What is an ECA?
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an official evaluation of your academic qualifications obtained outside Canada. It determines how your foreign education compares to a Canadian credential. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require an ECA if you completed your education outside Canada and want to apply for permanent residence through specific economic immigration programs.
Designated organizations conduct the assessment and is a critical document in the immigration process. It helps Canadian authorities understand your academic background and how it aligns with local standards.
Why is an ECA Required?
When applying through programs like Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class), you must demonstrate that your education meets Canadian standards. The ECA serves as objective evidence of this equivalency.
Here’s what the ECA helps with:
- Validates your degree/diploma/certificate for Canadian immigration purposes.
- Contributes to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry.
- Supports provincial nominee programs (PNPs) and other federal pathways that may consider educational background.
Who Needs an ECA?
You need an ECA if:
- You completed your highest level of education outside Canada.
- You want to claim points for your foreign education in your Express Entry profile.
Note: You do not need an ECA if your education was obtained from a recognized Canadian institution.
In most cases, only the principal applicant requires an ECA. However, if a spouse or common-law partner also holds foreign education, obtaining an ECA for them can increase the total CRS points, thereby improving the overall profile score.
Accepted ECA Organizations
IRCC recognizes only a few organizations to conduct ECAs. Each may have its processing times, fees, and procedures. The approved bodies include:
- 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)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
If your field is specialized (e.g., medicine or pharmacy), you may need to use:
- Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – for specialist and general physicians
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) – for pharmacists
Always confirm the latest list of authorized organizations on the IRCC website.
What Educational Documents Are Required?
To complete your ECA, you will typically need:
- A copy of your degree, diploma, or certificate
- Official academic transcripts sent directly by your institution to the assessment body
- A government-issued photo ID for identity verification
- In some cases, translations if the documents are not in English or French
Some organizations may request sealed envelopes or certified true copies. It’s essential to follow the submission guidelines of the organization you choose.
How Long Does an ECA Take?
Processing times vary based on the volume of applications and the organization selected. On average, it may take:
- WES: 20 to 35 business days (after document confirmation)
- CES: 12 to 20 weeks
- ICAS: 20 weeks or more
- IQAS: 15 to 25 weeks
- ICES: 12 to 20 weeks
Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or verification takes longer from the issuing institution.
Validity and Expiry
An ECA report is valid for five years from the date of issue. It must remain valid for both:
- At the time you create your Express Entry profile
- At the time you receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence
If your ECA expires during processing or before ITA, you may need to obtain a new one to maintain eligibility.
How to Use Your ECA in Immigration Applications
Once you receive your ECA, you must:
- Enter the result in your Express Entry profile under the education section
- Select the type of credential (e.g., bachelor’s degree, master’s, etc.)
- Include the reference number provided on your ECA report
IRCC will use this information to assign the proper number of points for your education. Keep both digital and physical copies of the report safe, as you may be asked to provide it during future stages of processing.
Tips for Applicants
- Please start the process early: Since some assessments can take several months, it’s wise to begin well before creating your Express Entry profile.
- Verify your institution’s cooperation: Some schools may have specific requirements or delays in sending transcripts.
- Choose the proper organization: If your field requires professional licensing in Canada (e.g., engineering, healthcare), research whether the ECA organization supports this pathway.
- Ensure consistency: Ensure the name on your ECA matches the name on your passport and other application documents.
ECA for Multiple Credentials
If you have more than one academic credential (e.g., a diploma and a degree), you may submit all for assessment. However, only the highest completed credential usually contributes to your CRS score unless combining credentials adds value (e.g., two or more post-secondary programs of at least three years combined).
Be strategic and assess whether submitting additional credentials will improve your profile before paying extra assessment fees.
