New to Canada
If you are new to Canada, meaning you have received permanent resident status or an open work permit within the last two years, you may be eligible for Internationally Educated Professional (IEP) dues for your initial registration. IEP dues give you the opportunity to establish yourself in the Ontario HR community and get to know HRPA. Please note that IEP dues are a special price-point only and you would join as a Practitioner.
Internationally educated professionals with a background in HR may apply to join HRPA for a reduced price if they can provide proof that they have obtained permanent residency status or an open work permit in Canada within the past 24 months.
To view the IEP dues, click here.
How to Join as an Internationally Educated Professional (IEP)
- In the Join HRPA page click on the “Apply Now” button.
- If you previously created login information, please enter the e-mail address you provided to HRPA, and your password. If you need to retrieve your password, please use the Sign-In Help.
- Click on “Your Profile” then click on the “Not Registered? Start a New Registration Application” button.
- Once the form is submitted you will be directed to the payment area.
- DO NOT submit payment information at the checkout page, CLOSE DOWN the application.
Please let us know that you have completed the online registration and submit a copy of the following supporting document via email to registration@hrpa.ca within 10 business days:
- Proof of permanent residency status in Canada within the past 24 months (copy of front and back of PR card or open work permit)
Once we have reviewed your documents (approximately 5-10 business days), an invoice to complete the registration process will be emailed to you. The invoice will include instructions on how to pay. Please return payment within 10 business days.
HRPA Designations
Gaining the CHRP, CHRL or CHRE designation can help prepare HR IEPs for the realities of the Ontario labour market, and signals to employers that you have the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the HR profession.
To learn more about the benefits and requirements for earning the CHRP, CHRL & CHRE designations, visit our Designations page.

Certified Human Resources Professional

Certified Human Resources Leader

Certified Human Resources Executive
Other support for HR IEPs
In order to help HR IEPs understand the process for earning the CHRP, CHRL and CHRE, HRPA has developed the Designation Guide for Internationally Educated Professionals (PDF).
In addition, HR IEPs should know:
- The experience requirement for the CHRL and the CHRE can be met entirely with professional-level HR experience from outside Canada
- The degree requirement for the CHRL can be met with a degree from outside Canada (international degrees must be assessed by an approved provider for equivalence to a Canadian degree)
- Internationally educated professionals are eligible to pay lower registration dues for their first year of membership in HRPA
The Designation Guide for Internationally Educated Professionals (PDF)should be used together with the Guides for the CHRP designation, the CHRL designation and the CHRE designation, which provide more detailed information about the certification process for each designation.
Please visit the HR Designations section of our website for more information or contact us by phone at 416-923-2324 or by email at registrar@hrpa.ca. For your convenience, you may book an appointment to speak with someone from the Office of the Registrar by phone. Please note that an appointment is not needed to call HRPA.
Human Resources Connections
Human Resources Connections is a seven-week employment outcome program designed to integrate internationally trained HR professionals into their field of expertise. The ACCES Employment model includes strong employer interaction, an academic curriculum delivered by Sheridan College focusing on Canadian context, mentoring opportunities, job placement, and post-hire supports.
Important Documents & Resources
- Working in Canada Canadian Government Job Bank: The Working in Canada Tool can help newcomers to Canada make well-informed decisions about where to live and work.
- Global Experience Ontario An Access and Resource Centre for the Internationally Trained
- World Education Services: Accurate research and intelligence about foreign academic credentials
- Comparative Education Services (CES)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- Find a Language Class: Immigration Ontario
- org: Information Newcomers Can Trust
- 211 Ontario: Easy access to community, social, health and related government services in Ontario