New grad moving from Victoria to Montreal

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · May 23, 2008

Hi Everyone!
I'm a brand spankin new graduate (as of June 5th) and am following my hunny from Victoria, BC to Montreal in July. I've just finished submitting all of my application documents for my recognition of equivalence to the OIIQ.

Congratulations! The next few months are going to be very busy for you...

Here are my questions:
1. About how long is it going to take for my file to be reviewed by the OIIQ?

Wow, if anyone could answer that they'd probably have the inside track! I would count on at least several weeks to a couple of months. The wheels of bureaucracy turn ever slowly. And Quebec has rather a lot of that...

2. Should I write the OIIQ professional exam, OR apply for equivalency through Ontario? (Which would be easier, quicker, cheaper etc?)

If you have the option of seeking equivalency through Ontario, I'd recommend doing that. It might not be cheaper or quicker but it's probably easier.

3. Do I have any chance of working at Montreal Children's Hospital without being fluent in French? (Peds is my passion).

There is nothing in their career postings that suggest fluency in French is a requirement. I had a look at a posting for their hematology/oncology ward (a place that is dear to my heart for diagnosing and treating my son 23 years ago) and they are looking for both experienced nurses and "Candidates to the Profession of Nursing" (high-falutin' for "new grads"), with no mention of French in a posting written completely in English. You could always email their recruiter and ask. http://www.muhc.ca/careers/nursing/apply/

4. Should I apply for a job now (while still in Victoria), wait until I am in Montreal, or wait until I am granted my nursing license from the OIIQ?

If you apply now, you might be able to marshall the assistance of the recruiter to guide you through the maze of paperwork and get some advice on making things come together quicker and easier. If you wait until you're in Montreal, you may find you waste a fair bit of time that could have been better used, and if you wait until after you have your registration finalized, it could be next year before you're actually working. Probably not what you want... Best of luck whichever road you choose.

mayana · Jul 4, 2008

I am under the impression that anyone with a license to practice in the province of Quebec has to pass a French test.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jul 4, 2008

Actually, one has to pass a French language test before Quebec will grant a license to practice.

ohhyeahh... · Jun 11, 2011

Hello to all in this forum, anybody here can explain me what is an "Education equivalency from MICC" means and how can I get it? It's a requirement that I have submit to an employer from quebec.

Much Thanks

vwbeetle · Jul 2, 2011

Hello ohhyeahh,

Here's the link to the site where you can find detailed information in English version:

http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/education/comparative-evaluation/index.html

Basically, it is an education equivalency evaluation of your education done outside of Quebec.

Good luck with this!

ohhyeahh... · Jul 3, 2011

Hello ohhyeahh,
Here's the link to the site where you can find detailed information in English version:
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/education/comparative-evaluation/index.html
Basically, it is an education equivalency evaluation of your education done outside of Quebec.
Good luck with this!

Hi vwbeetle,

Thanks for your response and the link. Quebec is unique, that I have to do this MICC thing, it might be a challenge doing a follow-up with this since I am still leaving here in BC, lol! Much thanks again