ECA Process

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine If You Need an ECA:

   • Required for foreign education credentials for Express Entry.
   • Check if your specific PNP or program requires an ECA.

2. Choose a Designated Organization:

   • Select an organization approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for conducting ECAs.
   • Approved organizations include:
     • World Education Services (WES)
     • International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
     • Comparative Education Service (CES)
     • International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
     • International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
     • Medical Council of Canada (MCC) for doctors
     • Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) for pharmacists

3. Gather Required Documents:

   • Academic transcripts and certificates.
   • Translation of documents, if not in English or French.
   • Specific requirements may vary by the chosen organization.

4. Submit Your Application:

   • Complete the application form on the chosen organization’s website.
   • Pay the required fees.
   • Mail your documents as instructed.

5. Wait for Assessment:

   • Processing time varies by organization and can range from a few weeks to several months.

6. Receive Your ECA Report:

   • The ECA report will indicate the Canadian equivalency of your foreign education credentials.
   • You will receive a copy of the report and the organization will also send a copy to IRCC electronically.

7. Use Your ECA for Express Entry:

   • Enter the details of your ECA in your Express Entry profile.
   • The ECA is valid for five years from the date of issue.

Fees and Processing Time

• Fees: Typically range from CAD 200 to CAD 300, depending on the organization.
• Processing Time: Varies by organization but generally takes between 6 to 12 weeks. Some organizations offer expedited services for an additional fee.

Designated Organizations for ECA

# World Education Services (WES)

• Website: WES
• Processing Time: Approximately 35 business days.
• Special Features: Online status tracking, expedited services available.

# International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)

• Website: ICAS
• Processing Time: Varies, typically 12 weeks.
• Special Features: Offers assessments for both general and secondary education.

# Comparative Education Service (CES)

• Website: CES
• Processing Time: 10 to 12 weeks.
• Special Features: Associated with the University of Toronto.

# International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

• Website: IQAS
• Processing Time: 14 to 16 weeks.
• Special Features: Operated by the Government of Alberta.

# International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)

• Website: ICES
• Processing Time: 20 weeks.
• Special Features: Offered by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

# Medical Council of Canada (MCC)

• Website: MCC
• Processing Time: Varies, specific to medical credentials.
• Special Features: Required for internationally educated medical professionals.

# Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)

• Website: PEBC
• Processing Time: Varies, specific to pharmacy credentials.
• Special Features: Required for internationally educated pharmacists.

Important Considerations for ECA

• Choose the Right Organization: Select the one that is best suited for your profession or field of study.
• Document Translation: Ensure all non-English or non-French documents are translated by a certified translator.
• Keep Your ECA Updated: ECA reports are valid for five years. Ensure yours is current when applying.
• Check Specific Requirements: Some occupations have specific requirements, such as medical or pharmacy credentials.

 How to Maximize the Benefits of Your ECA

• Claim Education Points: Use the ECA to claim points for your education in your Express Entry profile.
• Spousal ECA: If your spouse or partner has foreign education, an ECA can contribute additional points to your CRS score.
• Plan for Future Credentials: If you plan to pursue further education or licensing in Canada, the ECA can be useful for academic and professional purposes.

 Resources and Links

• IRCC ECA Information: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Express Entry
• ECA Tool: Find out if you need an ECA
• ECA Organizations: List of designated organizations

Completing an ECA is a crucial step in the Canadian immigration process. It helps validate your educational background and enhances your application’s credibility. If you have any questions or need further guidance on obtaining your ECA, feel free to ask!  01710449365 or 01847546054