efforts you have made in order to facilitate obtaining my FCR loan. I highly appreciate the care, efficiency, and support you have shown. I landed in BC two months ago, and now I am able to start my certificate equivalency process smoothly. So would like to thank PICS for their efforts in helping new comers, and I recommend PICS-FCR program for those who seek a reliable source for financial support.
Amrita, Dentist from India
I was impressed with the convenience and streamlined approval process. The process was smooth and I received my funds in a couple of days. It helped me to take first step towards my long term goal to restore myself in my parent profession. The experience was great and FCR Program made me feel valued.
ASTTBC
ASTTBC was please to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2019 Wood Design Awards and pleased to invite as ASTTBC guests, new provisional member (L) Shakun Singla and (R) Sherene Kurien (application in process). Shakun Singla has a background in Architecture and a Masters in Urban Design from UBC and Sherene Kurien has a background in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters of Science in Management. Both are part of the PICS FCR Loans program, extremely bright and are seeking their first professional opportunity in Canada. They are pictured here with Jacqueline de Raadt, Manager, Community Relations, ASTTBC.
Nader Asad (Nurse)
“It was a very fast process with Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) and Vancity Bank for the personal loan program. After my application, the process was completed within couple of weeks then I got my loan. Although the loan was not to what I applied, but the rate of interest and processing charges were very much minimal too.”
Shakun (Technologist)
“Very pleased, that I chose to go with FCR program through PICS Work BC. As a recent independent skilled immigrant from a regulated profession, starting a new life in Canada was always a big concern for me, especially with limited financial sources, all I know was my journey won’t be easy!
