Federal Government Funding Program

Program Objectives:

  • Support foreign credential assessment and recognition.

  • Improve access to affordable education and training funding.

  • Provide ongoing one-on-one career counselling.

  • Help participants secure interim and long-term employment in their chosen field or an alternative occupation

Funding Available

  • Micro-loans up to $30,000

  • Flexible repayment terms of 1–5 years

  • Competitive fixed interest rate of 4.86% (until Sept. 30, 2026)

  • No Canadian credit history required

  • Repayment begins 30 days after funding is received.

Eligibility: Applicants must:

  • Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Convention Refugee.

  • Be internationally trained.

  • Provide proof of income, household income, or a guarantor/co-signer

Eligible Expenses: Funding can cover:

  • Tuition, books, and course materials

  • Licensing, certification, and examination fees

  • Bridging programs

  • Professional association memberships

  • Certain living expenses related to training

Occupations Supported

  • Regulated professions (healthcare, engineering, law, etc.)

  • Non-regulated occupations (IT, marketing, administration, etc.)

  • Skilled trades (plumbing, electrical, hairstyling, etc.) 

Application Requirements by Meridian Credit Union to process the loan application:

  • SIN and government-issued ID

  • Address verification

  • Recent bank statements

  • Visa/credit information (if applicable)

  • Employment letter and recent pay stubs (if employed)

  • $1 to open a Meridian account

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you need more information