Educational Credential Assessment for Canada Immigration Requirements

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an official evaluation used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, certificate, or other academic credential is equivalent to a Canadian credential for immigration purposes. ECA is a key requirement for Canadian immigration and must be obtained from designated organizations approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What Is Educational Credential Assessment
An ECA report confirms that your foreign education is valid and equivalent to a Canadian secondary school or post-secondary credential. IRCC uses ECA to ensure that foreign education meets Canadian standards for immigration applications. The assessment helps immigration officers determine how your credentials compare to Canadian qualifications.

Who Needs an ECA for Canada Immigration
If you completed your education outside of Canada, you generally need an ECA when applying for immigration pathways that require proof of education equivalency.
ECAs are often used to support:

• Federal and economic immigration programs
• Provincial Nominee Programs that consider foreign education
• Points claims for education in immigration scoring
• Even though some programs do not require an ECA for eligibility, an ECA is needed if you want to claim points for foreign education.

How ECA Is Used in Immigration
For IRCC immigration processes, an ECA report is submitted to verify the level of foreign education. The ECA is valid for five years from the date of issue, and it must remain valid when IRCC receives your permanent residence application. A valid ECA helps determine the education score in immigration systems and can support eligibility for a range of immigration categories.

Designated Organizations That Issue ECA
IRCC accepts ECAs only from specific designated organizations approved for immigration purposes. These organizations evaluate foreign academic credentials and issue reports that IRCC will recognize.
Common designated ECA providers include:

• World Education Services (WES)
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (CES)
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
• International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)

Each organization has its own document requirements, fees, and processing timelines, so it’s important to review the guidelines of the organization you choose.

Required Documents for ECA
To complete an ECA application, you typically need the following documents:

• Degree or diploma certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of graduation dates
• Secondary school documents if applicable
• Any official name change documents

If your original documents are not in English or French, certified translations are required before submission to the ECA organization. Translations must be accurate and include a certificate of translation accuracy.

How to Apply for an ECA
Application steps generally include:

1. Choose a designated organization approved by IRCC.
2. Gather and prepare your original academic documents and translations.
3. Submit the required documents and pay the ECA fees.
4. Wait for the organization to evaluate and issue the ECA report.
5. Upload or include the ECA report in your immigration application.

Processing times vary by organization and document volume.

Validity and Renewal of ECA
An ECA report is usually valid for five years from the date of issue for immigration purposes. If your report is nearing expiration and you still need it for an application submission, you may need to request a new report or renewal depending on the organization’s options.

Educational Credential Assessment vs Certified Translation
Educational Credential Assessment is the evaluation of academic equivalency, while certified translation refers to the linguistic conversion of academic documents into English or French when originals are in another language.
Certified translations are required when documents are not in English or French before an ECA can be completed, and they must follow strict formatting and accuracy standards.

Common Uses of an ECA Report
While an ECA is primarily used for immigration applications, it may also help:

• Employers assess foreign education
• Academic institutions evaluate prior education
• Licensing bodies understand credential equivalency

However, an ECA does not guarantee employment or licensure in regulated professions; other assessments or licensing requirements may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Educational Credential Assessment for Canada Immigration

Do I need an ECA for Canada immigration if I already hold a university degree?
Yes. If your degree was earned outside Canada, IRCC requires an Educational Credential Assessment to verify its Canadian equivalency before it can be used for immigration scoring.

Which organization is best for obtaining an ECA for Canada immigration?
All designated organizations are accepted by IRCC. Many applicants choose WES for speed, while others prefer ICAS, CES, IQAS, or ICES depending on document requirements and country-specific considerations.

How can I check if my degree will be recognized in Canada?
Recognition depends on whether a designated ECA organization can verify and evaluate your institution and credential. Some institutions may require additional verification steps before assessment.

How long does an ECA usually take?
Processing times vary by provider: some complete assessments within a few weeks, while others may take several months depending on document volume and verification steps.

Can one ECA report be used for multiple immigration programs?
Yes. A valid ECA report can be used across different IRCC immigration pathways as long as it remains within its validity period.

Do I need to submit originals, or are copies accepted?
Some organizations require original transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution, while others accept authenticated or sealed copies. Requirements vary by provider.

How long is an ECA valid?
Most ECA reports are valid for five years for immigration purposes. If it expires before IRCC receives your application, you may need to update or renew it.

Can I apply for immigration without an ECA?
You can create an account or explore eligibility, but IRCC will not process or finalize an application that relies on foreign education without a valid ECA.

Do transcripts need to come directly from the university?
Many ECA organizations require transcripts to be sent directly from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope or through a secure electronic service.

Do I need certified translations for ECA if my documents are not in English or French?
Yes. All documents not issued in English or French must be accompanied by certified translations before assessment can begin.

Can an ECA organization refuse to evaluate my documents?
Yes. An ECA may be refused if the institution is not recognized, the credential cannot be verified, or required documentation is incomplete.

Does my spouse also need an ECA?
A spouse does not need an ECA for eligibility, but having one may add additional points to a joint immigration application.

Can I switch my ECA to another organization after starting the process?
You can apply to another organization, but assessments cannot be transferred between providers. You would need to start a new application.

What if my university is not recognized by ECA agencies?
If an institution cannot be verified or is not recognized, the organization may issue a report stating the credential is “not comparable,” which may affect eligibility and points.

If you need a certified translation for your ECA, you can submit your request using the form below.