Preparations to apply to an academic program such as the ITLP Comprehensive Program can take a long while. Therefore, if you are considering applying to the ITLP, we strongly encourage you to begin your preparations early, to ensure that your file is complete and eligible for assessment.

Here’s what you need to apply:

To support your application as an internationally trained lawyer or internationally educated law graduate, you will need to have the official academic records sent from your law school/university to the ITLP, as well as confirmation in writing from your licensing body that you are eligible to practise law and are a member in good standing in that jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, it can take a very long time to have these documents sent directly to the ITLP and we encourage you to begin the requisition process as soon as possible to ensure your ITLP application file is complete.

To support your immigration status, we will need certified documentation confirming you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or convention refugee.

Applicants are required to provide the ITLP with a copy of their original National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) Assessment/Recommendation Letter outlining the expected subjects/courses to complete. In addition, the ITLP requires copies of any additional correspondence with the NCA regarding decisions on appeals, or results of examinations already completed. Please ensure that you contact the NCA in advance of the Comprehensive Program application deadline to ensure we receive your materials in time.

Applicants whose primary language is not English or who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must provide the ITLP with the results of an English language proficiency test. Test results must be provided by the testing agency directly to the ITLP and must be less than two years old from the application deadline. Please see the English Language Proficiency Requirements for information on the minimum test scores and how to obtain these assessments.

All applicants are required to attend an in-person written test and may be asked to attend the ITLP offices for an in-person interview with our Admissions Committee. 

In addition to the CDN$100 application fee, you should begin to consider how you will fund your participation in the Comprehensive Program, as the Program Fee will be due and payable prior to starting the program. As well, you will be required to purchase books and other materials. Planning for the financial requirements of the program in advance of starting will be a tremendous benefit to you.

Final checklist

Ensure you are able to answer YES to all of these questions before you apply to the ITLP Comprehensive Program:

• I have a law degree (LLB or JD) from a country outside of Canada and/or I am fully qualified to practise law in a country other than Canada; and
• I am a permanent resident, convention refugee or Canadian citizen; and
• I have had my legal credentials assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and have obtained a Letter of Assessment/Recommendation from the NCA outlining my requirements for accreditation, or I have begun the process with the NCA for my Letter; and
• My primary language is English and/or I graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was English; or I have taken the required English Language Proficiency test and my results will be available to the ITLP by application deadline.