Architects registered in one Canadian jurisdiction may apply to register in other Canadian jurisdictions under the terms of the Canadian Reciprocity Agreement between the 11 Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC).
This national licence reciprocity agreement, effective in 2015, ensures qualified professionals can seamlessly practise across provincial and territorial boundaries, fostering greater mobility, efficiency, and consistency within the profession. By recognizing equivalent standards of education, experience, and examination requirements, this agreement eliminates unnecessary barriers while upholding the integrity and public interest responsibilities of each jurisdiction. Through this streamlined process, licensed professionals can more easily respond to economic demands, contribute their expertise where needed, and support innovation and growth across the country.
Eligibility
The member bodies (i.e. jurisdictions) of ROAC agree to license as an Architect, in their respective province or territory, anyone holding such a licence in another province or territory who meets the other conditions contained in this Agreement. To qualify, the Architect must be in good standing in a Canadian province or territory in accordance with the prescribed attestation. For application details, visit the website of the appropriate architectural regulator:
Alberta Association of Architects
Architects’ Association of New Brunswick / Association des architectes du Nouveau-Brunswick
Architects Association of Prince Edward Island
Architects Licensing Board of Newfoundland and Labrador
Architectural Institute of British Columbia
Manitoba Association of Architects
Northwest Territories Association of Architects
Nova Scotia Association of Architects
Ordre des architectes du Québec
Saskatchewan Association of Architects
Conditions
To obtain a licence as an Architect in another jurisdiction in Canada under the terms of this Agreement, the Architect must:
- complete and submit to the Licensing Authority a written request in accordance with the form contained in Appendix 1 (for Architects licensed in a jurisdiction outside of Ontario wishing to apply to the OAA, use this application form);
- have sufficient knowledge of the laws governing the profession of architecture in the province/territory in which the application is being made, and comply with these laws; and
- pay the required fees.
One of the eleven jurisdictions of ROAC will prescribe application, registration, and other fees for a properly authorized extra-jurisdictional firm, practice, or individual commensurate with the fees for practices, firms, and individuals primarily located within its jurisdiction. (This does not apply to firms, practices, and individuals seeking temporary, limited licences, or limited certificates of practice (CoPs).