Foreign Credential Recognition in Canada: WES, IQAS, and Professional Assessments

Why Foreign Credential Recognition Matters

If you studied or trained outside Canada, your degrees, diplomas, and professional qualifications need to be evaluated to determine how they compare to Canadian credentials. This process is called foreign credential recognition, and it affects both your immigration application and your ability to work in your profession in Canada.

For immigration purposes, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) as part of Express Entry applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The ECA confirms that your foreign education is equivalent to a completed Canadian credential, such as a high school diploma, college diploma, or university degree.

For employment purposes, if your profession is regulated in Canada, you may need to have your credentials evaluated by a profession-specific regulatory body before you can legally practise. This is separate from the ECA for immigration and involves additional steps, which we cover in detail below. For an overview of regulated occupations, see our guide to professional licensing in Canada.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Immigration

What Is an ECA?

An Educational Credential Assessment is a report issued by a designated organization that verifies your foreign educational credentials and confirms their Canadian equivalency. For Express Entry purposes, IRCC accepts ECAs from the following designated organizations:

• World Education Services (WES) - the most widely used ECA provider for Express Entry
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) - operated by the Government of Alberta
• Comparative Education Service (CES) - operated by the University of Toronto
• International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) - operated by BCIT
• Medical Council of Canada (MCC) - for medical degree assessments only
• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) - for pharmacy degree assessments only

WES vs. IQAS: Which Should You Choose?

Factor	WES	IQAS
Cost	$220 CAD (standard) + courier fees	$200 CAD (standard)
Processing time	Approximately 20 business days after documents received	Approximately 20-25 business days after documents received
Document submission	Documents sent directly from issuing institution to WES	Documents sent directly from issuing institution or through designated agencies
Countries with special arrangements	Has specific instructions for 200+ countries	Widely accepted but fewer country-specific arrangements
Accepted for Express Entry	Yes	Yes
Accepted for provincial licensing	Varies by regulator	Varies by regulator

How to Apply for an ECA

The general process for obtaining an ECA is as follows:

1. Create an account with your chosen ECA provider (such as WES or IQAS)
2. Request your academic documents from your educational institution. Most ECA providers require documents to be sent directly from the institution, not from you. This includes official transcripts, degree certificates, and course descriptions
3. Pay the ECA fee. WES charges approximately $220 CAD for a standard assessment. IQAS charges approximately $200 CAD. Additional fees may apply for courier delivery and extra report copies
4. Wait for processing. Once the ECA provider receives all your documents, processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Some providers offer expedited processing for an additional fee
5. Receive your ECA report. The report will state the Canadian equivalency of your foreign credential. For example, your four-year bachelor's degree from India may be assessed as equivalent to a Canadian bachelor's degree (four years)

How Long Is an ECA Valid?

For Express Entry purposes, your ECA is valid for five years from the date it was issued. Make sure your ECA remains valid throughout your Express Entry application process. For more on Express Entry, read our Express Entry complete guide.

Credential Recognition for Regulated Professions

An ECA for immigration is different from the credential evaluation required to practise a regulated profession in Canada. If your profession is regulated, you will need to go through a separate assessment and licensing process with the relevant provincial or territorial regulatory body.

Engineers

Engineering is a regulated profession in every Canadian province and territory. To work as a professional engineer (P.Eng.) in British Columbia, you must be licensed by Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC). The process typically involves:

• Submitting your academic transcripts for evaluation
• Completing any required confirmatory exams if your education does not fully meet Canadian standards
• Demonstrating at least four years of acceptable engineering experience, including at least one year of Canadian experience (recommended but not always required)
• Passing the Professional Practice Examination (PPE), which covers Canadian law and professional ethics
• Meeting the English language proficiency requirements

The licensing process for engineers typically takes one to three years depending on your qualifications and experience.

Nurses

Nursing is regulated provincially. In British Columbia, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) regulates registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, and registered psychiatric nurses. Internationally educated nurses must:

• Have their credentials assessed by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
• Meet language proficiency requirements (typically CLB 7 or higher for registered nurses)
• Pass the NCLEX-RN examination (for registered nurses) or the CPNRE (for licensed practical nurses)
• Complete any bridging education required based on the credential assessment

The process from initial assessment to licensure typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on whether bridging courses are needed.

Doctors (Physicians)

Becoming a licensed physician in Canada as an international medical graduate (IMG) is one of the most challenging credential recognition processes. The steps include:

• Having your medical degree verified by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
• Passing the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I (MCCQE Part I)
• Securing a residency position through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). This is often the most difficult step, as residency positions for IMGs are limited
• Completing a residency program (typically 2 to 5 years depending on the specialty)
• Passing the MCCQE Part II and obtaining your licence from the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons

Teachers

Teaching is regulated at the provincial level. In British Columbia, the BC Teacher Regulation Branch evaluates applications from internationally trained teachers. Requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree or higher
• A teacher education program of at least 30 semester credits
• A supervised practicum of at least 10 weeks
• Language proficiency demonstration

Some internationally trained teachers may receive a conditional or letter of permission certificate while completing additional courses to meet full certification requirements.

Accountants

To work as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Canada, internationally trained accountants must have their credentials evaluated by CPA Canada. The process involves an assessment of your education, a possible bridging program, and passing the Common Final Examination (CFE). The assessment process typically takes 2 to 4 months, and the full path to CPA designation can take 1 to 3 years.

Bridging Programs

Bridging programs are specifically designed to help internationally trained professionals fill the gaps between their existing qualifications and Canadian licensing requirements. These programs are offered by colleges, universities, and professional associations across Canada.

What Bridging Programs Offer

• Canadian-specific coursework to complement your existing education
• Clinical placements or practicum opportunities for healthcare professionals
• Exam preparation for licensing exams
• Mentorship and networking with Canadian professionals in your field
• Language training focused on professional terminology

Examples of Bridging Programs in BC

Profession	Program	Institution
Nurses	Internationally Educated Nurses Bridging Program	BCIT, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Engineers	Engineering Bridging and Skills Enhancement	Various through EGBC partnerships
Teachers	Teacher Education bridging courses	UBC, SFU, University of Victoria
Pharmacists	Pharmacist bridging programs	UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Various professions	Skills Connect for Immigrants	MOSAIC, ISSofBC, and other settlement agencies

Costs and Timelines

ECA Costs

Provider	Standard Fee	Processing Time
WES	$220 CAD + courier	20 business days
IQAS	$200 CAD	20-25 business days
CES (U of T)	$230 CAD	12-16 weeks
ICES (BCIT)	$200 CAD	6-8 weeks

Professional Licensing Costs

Professional licensing costs vary widely by profession and province. Budget for the following types of expenses:

• Application fees: $200 to $1,000 depending on the regulatory body
• Exam fees: $300 to $2,500 per exam (some professions require multiple exams)
• Bridging program tuition: $0 to $15,000 depending on the program and funding
• Language testing: $300 to $400 for IELTS or CELPIP
• Annual licensing fees: $200 to $1,500 per year once licensed

Tips for a Smooth Credential Recognition Process

• Start early: Begin the credential recognition process before you arrive in Canada if possible. Request documents from your educational institutions and apply for your ECA while still abroad
• Keep original documents safe: Bring original transcripts, degree certificates, and professional licences with you. Keep certified copies as backups
• Research your profession's requirements: Every regulated profession has different requirements. Visit the regulatory body's website for your profession in the province where you plan to live
• Connect with settlement agencies: Agencies like ISSofBC and MOSAIC have employment programs specifically for internationally trained professionals
• Consider alternative pathways: While pursuing full licensure, explore related roles that may not require the same level of credentialing. This allows you to gain Canadian work experience and income while completing the licensing process
• Apply for funding: Check if you are eligible for government-funded bridging programs, bursaries, or grants for internationally trained professionals

Get Started on Your Credential Recognition

Foreign credential recognition is a critical step in your Canadian immigration and career journey. Starting the process early, understanding the requirements, and using available support services can save you months of time and help you get back to work in your profession faster. For more on finding employment in Canada, read our newcomer guide to finding a job.

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