The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is an Alberta government service that assesses international educational credentials and compares them to Canadian educational standards. IQAS helps individuals seeking to study, work, or immigrate to Canada by providing an educational credential assessment (ECA). The ECA is used for immigration purposes, including applications for permanent residence under the Express Entry system.
Types of Assessments
IQAS offers several types of assessments:
- Basic Assessment: Provides a general assessment for employment or further education.
- Immigration Assessment: Provides an ECA for immigration purposes, specifically for applications to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an IQAS assessment, you must:
- Have completed your education outside Canada.
- Submit your original or certified copies of educational credentials.
- Provide translations of documents if they are not in English or French.
- Pay the required assessment fee.
Required Documents
- Application Form: Completed and signed IQAS application form.
- Proof of Identity: Passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Educational Credentials: Original or certified copies of diplomas, degrees, and transcripts.
- Translations: Certified translations if documents are not in English or French.
- Payment Receipt: Proof of payment of the assessment fee.
Application Process
- Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including proof of identity, educational credentials, and translations.
- Complete Application: Fill out the IQAS application form, ensuring all information is accurate.
- Submit Application: Send the completed application form, documents, and payment receipt to IQAS.
- Processing: IQAS reviews the application and assesses the educational credentials.
- Receive Report: IQAS issues an assessment report that compares your international education to Canadian standards.
Costs
| Service | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Basic Assessment | $200 |
| Immigration Assessment (ECA) | $200 |
| Courier Fee (if applicable) | Varies by location |
| Document Translation | Varies by provider |
Processing Time
- Standard Processing Time: Approximately 12 weeks from the receipt of a complete application.
- Expedited Processing: Not available for IQAS assessments.
IQAS Assessment Report
The IQAS assessment report includes:
- Comparison of international education to Canadian educational standards.
- Equivalency of the highest credential completed.
- Recognition of the educational institution and program.
Using the IQAS Report for Immigration
The IQAS ECA report is used for:
- Express Entry: Submitting your ECA report as part of your Express Entry profile increases your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some PNPs require an ECA as part of their application process.
- Other Immigration Programs: Any IRCC program that requires an educational assessment.
IQAS Degree Comparison Table
The IQAS provides equivalency assessments for various international educational credentials, comparing them to Canadian educational standards. Below is a table that outlines how typical international degrees are compared to Canadian equivalents by IQAS.
| International Credential | Canadian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | Canadian High School Diploma |
| Technical/Vocational Certificate | Canadian Post-secondary Certificate |
| Associate Degree | Canadian Diploma |
| Bachelor’s Degree (3 years) | Canadian Bachelor’s Degree (3 years) |
| Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) | Canadian Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) |
| Master’s Degree (1 year after Bachelor’s) | Canadian Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate |
| Master’s Degree (2 years after Bachelor’s) | Canadian Master’s Degree |
| Doctorate/PhD | Canadian Doctorate/PhD |
| Medical Degree (e.g., MBBS) | Equivalent to a Canadian Medical Degree (MD) |
| Professional Degrees (e.g., Law, Engineering) | Equivalent to Canadian Professional Degrees |
Tips for a Successful Application
- Accurate Information: Ensure all information provided in the application form is accurate and complete.
- Certified Documents: Use certified copies of documents to avoid delays.
- Translations: Provide certified translations for documents not in English or French.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to all IQAS guidelines and instructions for document submission.
- Track Application: Use a courier service that offers tracking to ensure your documents reach IQAS safely.
The IQAS assessment is a critical step for individuals looking to use their international education credentials in Canada, whether for employment, further education, or immigration purposes.
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