Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Guide for Canada

What Is an Educational Credential Assessment?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a report that verifies whether your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian credential. If you studied outside Canada, you will likely need an ECA to apply for permanent residence through programs like Express Entry. The assessment compares your degree, diploma, or certificate to Canadian standards and tells IRCC how your education measures up.

See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

See also: Express Entry CRS Score Guide

For many newcomers, the ECA is one of the first steps in the immigration process. Understanding how it works, which organization to use, and how to avoid common pitfalls will save you time and frustration.

Why Do You Need an ECA?

Canada's immigration system awards points for education. Under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used in Express Entry, your education level significantly affects your score. However, IRCC cannot evaluate every education system in the world, so they rely on designated organizations to assess foreign credentials.

Without a valid ECA, your foreign education will not count toward your Express Entry points. This could mean the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and being passed over.

Designated Organizations for ECAs

IRCC recognizes specific organizations to perform ECAs. As of 2026, the designated organizations are:

• World Education Services (WES): The most popular choice among applicants. Known for relatively fast processing times and a straightforward online process.
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS): Based in Ontario, offers assessments for both immigration and employment purposes.
• Comparative Education Service (CES): Operated by the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies.
• Medical Council of Canada (MCC): Specifically for medical professionals who need their medical degrees assessed.
• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC): For pharmacists seeking credential recognition.

For the complete and current list, visit the IRCC designated organizations page.

How to Apply for an ECA: Step by Step

The process varies slightly depending on the organization you choose, but the general steps are similar. Here is a typical process using WES as an example:

1. Create an account: Visit the WES website and create an online account. Select 'ECA for IRCC' as the purpose of your assessment.
2. Fill out the application: Provide your personal details, educational background, and the credential you want assessed.
3. Pay the fee: ECA fees typically range from CAD $200 to $260 depending on the organization. Additional fees may apply for document courier services.
4. Request documents from your institution: Your university or educational institution must send your official transcripts and degree certificates directly to the assessing organization. This is often the most time-consuming step.
5. Send your own copies: In addition to the documents sent by your institution, you usually need to send your own copies (sealed in an envelope from your institution) or upload scanned copies through the online portal.
6. Wait for processing: Processing times vary. WES typically processes applications within 20 to 35 business days after receiving all documents. Other organizations may take longer.
7. Receive your report: Your ECA report will be available online and a physical copy will be mailed to you. The report will state the Canadian equivalent of your foreign credential.

What Documents Do You Need?

The exact documents depend on your country of education and the assessing organization. Generally, you will need:

• Official transcripts (mark sheets) for all years of study
• Your degree, diploma, or certificate
• Translations of documents that are not in English or French (by a certified translator)
• A copy of your passport or government-issued ID

Some countries have specific requirements. For example, applicants from India may need to use WES's verification partners, and applicants from China may need to go through the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) or the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC).

How Long Is an ECA Valid?

An ECA report is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If your ECA expires while your Express Entry profile is still in the pool, you will need to obtain a new one. Plan accordingly and factor in the processing time when deciding when to apply.

How Education Points Work in Express Entry

The CRS awards points based on the Canadian equivalent of your education:

• Secondary school (high school): 30 points (with no spouse) or 28 points (with spouse)
• One-year post-secondary credential: 90 points or 84 points
• Two-year post-secondary credential: 98 points or 91 points
• Three-year or longer post-secondary credential: 120 points or 112 points
• Two or more post-secondary credentials (one must be 3+ years): 128 points or 119 points
• Master's degree or professional degree: 135 points or 126 points
• Doctoral degree (PhD): 150 points or 140 points

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to a non-designated organization: Only ECAs from IRCC-designated organizations are accepted for immigration purposes. An assessment from any other organization will not be valid.
• Not requesting official documents early enough: Getting transcripts from your university can take weeks or months, especially if you are requesting them from another country. Start this process as soon as possible.
• Submitting incomplete documents: Missing transcripts, untranslated documents, or unofficial copies will delay your assessment.
• Letting your ECA expire: Keep track of your ECA's expiry date and renew it if necessary before submitting your immigration application.
• Choosing the wrong assessment type: Make sure you select the ECA specifically for IRCC purposes, not for employment or professional licensing.

Tips for a Smooth ECA Process

1. Contact your university or institution before applying to confirm they can send documents to the assessing organization.
2. Use courier services for international document delivery to avoid postal delays.
3. Keep digital copies of all documents you submit.
4. Track your application status online through your assessing organization's portal.
5. If your country has specific verification requirements, research them thoroughly before applying.

For more on how your education and other factors affect your immigration score, see our guide on TEER categories and NOC codes.

See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada

See also: How to Find Your NOC Code

Next Steps

Once you receive your ECA, you can use it to create or update your Express Entry profile. Enter the results carefully, ensuring the credential level matches what is on your ECA report. With your ECA in hand, you are one step closer to your goal of permanent residence in Canada.

ECA for Professional Licensing vs. Immigration

It is important to understand that an ECA for immigration is different from credential recognition for professional licensing. If you are a regulated professional, such as a doctor, engineer, nurse, or accountant, your ECA for immigration does not automatically allow you to practice your profession in Canada. You will need to go through separate credential recognition processes with the relevant provincial regulatory body for your profession.

For example, if you are an engineer, you will need to apply to the provincial engineering association (such as Engineers Canada or the Professional Engineers Ontario) to have your credentials assessed for the purpose of obtaining a professional license. This is a completely separate process from the ECA you obtain for your immigration application.

What If Your ECA Result Is Lower Than Expected?

Sometimes, applicants are surprised to find that their foreign credential is assessed as equivalent to a lower Canadian credential than they expected. For instance, a four-year bachelor's degree from some countries may be assessed as equivalent to a three-year Canadian credential, or a master's degree may be assessed as equivalent to a bachelor's degree.

If you believe the assessment is incorrect, you can request a review from the assessing organization. Most organizations have a formal appeal or reassessment process. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as course descriptions or syllabi, to support your case. If the reassessment does not change the result, you can try applying through a different designated organization, as different assessors may interpret your credentials differently. However, keep in mind that applying to multiple organizations means paying multiple fees.