Credential Evaluation Services in Canada: WES, IQAS, and

Why Credential Evaluation Matters

If you studied outside Canada, your degrees and diplomas need to be evaluated to determine their Canadian equivalency. This evaluation is required for immigration applications (Express Entry, PNPs), professional licensing, and often for employment. Employers and regulators need to understand what your foreign education means in the Canadian context.

Canada has several designated organizations that perform Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs). Choosing the right one depends on your immigration pathway, profession, and province of residence.

Designated ECA Organizations

For immigration purposes (Express Entry, PNPs), IRCC accepts ECAs from these designated organizations:

1. World Education Services (WES)

The most popular choice for immigration ECAs.

• Cost: $220 CAD (basic evaluation) + document courier fees
• Processing time: 20 business days after all documents received (standard); 3 business days (express, additional fee)
• Pros: Fastest processing, widely recognized, online tracking, experience with credentials from most countries
• Cons: Some countries require documents through specific verification services (which adds time)
• Best for: Express Entry applicants who want fast processing

For a detailed guide, see our WES assessment guide.

2. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

Based in Alberta, operated by the Alberta government.

• Cost: $200 CAD
• Processing time: 12–16 weeks (longer than WES)
• Pros: Government-operated, thorough assessment, well-respected
• Cons: Significantly slower processing than WES
• Best for: Applicants settling in Alberta, those who have time and prefer a government-operated service

3. International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)

Operated by BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology).

• Cost: $200 CAD
• Processing time: 8–12 weeks
• Pros: Well-respected in BC, detailed evaluation
• Cons: Moderate processing time
• Best for: Applicants settling in British Columbia

4. Comparative Education Service (CES)

Operated by the University of Toronto.

• Cost: $230 CAD
• Processing time: 10–12 weeks
• Pros: University-based credibility, detailed assessment
• Cons: Slower than WES
• Best for: Applicants who value university-based assessment

5. Medical Council of Canada (MCC)

Specifically for medical professionals (doctors). Required for physicians seeking to practise in Canada.

6. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)

Specifically for pharmacists.

How to Choose the Right Organization

Consider these factors:

• Purpose: For immigration (Express Entry, PNP) — any IRCC-designated organization works. For professional licensing — check which organization your regulatory body accepts.
• Speed: If you need fast processing for an immigration deadline, WES is the fastest (20 days standard, 3 days express).
• Province: If settling in Alberta, IQAS is a natural choice. For BC, ICES. For Ontario, WES or CES.
• Profession: Medical professionals use MCC. Pharmacists use PEBC. Engineers may need assessment through their provincial engineering regulator (separate from ECA).
• Cost: Prices are similar ($200–$230), so cost usually isn't the deciding factor.

The ECA Process: Step by Step

1. Choose your ECA organization based on the factors above.
2. Create an account on their website and start your application.
3. Request official documents from your educational institution(s):
   • Official transcripts (sent directly from the institution to the ECA organization)
   • Degree certificates/diplomas
   • Course descriptions (sometimes required)
4. Send documents: Some institutions require documents to be sent through specific verification services (e.g., WES requires documents from some countries through their WES verification partner). Check your specific country's requirements.
5. Pay fees and submit your application.
6. Wait for processing. Track your application online.
7. Receive your ECA report. It will state the Canadian equivalency of your education (e.g., "equivalent to a Canadian bachelor's degree, four years").

ECA for Immigration (Express Entry)

For Express Entry, your ECA determines the education points in your CRS score:

• Doctoral (PhD): 150 points (single) or 25 points (with spouse factor)
• Master's degree: 135 points or 25 points
• Two or more post-secondary credentials (one 3+ years): 128 points or 25 points
• Bachelor's degree (3+ years): 120 points or 21 points
• Two-year diploma/certificate: 98 points or 19 points
• One-year diploma/certificate: 90 points or 15 points
• High school: 30 points or 5 points

Your ECA is valid for 5 years for immigration purposes. After that, you'll need a new one.

See our Express Entry guide for how education points affect your CRS score.

ECA for Employment

While not always formally required for employment, an ECA helps Canadian employers understand your qualifications. Include the Canadian equivalency on your resume (e.g., "MBA, equivalent to Canadian master's degree — WES evaluation"). This removes ambiguity about your credentials.

Common Issues and Solutions

• "My institution won't send documents directly." Some organizations accept notarized copies or documents sent through specific courier services. Check with your ECA organization for alternatives.
• "My degree was evaluated lower than expected." Education systems differ globally. A 3-year bachelor's degree in some countries may be evaluated as a 3-year diploma (not a 4-year bachelor's) in Canada. This is a common frustration but reflects genuine differences in program length and content.
• "I have credentials from multiple countries." You can include all credentials in your ECA. Having multiple credentials may increase your CRS points.
• "I disagree with the evaluation." Most organizations have an appeal or review process. You can also try a different designated organization for a second opinion.

Tips for a Smooth ECA Process

1. Start early. Document collection from international institutions can take months. Begin the process as soon as you decide to immigrate to Canada.
2. Check country-specific requirements. Each ECA organization has specific document requirements for different countries. Follow them exactly to avoid delays.
3. Use official translators. If your documents aren't in English or French, get them translated by a certified translator before submission.
4. Keep copies of everything. Make copies of all documents before sending originals.
5. Track your application. Use the online tracking system to monitor document receipt and processing status.
6. Consider multiple evaluations. If you need an ECA for immigration AND a separate assessment for professional licensing, you may need two different evaluations from two different organizations.

Final Thoughts

Credential evaluation is a foundational step in your Canadian immigration and career journey. Choose the right organization based on your needs, start the process early, and ensure your documents meet all requirements. A strong ECA result can significantly boost your Express Entry CRS score and help Canadian employers appreciate the value of your international education.

For more education and immigration guides, see our articles on WES assessment details, credential recognition, and Express Entry.

Beyond Immigration: Other Uses for Your Credential Evaluation

While an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a crucial step for many immigration programs, its utility extends far beyond your initial application to Canada. Understanding the broader applications of your credential evaluation can significantly impact your career and educational journey as a newcomer.

One primary use for your ECA is in professional licensing. Many regulated professions in Canada (e.g., engineering, nursing, teaching) require applicants to have their foreign credentials assessed by a specific provincial or territorial regulatory body. Your ECA provides

Beyond Immigration: How Your Credential Evaluation Powers Your Career in Canada

While a credential evaluation report from services like WES or IQAS is often a crucial step for immigration purposes, its utility extends far beyond your initial application. This document serves as a vital tool in demonstrating the equivalency of your international education to Canadian standards, significantly impacting your job search, professional registration, and even further educational pursuits in Canada.

Canadian employers, educational institutions, and professional licensing bodies are familiar with these evaluation reports. Presenting a clear, official assessment of your credentials can streamline the application process, helping them understand the value and scope of your academic background. When applying for jobs, including your credential evaluation report with your application or mentioning it on your resume can give you a distinct advantage, signaling to potential employers that your qualifications have been independently verified. Our Resume Builder can help you integrate this information effectively, and the Interview Preparation Coach can assist you in articulating how your international experience translates to Canadian workplaces.

Remember, a positive evaluation can open doors to a wider range of opportunities, enabling you to pursue roles that align with your professional background rather than starting anew. It's an investment in your future career trajectory in Canada, helping you access better employment prospects and understand potential benefits through our Benefits Finder.

Navigating Professional Licensing and Bridging Programs with Your Evaluation

For many professionals arriving in Canada, a credential evaluation is just the first step in a multi-stage process, particularly if your profession is regulated. Regulated professions, such as doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, and various trades, require specific licenses or certifications from provincial or territorial regulatory bodies before you can legally practice. Your credential evaluation report will be a foundational document for these bodies to assess your eligibility.

It's crucial to research the specific requirements for your profession in the province or territory where you plan to live and work. The Government of Canada provides a helpful resource on regulated professions and their regulatory bodies. Often, in addition to your evaluation, you might need to complete Canadian-specific examinations, supervised practice, or bridging programs. Bridging programs are designed to help internationally educated professionals meet Canadian licensing requirements by filling knowledge or skill gaps, often including academic courses, clinical placements, or workplace essential skills training. Our AI Navigator can offer general guidance on these complex pathways, and the Settlement Checklist can help you keep track of all the necessary steps.

Starting this research early, even before you arrive in Canada, can save you significant time and effort. While your credential evaluation confirms your academic equivalency, understanding and fulfilling the professional licensing requirements is key to fully utilizing your qualifications in the Canadian workforce. For more specific information, always refer to the official websites of the relevant provincial regulatory bodies or explore resources on the Canada.ca website for job seekers.