ECA for Canada Immigration: WES and Other Approved Organizations
An Educational Credential Assessment, or ECA, tells IRCC what your foreign degree or diploma is worth in Canada. If you studied outside Canada, it’s usually the difference between getting zero points for your education and getting more than a hundred.
Do you need one?
You need an ECA if you’re applying as a Federal Skilled Worker with education from outside Canada. Without it you aren’t eligible for that program at all.
You’ll also want one if you’re applying through the Canadian Experience Class or Skilled Trades and you’d like points for foreign education, or if your spouse is coming with you and has studied abroad.
If your degree or diploma is from a Canadian school, you don’t need an assessment.
Organizations IRCC accepts
Only these organizations can issue an ECA for immigration:
| Organization | Who uses it |
|---|---|
| World Education Services (WES) | Most applicants |
| Comparative Education Service (CES), University of Toronto | Most applicants |
| International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) | Most applicants |
| International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | Most applicants |
| International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES), BCIT | Most applicants |
| Medical Council of Canada | Required for physicians (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102) |
| Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) | Required for pharmacists who need a licence (NOC 31120) |
| Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) | Required for architects who need a licence (NOC 21200) |
WES is the one most people have heard of, often because it’s quick for many countries. But IRCC treats every designated organization the same way. Pick the one that’s fastest and simplest for documents from your country.
How to apply
- Choose an organization and make sure you select the assessment for immigration (IRCC). A general or academic evaluation won’t work.
- Open an account and pay the fee.
- Upload copies of your degrees, and arrange for your university to send official transcripts directly. Each organization has its own rules for each country, so read them carefully.
- When the report arrives, enter its reference number and date in your Express Entry profile.
If you have more than one credential, such as a bachelor’s and a post-graduate diploma, get both assessed. That can move you up to the “two or more credentials” level, which is worth more points.
How long does an ECA last?
Five years from the date it’s issued. It has to be valid when you create your profile and again when you submit your application. If it’s going to expire while you’re in the pool, ask the organization to re-issue it in time. An expired ECA gets the application refused.
Enter your ECA level in the calculator and compare the points.
Quick answers
Is WES the same thing as an ECA?
Not exactly. WES is one of the organizations that issue ECAs. When people say “WES ECA” they mean an ECA issued by WES.
Which organization is best?
For Express Entry they’re all accepted equally. The best one is simply the one that works best for your country.
Does an ECA let me work in my profession in Canada?
No. It’s only for immigration. Regulated jobs like nursing or engineering need a separate licence from the regulator in your province.
Next step: create your Express Entry profile.
