WES Credential Assessment Guide for Newcomers to Canada

What Is a WES Credential Assessment?

When you move to Canada with a degree or diploma from another country, Canadian employers, universities, and government agencies may not immediately understand the value of your education. A credential assessment translates your international education into Canadian terms, so that everyone can understand what your qualifications mean in the Canadian context.

World Education Services (WES) is the most popular organization for this purpose in Canada. WES reviews your academic documents and issues an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report that shows the Canadian equivalent of your international degree. For example, a four-year Bachelor of Engineering from India might be assessed as equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Canada.

This credential assessment is a critical step in your settlement journey. Without it, you may face barriers when applying for immigration programs, professional licenses, or jobs in your field. Understanding the process early can save you time and help you plan your next steps effectively.

Why Do You Need a WES ECA?

There are two main reasons newcomers to Canada need a credential assessment from WES or a similar organization.

For Express Entry Immigration Applications

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires an ECA if you want to claim points for your foreign education under the Express Entry system. Express Entry is the main pathway for skilled workers to become permanent residents of Canada. Under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), your education level significantly affects your score. Without an ECA, your foreign education is worth zero points.

For Express Entry, only ECAs from IRCC-designated organizations are accepted. WES is one of the designated organizations, along with several others listed later in this guide.

For Professional Licensing and Employment

Many regulated professions in Canada, including engineering, nursing, teaching, accounting, and pharmacy, require that your international education be assessed before you can apply for a license to practice. Some employers also request credential assessments as part of their hiring process, especially for positions that require specific educational qualifications.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a WES ECA

The WES credential assessment process involves several steps. Follow this guide carefully to avoid delays.

Step 1: Check WES Requirements for Your Country

WES has specific document requirements for each country and institution. Before you start, visit the WES Required Documents page and select your country of education. This page will tell you exactly which documents you need and how they must be sent to WES.

For most countries, you will need official transcripts and your degree certificate or diploma. Some countries require documents to be sent directly from the institution to WES, while others require documents to be sent through a government verification body.

Step 2: Create a WES Account and Submit Your Application Online

Go to wes.org/ca and create an account. Fill out the online application form, which asks for your personal information, education history, and the purpose of your assessment (immigration, employment, or education). You will receive a WES reference number, which you will need when arranging for your documents to be sent.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

The WES ECA for immigration purposes costs $220 CAD for the basic document-by-document assessment. If you need a course-by-course assessment (which some professional licensing bodies require), the cost is $260 CAD. Additional fees apply for extra report copies ($35 each) and courier delivery of your report ($85 for international delivery).

You will also need to pay any fees charged by your educational institution or verification body for sending documents to WES. These fees vary by country and institution.

Step 4: Arrange for Your Documents to Be Sent to WES

This is often the most time-consuming part of the process. You need to contact your university or the relevant verification body in your country and arrange for your official documents to be sent directly to WES. Documents sent by you (the applicant) are generally not accepted unless WES specifically allows it for your country.

For example:

• India: Transcripts and degree certificates are typically sent through the institution or through DataFlow/the institution's verification portal.
• China: Documents must be verified through the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC) before being sent to WES.
• Philippines: Documents are usually sent directly by the institution to WES.
• Nigeria: Transcripts are sent by the institution, and the degree must be verified by the institution.

Step 5: WES Reviews Your Documents

Once WES receives all required documents, they review and verify them. The standard processing time is approximately 35 business days (about seven weeks). WES will update the status of your application in your online account, so you can track progress.

Step 6: Receive Your ECA Report

When the assessment is complete, WES issues your ECA report. The report states the Canadian equivalency of your international education. For example, it might say "equivalent to a Bachelor's degree (four years) completed in Canada." You can view your report online and have copies sent to IRCC, universities, or employers.

Documents You Will Need

While specific requirements vary by country, the following documents are commonly required for a WES ECA:

• Official transcripts: A record of all courses taken and grades received, sent in a sealed envelope directly from the institution to WES.
• Degree certificate or diploma: Your official degree or diploma document. Some countries require a notarized or attested copy.
• Marksheets (for countries like India): Detailed records of marks obtained in each semester or year.
• Translations: If your documents are not in English or French, you must provide certified translations. The translation must be done by a certified translator.

Processing Time and How to Avoid Delays

The WES assessment takes approximately 35 business days after all documents are received. However, the total time from application to receiving your report can be longer due to the time it takes for your institution to send documents.

Common Causes of Delays

• Your institution is slow in sending documents to WES
• Documents are incomplete or do not meet WES requirements
• Additional verification is needed for your documents
• You selected the wrong document requirements for your country

Tips to Speed Up the Process

1. Request documents from your institution before or at the same time you submit your WES application.
2. Double-check the WES required documents page for your specific country and institution.
3. Follow up with your institution regularly to ensure documents have been sent.
4. Use the WES online tracker to monitor which documents have been received.
5. If your institution offers electronic delivery of documents, choose that option as it is usually faster than postal mail.

Cost Breakdown

Here is a breakdown of the costs you can expect when applying for a WES ECA:

• WES ECA evaluation fee (document-by-document): $220 CAD
• WES ECA evaluation fee (course-by-course): $260 CAD
• Additional report copies: $35 CAD each
• International courier for report delivery: $85 CAD
• Institution fees for sending documents: Varies ($20 to $100+ depending on country and institution)
• Certified translation fees (if applicable): $50 to $200+ per document

In total, expect to spend approximately $300 to $500 CAD for the complete process, depending on your specific circumstances. While this is a significant expense, it is a necessary investment in your immigration and career goals in Canada. For tips on managing your finances as a newcomer, see our guide to Canadian banking.

Alternatives to WES

WES is the most popular credential assessment organization in Canada, but it is not the only option. IRCC accepts ECAs from several designated organizations. Depending on your situation, one of these alternatives may be better for you.

IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)

IQAS is operated by the Government of Alberta. It is an IRCC-designated organization and is often used by newcomers settling in Alberta. IQAS processing times and fees are comparable to WES. Some applicants prefer IQAS because certain institutions may send documents to IQAS more readily than to WES.

ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service of Canada)

ICAS is based in Ontario and is another IRCC-designated option. It is commonly used for ECAs related to both immigration and professional licensing in Ontario.

University of Toronto Comparative Education Service (CES)

The University of Toronto CES provides credential assessments that are accepted by IRCC. It is sometimes chosen by applicants whose education is from countries or institutions with which the University of Toronto has established verification processes.

MCC (Medical Council of Canada)

If you are a medical professional (doctor), you need an assessment from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). The MCC assessment is specifically designed for international medical graduates who want to practice medicine in Canada.

How to Choose

For most applicants, WES is the best choice because it is the most widely recognized and has the largest database of international institutions. However, consider these factors:

• If your institution has difficulty sending documents to WES, check whether they have an easier process with IQAS or ICAS.
• If you are settling in Alberta, IQAS may be more convenient.
• If you need a credential assessment for a specific professional licensing body, check which organizations they accept.

What Happens After You Get Your ECA

Once you receive your WES ECA report, you can use it for several purposes.

For Express Entry

Upload your ECA report to your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website. The report number and details will be part of your application. Your ECA is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If your ECA expires before you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will need to get a new one.

For Professional Licensing

Submit your ECA report to the relevant regulatory body for your profession. Note that some professions require additional assessments beyond a general credential evaluation. For example, engineers may need an assessment from Engineers Canada, and teachers may need an evaluation from the provincial teacher certification body.

For Further Education

If you plan to pursue further education in Canada, your ECA can help Canadian universities and colleges understand your academic background. Some institutions accept the WES ECA directly, while others may conduct their own internal assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a WES ECA from outside Canada?

Yes. Most applicants start their WES application before they arrive in Canada. You can apply from anywhere in the world. This is recommended because the process takes several weeks and you want your ECA ready when you need it.

What if WES does not recognize my institution?

WES evaluates credentials from recognized institutions. If your institution is not in their database, they may still be able to assess your credentials but may require additional verification. Contact WES directly to discuss your situation before applying.

Can I update my ECA if I get additional education?

If you complete additional education after your initial ECA, you can apply for a new assessment that includes your new credentials. You will need to submit a new application and pay the evaluation fee again.

What if I disagree with the assessment result?

If you believe your credentials were not assessed correctly, you can request a review from WES. There may be a fee for the review. You should provide any additional documentation that supports your case.

Start Your Credential Assessment Today

Getting your credentials assessed is one of the most important steps you can take as a newcomer to Canada. Whether you need it for Express Entry, professional licensing, or employment, a WES ECA helps Canadian organizations understand the value of your international education. Start the process early, gather your documents, and be patient with the timeline.

For help navigating the credential assessment process and other aspects of settling in Canada, visit WelcomeAide. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about WES, Express Entry, and more in your preferred language. Check out our guide to your first weeks in Canada, explore our blog for more newcomer guides, or learn about our mission to support newcomer integration across Canada.