Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Canada

The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an important step for individuals who are seeking to immigrate to Canada and wish to have their foreign educational credentials recognized. An ECA is a process through which the equivalency of your foreign education is assessed according to Canadian standards. This assessment is required for certain Canadian immigration programs, including Express Entry, to ensure that your education meets the standards in Canada.

What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an evaluation process used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to determine the equivalency of a foreign educational credential to Canadian standards. This assessment helps ensure that your education meets Canadian standards and helps immigration officers understand the value of your education when you apply for permanent residency or other immigration pathways.

Why Do You Need an ECA?

There are several reasons why you may need to get an ECA:

• Express Entry: If you are applying for the Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program), you will need an ECA to verify your foreign education.
• Permanent Residency: For some other immigration programs, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), an ECA may also be required to confirm your eligibility based on educational qualifications.
• Career Advancement: Employers in Canada may also require an ECA to assess your credentials for certain jobs or positions, especially those that are regulated in Canada.

Who Needs an ECA?

If you are applying for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or if you are seeking to have your education recognized for immigration purposes through Express Entry, you must have an ECA for all your post-secondary education completed outside of Canada. This includes:

• Undergraduate degrees
• Post-graduate degrees
• Diplomas and certificates from recognized institutions outside of Canada

Note that if you completed your education in Canada, you do not need an ECA. However, you will need to provide proof of Canadian educational credentials or completion through transcripts.

How to Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

To obtain an ECA, you must have your foreign educational credentials evaluated by one of the designated organizations approved by the IRCC. Here’s how to get an ECA:

Step 1: Choose a Designated ECA Organization

You must use one of the designated organizations approved by the IRCC to conduct the assessment. Some of the designated organizations are:

• World Education Services (WES)
• Comparative Education Service (CES) at the University of Toronto
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
• British Council (for certain programs)

Each organization has its own application process, so be sure to visit their websites for specific instructions and to learn about their services and fees.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents

Once you’ve chosen your designated organization, you will need to submit the required documents. These may include:

• Your original educational transcripts and diplomas (translated to English or French, if necessary).
• Proof of identity, such as a passport.
• Additional documentation may be required depending on the institution or country where your education was obtained.

Be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided by the organization to ensure that all documents are submitted correctly and that the evaluation can proceed without delays.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

There are fees for the ECA process, which vary depending on the designated organization you choose. You can expect to pay anywhere from CAD 200 to CAD 300 or more for the evaluation process. Be sure to check the organization’s website for exact fees.

Step 4: Wait for the Assessment Results

The time it takes to receive your ECA results will depend on the organization and how quickly they process applications. On average, the assessment may take several weeks or even months. You will receive the ECA report, which will detail the Canadian equivalency of your credentials. The report will usually include:

• Your education credentials and the equivalent level in Canada (e.g., bachelor’s degree, master’s degree).
• Comparisons to Canadian education standards.
• Details about the institution where you obtained your credentials.

Step 5: Use the ECA Results in Your Application

Once you receive your ECA, you can use the results when applying for the Express Entry program or other immigration programs. You will need to include the ECA report in your Express Entry profile or submit it as part of your permanent residency application.

Important Points to Keep in Mind

• Timing: It’s essential to start the ECA process early, as it can take several weeks to several months to receive the results. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your application for immigration.
• Validity of ECA: The ECA results are typically valid for 5 years. After 5 years, you may need to get a new assessment if you are applying for immigration.
• Documents in a Foreign Language: If your education documents are not in English or French, you will need to provide certified translations in addition to the original documents.
• Impact on CRS Points: For Express Entry, an ECA can impact your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. If your foreign credentials are assessed as equivalent to a Canadian degree, you may earn more points toward your application.

Fees for ECA

The fees for an ECA vary by organization, but typically, the cost ranges from CAD 200 to CAD 300. Additional fees may apply if you need extra services, such as sending multiple copies of the assessment report or if your documents require translation. Be sure to confirm the total fees with your chosen organization before submitting your application.

Processing Time for ECA

The processing time for an Educational Credential Assessment depends on the organization you choose. Generally, it takes anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to complete the assessment. Some organizations offer expedited services for an additional fee.