Apply for a Courtesy Permit
Overview
Registration is mandatory for opticians who wish to provide services in Alberta. In Alberta, the Health Professions Act allows qualified opticians with valid practice permits from other Canadian jurisdictions to practice temporarily in the province through a courtesy permit. while maintaining their primary registration in another province or territory.
Courtesy registration and a practice permit must be in place before providing opticianry services in Alberta.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for a courtesy permit, applicants must:
- Hold and maintain a valid practice permit and registration in their home jurisdiction
- Meet the requirements for registration in Alberta
- Have a specified valid purpose for requesting courtesy registration
- Be requesting a temporary time-limited courtesy permit for up to 30 days. This may be extended up to 90 days upon request and review of the Registrar
- Hold and maintain a valid practice permit and registration in their home jurisdiction
Application Process
Applying for a courtesy permit involves the following steps:
- Gather required documents
a. Submit reasons for requesting courtesy permit and registration
b. Submit timeframes for courtesy permit and registration
c. Request letter of good standing from the regulatory college in the province where you are currently registered. - Complete the application form
a. Contact information
b. Registration information
c. Criminal record check
d. Declaration of good character
e. Provide evidence of Professional Liability Insurance
f. Complete jurisprudence examination
g. Complete Preventing Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct course - Submit your application and fees (application fee and permit fee)
- Await review
- Receive notification
- Gather required documents
Specified Purpose examples:
- Short-term Opticianry services or employment contracts for which there is no regulated member in Alberta available to ensure continuity of care
- Providing short-term training courses, clinical presentations, or continuing education opportunities
- Providing short-term education or presentations to members of the public
- Conducting, or engaging in, an approved research program
- Completing education or training
- Providing short-term specialized opticianry services if no local opticians are available to provide the services
- Providing opticianry
Important Considerations
- Apply for the permit a minimum of 10 business days prior to the required start date of the permit
- You must hold and maintain registration and a valid practice permit in your home jurisdiction. If the permit in the home jurisdiction is suspended or cancelled, you must notify the COA and the courtesy permit in Alberta will be cancelled.
- If a courtesy permit does not meet the specified purpose, you may be asked to apply for a general or provisional registration and practice permit.
- Duration: A courtesy permit is usually valid for up to 30 days. You can only practice in Alberta during the effective dates of the courtesy permit.
- Scope of practice: Be aware of the limitations and scope of practice outlined on the courtesy permit.
- Compliance: Ensure that you comply with all regulations and standards.
Contact information
For further assistance or inquiries about the courtesy permit application please contact: Info@albertaopticians.ca