If you earned your degree, diploma, or certificate outside Canada and plan to immigrate, you may have heard about an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). For many newcomers, getting an ECA is an important step toward using foreign education for Canadian immigration purposes.
But what exactly is an ECA? Who needs one? Which organization should you choose? What documents are required, how much does it cost, and how long does the process take?
This guide explains how to get an Educational Credential Assessment for Canada, with a focus on immigration and Express Entry.
What Is an Educational Credential Assessment?
An Educational Credential Assessment, commonly called an ECA, is a report that evaluates a foreign educational credential and indicates its Canadian equivalent.
For example, if you earned a bachelor’s degree outside Canada, an ECA may determine whether that qualification is comparable to a Canadian bachelor’s degree or another Canadian educational level.
For immigration purposes, the assessment must come from an organization or professional body designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The assessment can help IRCC determine whether your foreign education meets program requirements and can also help you claim education-related immigration points.
An ECA does not mean that you automatically have permission to work in your profession in Canada. If your occupation is regulated, you may need a separate licensing or credential-recognition process.
Who Needs an ECA for Canada?
You may need an ECA if you completed your education outside Canada and want to use that education for certain Canadian immigration purposes.
For example, under Express Entry, an ECA may be required if you are the principal applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and want to claim foreign education. You may also use an ECA to receive points for education obtained outside Canada.
Your spouse or common-law partner’s foreign education may also qualify for education points if they are accompanying you to Canada.
You generally do not need an ECA for a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate.
It is important to check the requirements of the specific immigration program you are applying under because the education rules can vary.
Why Is an ECA Important for Express Entry?
If you are planning to enter the Express Entry pool, your foreign education may contribute to your eligibility or ranking.
An ECA helps IRCC understand how your foreign qualification compares with the Canadian education system. Your ECA report contains the assessment result that you use when completing your immigration profile.
If you receive an invitation to apply, you must be prepared to provide supporting documents as required.
IRCC states that an ECA must generally be less than five years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application. An expired ECA can cause problems with an application.
How to Get an ECA for Canada: Step-by-Step
Getting an ECA is usually straightforward when you follow the instructions of the organization you choose.
Step 1: Confirm That You Need an ECA
Before paying for an assessment, determine whether your immigration program requires one.
If you are using foreign education to qualify for or receive points under an immigration program, an ECA may be necessary.
Do not assume that every person applying to Canada needs an ECA. The requirement depends on your immigration pathway and circumstances.
For Express Entry, IRCC provides specific rules about when an ECA is required and how foreign education is assessed.
Step 2: Choose an IRCC-Designated Organization
This is one of the most important steps.
For most applicants, IRCC currently lists these designated organizations:
- Comparative Education Service (CES) – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) – British Columbia Institute of Technology
These organizations are designated by IRCC to provide educational credential assessments for immigration purposes.
Do not simply choose an organization because it offers a credential evaluation. You need the appropriate ECA for immigration purposes from an organization recognized by IRCC.
Step 3: Check the Organization’s Requirements
After selecting an organization, visit its official website and check the requirements for your country of education.
The documents required can vary depending on where you studied and the institution that issued your qualification.
You may need documents such as:
- Degree or diploma information
- Academic transcripts
- Official academic records
- Identity information
- Translations, where applicable
- Documents sent directly by your educational institution, where required
For example, WES explains that document requirements can depend on the country or territory where the education was completed.
Always follow the instructions provided by your selected assessment organization rather than relying on a generic document checklist found online.
Step 4: Create an Account and Apply
Once you have chosen an organization, create an account on its official website.
During the application, you will normally provide personal information, details about your education, and information about the purpose of the assessment.
Make sure you select an assessment intended for Canadian immigration.
This is important because different types of credential evaluations exist. An assessment designed for employment, education admission, or professional purposes may not satisfy IRCC’s ECA requirement.
Step 5: Arrange for Your Documents to Be Sent
Your assessment organization will tell you how your academic records must be submitted.
In some cases, the educational institution may need to send transcripts directly to the assessment organization. In other situations, a specific electronic submission method may be available.
Follow the exact instructions provided to avoid delays.
A common mistake is sending documents in a format or through a method that the organization does not accept.
Step 6: Pay the ECA Fee
The cost of an ECA depends on the organization and the services you select.
You may also have additional expenses for:
- Courier delivery
- Document translation
- Additional copies of reports
- Verification services
- Taxes
- Extra credentials
- Other optional services
For example, WES currently lists its Canadian immigration ECA at C$264, before certain additional charges and taxes. Fees can change, so applicants should check the provider’s current pricing before applying.
Do not rely on an old blog post for current ECA prices.
Step 7: Wait for Your Assessment
Once your documents have been received and accepted, the organization will evaluate your credentials.
Processing time varies depending on the organization, the documents involved, verification requirements, and whether additional information is needed.
If an institution must verify your documents, the assessment may take longer.
For this reason, it is wise to begin the ECA process well before you expect to need the report for an immigration application.
Step 8: Receive Your ECA Report
After the assessment is completed, you will receive an ECA report.
The report explains the Canadian equivalency of your foreign education.
Keep your report and reference number safe. If you are using the ECA for Express Entry, you will need the information when completing your profile.
IRCC states that applicants must enter the ECA results and reference number in their Express Entry profile.
Do I Need an ECA for Every Degree?
Not necessarily.
If you have several educational qualifications, you may not need to assess every credential.
For example, if your highest qualification is a master’s degree, you may generally need an assessment for that credential rather than automatically assessing your bachelor’s degree as well.
However, there are important exceptions.
If you want to claim points for two or more credentials, IRCC requires an ECA for each credential being used for those points. At least one of the credentials must represent a program of three or more years of study for the applicable multiple-credential education points.
Because education points can affect your immigration profile, review the current IRCC rules before deciding which credentials to assess.
What Documents Are Required for an ECA?
There is no single document list that applies identically to every applicant.
Your requirements can depend on:
- The country where you studied
- The institution you attended
- The type of qualification
- The assessment organization
- Whether the organization needs verification
- Whether your documents are in English or French
Commonly requested information may include academic transcripts and details of your degree, diploma, or certificate.
If your documents are not in English or French, you may need an acceptable translation.
The safest approach is to check the document requirements directly with your chosen IRCC-designated organization before sending anything.
How Much Does an ECA Cost in Canada?
There is no single government-set ECA price.
Each designated organization establishes its own fees, and additional charges may apply.
Your total cost could include the basic assessment fee plus delivery, document-related services, translations, taxes, or other optional services.
For example, WES currently lists a C$264 base price for its ECA service, while delivery and other charges can increase the final amount.
Because fees change, always confirm the current price on the organization’s official website before making payment.
How Long Does an ECA Take?
ECA processing times vary.
The time required can depend on:
- How quickly you submit the application
- How quickly your school provides the required documents
- Whether the documents meet the organization’s requirements
- Whether additional verification is necessary
- The assessment organization’s current workload
Do not assume that paying for an assessment means the report will be available immediately.
If your immigration plans have a deadline, start the process early enough to allow for document problems or verification delays.
Which ECA Organization Should You Choose?
There is no single ECA organization that is automatically the best choice for every applicant.
The five general-purpose organizations designated by IRCC are CES, ICAS, WES, IQAS, and ICES.
When comparing them, consider:
- Current processing times
- Current fees
- Your country’s document requirements
- How your institution submits records
- Delivery options
- Customer support
- Whether the organization accepts your particular credential
The cheapest option is not necessarily the best option if its document process is difficult for your particular circumstances.
Likewise, choosing a provider solely because a friend used it may not be appropriate for your situation.
What About Doctors, Pharmacists, and Architects?
Some regulated professions have special ECA requirements.
For example, IRCC currently identifies specific professional bodies for certain applicants whose primary occupations are:
- Architects
- Physicians
- Pharmacists
Architects who require an assessment for licensing purposes may need an assessment from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).
Certain physicians may need an assessment from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC).
Certain pharmacists may need an assessment from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).
If you work in one of these professions, do not automatically choose a general ECA organization. Check IRCC’s current rules and the licensing requirements for your intended profession.
Does an ECA Mean I Can Work in Canada?
No.
An ECA evaluates your education. It does not automatically give you a professional license or guarantee employment.
This distinction is especially important for regulated professions.
For example, an ECA may indicate that your foreign qualification is comparable to a Canadian qualification, but you may still need to meet provincial or territorial licensing requirements before practising a regulated occupation.
IRCC specifically notes that an ECA does not guarantee employment or professional licensing in Canada.
Common ECA Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the Wrong Type of Evaluation
A general credential evaluation is not necessarily an immigration ECA.
Make sure the service you order is intended for Canadian immigration and accepted by IRCC.
Using a Non-Designated Organization
An organization may offer credential assessments but still not be designated by IRCC.
Always verify the current IRCC list.
Sending Incomplete Documents
Missing transcripts, incorrect submission methods, or documents that cannot be verified can delay your assessment.
Assessing Too Many Credentials Unnecessarily
You do not always need an ECA for every qualification you have.
Review the rules first so you understand which credentials are relevant to your immigration strategy.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
An ECA can involve several parties, including you, your university, the assessment organization, and sometimes document-verification services.
Starting early can reduce unnecessary stress.
Assuming an ECA Guarantees Immigration Success
An ECA is only one part of an immigration application.
Your eligibility and ranking can also depend on factors such as language ability, work experience, age, and the immigration program involved.
How to Submit Your ECA for Express Entry
Once you receive your ECA, you will use the information from the report when completing your Express Entry profile.
IRCC requires the ECA results and reference number to be entered into the profile. If you later receive an invitation to apply, you should be prepared to provide supporting documentation as instructed.
Keep the original documents and your ECA information in a secure place.
If you have more than one credential and are claiming points for multiple qualifications, make sure you have the appropriate assessment for each credential being used.
Frequently Asked Questions About ECA Canada
Is an ECA mandatory for Canada immigration?
It depends on the immigration program and your circumstances. Foreign education may require an ECA when it is being used for eligibility or immigration points. Check the requirements of your specific program on IRCC’s website.
Is ECA the same as WES?
No. An ECA is the assessment required for certain Canadian immigration purposes. WES is one of the organizations designated by IRCC to provide ECAs.
How long is an ECA valid?
For Express Entry purposes, IRCC says the ECA must be less than five years old when you create your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
Can I use my ECA for employment?
An ECA may help employers understand your foreign education, but it does not guarantee employment or professional licensing.
Do Canadian degrees need an ECA?
No. Canadian degrees, diplomas, and certificates do not need an ECA for this purpose.
Can I get an ECA for a master’s degree without assessing my bachelor’s degree?
In many cases, yes. IRCC generally states that you only need an assessment for your highest credential. However, different rules apply if you are claiming points for multiple credentials.