EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT (ECA) FOR CANADA
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an important report needed for most immigration programs in Canada, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, and Provincial Nomination Programs. You may also need an ECA to study or to work in Canada. In addition, you’ll have to obtain the proper licensing or certification to work in Canada if your occupation is regulated in the province you intend to live.
You worked hard for your credentials and that’s why it’s important to get them recognized. It can even boost your CRS score by 25 points in the Express Entry pool. An ECA lets immigration officials and future employers know that your education is valid and up to Canadian standards. Learn more about the ECA process below!
What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
An ECA is a report used by immigration officials, employers, and schools to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equal to a Canadian one. If you’re immigrating to Canada then it’s important to apply for an ECA report for immigration purposes from an approved ECA organization.
Your ECA report may help when you’re looking for a job but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get a license to practice in a regulated job. Also, the original ECA report must not be mailed to the IRCC offices. Instead, you need to give the report reference number and submit copies when asked.
What You Need to Know About ECAs for Canadian Immigration
How Can You Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
You can only get your credentials validated from the approved IRCC organizations listed in the table below. We recommend that our clients get their ECAs from World Education Services (WES) since they have the quickest processing times of 35 business days.
Approved ECA Organisations for Canadian Immigration Purposes |
1. Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies |
2. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada |
3. World Education Services (WES) |
4. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) |
5. International Credential Evaluation Service |
6. Medical Council of Canada (Doctors) |
7. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (Pharmacists) |
Note: If you intend to apply as a Physician/Specialist Physician (NOC 3111/3112) or Pharmacist (NOC 3131) then you must get an ECA report from professional federal regulatory bodies in Canada listed in the table above. You may also need to get your credentials assessed by provincial regulatory bodies if your job is regulated in Canada, such as trade and occupational professions.
Which Credentials Must Be Assessed?
The good news is that you don’t have to get your entire educational history assessed. In most cases, you only need an assessment of your highest level of education. So, if you have a Bachelor’s degree, you only need an assessment for that degree. You don’t need one for your secondary education. And if you have a Master’s Degree, you only need an assessment for that degree and not one for your Bachelor’s degree.
If you want to get additional points for immigration for having two or more credentials then you can get them all assessed. However, at least one of your credentials must be for three or more years of study to earn full points for more than one credential.
How Much Does an ECA Cost?
An Educational Credential Assessment costs between $200-$220 without courier fees to deliver the original document to you. And it typically takes a few weeks to evaluate your credentials but the report is valid for five years from the time it’s issued.
Costs Without Delivery Fees | |
Approved ECA Organisations | Application Fee |
1. Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies | $210 |
2. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada | $200 |
3. World Education Services (WES) | $220 |
4. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | $200 |
5. International Credential Evaluation Service | $200 |
When Do You Need to Get Your ECA?
Since an ECA report is valid for five years you don’t need to worry about it expiring before you’ve submitted your immigration application. However, it’s an important requirement for a variety of Canadian immigration programs and sometimes needed early in the immigration process. For example, the Federal Skilled Worker Program requires you to give your ECA report before you can create your Express Entry profile.
An ECA report may not be a requirement for other Canadian immigration programs such as the Federal Trades Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class but it could be beneficial to increase your points and your chances of success.
Translate Your Documents to English or French
If your documents such as your certificate, diploma, or degree were issued in any other language apart from English or French then you will need to get them translated before sending them to one of the approved organizations for a credential assessment. It must be word-for-word translations from either your academic institution or a professional translation agency. In most cases, the IRCC requires an affidavit from the translator.
ECA for International Students
If you want to study in Canada then you’ll also need to get your credentials assessed. Most schools in Canada do the assessments themselves by evaluating your transcripts. However, in some cases, you might need to use the services of an assessment agency. Since different schools prefer different agencies it’s best to contact the designated learning institution you want to attend in Canada to find out what kind of assessment they need and accept.
ECA for Foreign Workers
If you’re searching for a job or planning to work in Canada then you might need to get more than just your credentials assessed. Your future employer may also be interested in your qualifications that take into consideration your combined work experience, knowledge, and skills on top of your credentials. For some occupations, you may also need to show proof of specific competencies such as your level of knowledge and skillsets.
Optimize your chances of success!
What are your options for Canadian Immigration? You can consider any of the following pathways to Canadian Immigration:
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Humanitarian and Compassionate
- Study to Immigrate
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
- How to Become a Canadian Citizen: Applying for Canadian Citizenship
- Family Sponsorship
- Spousal Sponsorship
- Express Entry
- Skilled Workers
- Caregivers
- Investors and Entrepreneurs
- Refugee and Asylum
- Visa rejections/Appeals
Chugo Immigration Service is authorized to offer Canadian Immigration and Citizenship services under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Principal Consultant, Pius Chukwuma Ekwulugo RCIC, is a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and has helped many foreigners to start a new life in Canada. We will help you too!
For effective and diligent legal help regarding Canadian Immigration matters, we partner with Weekes Law Office.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Are you looking for an immigration pathway to Canada? If you do not know where to look and how to start, we invite you to book an eligibility consultation with us. We will prepare an individualized assessment report for you and guide you on your immigration journey to Canada.
We advise you to complete the assessment questionnaire now in order to properly plan your application.