When you’re planning to move from one country to another, there are many things you need to think about. You probably know you need your passport and birth certificate, but what else might you need? How about verifying your educational credentials? Do your academic degrees need an evaluation?
In Canada, having your educational credentials assessed can make a big difference in finding a good job. A degree can determine if you get a job paying around $80,000 instead of $30,000.
If you completed your degree in another country, you might need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). An ECA is a report that checks and compares your degree to Canadian standards.
While the benefits of getting an ECA are clear, the process can be long and challenging, but it is definitely doable.
ECA for Canada Express Entry
What is an ECA?
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a report used to verify that a foreign degree, diploma, certificate, or other credential is valid and equivalent to a Canadian one. It is often required for immigration to Canada, particularly under the Express Entry system.
Types of ECAs
- General ECA: For immigration purposes.
- Professional ECA: For those in regulated professions like doctors, pharmacists, etc.
Which Credentials Need Evaluation?
- Post-secondary educational credentials: Generally, evaluations are required for post-secondary credentials such as college diplomas, university degrees, and higher education certificates.
- Highest level of education: For immigration purposes, it is usually sufficient to have the highest level of education evaluated.
- Specific professional credentials: For certain regulated professions, specific credentials may need to be evaluated.
Purpose of ECA
- Immigration Applicants: Individuals applying through the Express Entry system and other immigration programs need an ECA.
- Job Seekers: Foreign-trained professionals seeking employment in Canada.
- Regulated Professions: Individuals in regulated professions such as medicine, engineering, and pharmacy.
- Educational Institutions: Students applying to Canadian educational institutions may need an ECA.
Organizations Designated by IRCC for ECA
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has designated specific organizations to provide ECA services:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Comparative Education Service (CES)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
- Medical Council of Canada (MCC): Only for doctors and physicians.
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC): Only for pharmacists.
Steps to Obtain an ECA
- Choose a Designated Organization: Select an organization from the list above based on your needs (general or professional).
- Prepare Documents: Gather your educational documents, such as degrees, diplomas, and transcripts. The specific documents required vary by organization.
- Submit Documents: Send your documents to the chosen organization. Some organizations require documents to be sent directly by the educational institution.
- Pay Fees: Each organization has its own fee structure, generally ranging from CAD 200 to CAD 300.
- Wait for Evaluation: The processing time can vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.
- Receive ECA Report: The ECA report will detail the equivalency of your foreign credentials to Canadian educational standards.
Documents Typically Required
- Degree/Diploma certificates
- Transcripts/Mark sheets
- Identification documents (e.g., passport)
- Application forms specific to the chosen ECA organization
Cost and Processing Time for ECA
Different agencies will have different processing times for the ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
The table provided below can help assess various agencies quickly:
| ECA Organization | Processing Time (approx.) | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| World Education Services (WES) | 4 Weeks | $220 |
| Comparative Education Service (CES) | 14 Weeks | $210 |
| International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) | 12 Weeks | $230 |
| International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | 15 Weeks | $200 |
| International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) | 13 Weeks | $200 |
| Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – (Professional body for doctors) | 6 Weeks | $290 |
| Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) – (For Pharmacists) | 13 Weeks | $600 |
Note: The above list includes ECA processing times and basic ECA Canada fees. It does not include courier charges and other miscellaneous expenses. Processing time can vary from case to case.
Validity
- An ECA report is generally valid for five years from the date of issuance.
Using the ECA for Express Entry
- If applying through Express Entry, you need to enter the ECA reference number and the results into your Express Entry profile.
- Ensure that the ECA covers the highest level of education you intend to claim points for.
Related FAQs
To submit your documents, you need to upload the report to your Express Entry profile page. This has to be done within five years of receiving the ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
If you miss the five-year deadline, you might be able to get the report reissued by contacting the organization that issued it.
Keep the original documents for your records, but uploading them is necessary for applying and getting permission to stay in Canada.
You can also add more than one credential report on this page. After uploading the first report, you’ll see an option to add more credentials if needed.
Immigrating through the Express Entry or Federal Skilled Workers Program can feel overwhelming because there are many factors to consider.
However, there are resources available to help! Finding a good immigration consultant can make the process much easier.
Contact an immigration consultant today to see how they can assist you with the immigration process.
Some ECAs can be used for both immigration and professional purposes, but often separate evaluations are required for professional licensure.
If your institution or program is not recognized, the ECA report may state that your education is not comparable to Canadian standards, which could affect your immigration application.
Generally, ECAs are required for post-secondary education (college or university level). Secondary education assessments are usually not needed for immigration purposes.
Some organizations allow you to appeal or request a re-evaluation if you believe there has been an error. This may involve additional fees and supporting documentation.