Leave of Absence (LOA)

From time-to-time, members find themselves in a situation where they are not working in BC.

A LOA is:
  • a non-practicing status;
  • an alternative form of renewing your membership; and
  • available only to members who are not working in BC in any capacity, whether in forestry or not. See the Eligibility Requirements section below.

Benefits of taking a LOA:

While on a LOA, you may not:
  • use any of the titles specified in the Foresters Act  (section 19)  or the ABCFP Bylaws (verbally, written, or in electronic communications) which could lead a member of the public to believe you are a practicing member of the association;
  • engage in the practice of professional forestry in British Columbia without first reinstating to full active membership;
  • display your certificate, nor use your professional stamp(s) and/or seal(s);
  • participate in the affairs of the association, including:
    • voting; and
    • sitting on council or any boards, committees, or subcommittees; and
  • sponsor an enrolled member. If you are a sponsor, you must inform your enrolled members personally that you are not eligible to be a sponsor and they must find a new sponsor.

Undertaking of these unauthorized acts while on leave is subject to disciplinary action under the Foresters Act.

Eligibility Requirements

Members in good standing who are not working in BC may be eligible for an LOA.

The following are some common reasons:

  • medical considerations
  • maternity or paternity leave
  • returning to school
  • living and working outside the province
  • unemployment
  • not actively working towards registration (enrolled members only)

Members who have conditional status or who are working in BC in any capacity, whether in forestry or not, are not eligible to take a LOA. They must renew their active membership status.

Read the applicable procedures document in the Apply for a LOA section below for full details.

How Long is a LOA Effective?

How Many LOAs May I Take?

MEMBERSHIP TYPE NUMBER OF LOAs
  • Registered - RFT, RPF
  • Associate - ATC, ATE, SAS
  Unlimited* if you are not working in BC
  • Enrolled - ASFIT, ASTFT, FIT, TFT, TNRP
  Maximum of 3 LOAs

*If you have been on non-practicing status for longer than 36 months, you may be required to complete additional requirements deemed necessary to reinstate your membership, including but not limited to, completing professional educational requirements.

  • To continue on LOA, you must reapply by submitting a complete change of status application each year by the applicable deadlines.
  • Read the applicable procedures document listed in the Apply for LOA section for full details.

Apply for LOA


Applications are only accepted during the membership renewal period
from October 1 to January 31.

After this date, if you have already renewed your membership for the
current fiscal year, you do not have to change your status.

 

1. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.

See the Eligibility Requirements section above and read the LOA section in the applicable procedures document for full details.

MEMBERSHIP TYPE* PROCEDURES
  • Registered - RFT, RPF
  • Associate - ATC, ATE, SAS
  • Special Permit - Limited Licensee
  Members Change of Status Procedures
  • Enrolled - ASFIT, ASTFT, FIT, TFT, TNRP
  Enrolled Members Change of Status Procedures

*Members with conditional status are not eligible for a leave of absence and must renew their membership.

2. Complete the online change of status request form and submit the required fees.

  • Membership renewal deadlines apply to LOA requests.
  • Both the application AND fees must be received by our office by these dates or else they are considered late.
  • Members who do not renew their full membership or submit a complete change of status request by January 31 will be struck from the rolls.

    •  

    Date Received* Fees (GST included)  Total
    October 1 to December 1 $109.27 - LOA Fee  $109.27
    December 2 to January 31 $109.27 - LOA Fee
    $57.75 - Administrative Fee on Late Renewal    		  $167.02

 

Apply for LOA Here

 

Check Your Application Status

  • LOA requests must be approved by the Registrar, Professional Practice Committee (PPC), the Board of Examiners, and/or Council. The process takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Requests are approved once a month; a decision is rendered at the end of each month.
  • Requests received in October and early November are approved in December for the new fiscal year.  

 Check COS Application Status Here

  

Reinstate From LOA

You may apply to reinstate from LOA to active status at any time within the fiscal year.  See the Reinstate page for information.

Questions?

Please contact the registration department.