Everything you need to know about credential assessments for Canadian immigration

As part of the immigration process, you may need to submit specific documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These documents can strengthen your application by earning you additional points, ultimately improving your chances of successfully immigrating to Canada. Some key documents include an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report, language proficiency test results (such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF), and proof of work experience through employer reference letters. Since the credential assessment process requires both time and financial investment, it’s important to start early and plan accordingly.

In this article, we will explore the process of obtaining a credential assessment, identify which credentials need to be assessed, and highlight the authorized agencies that provide ECA services.

Why credential assessment matters

Getting your credentials assessed offers several advantages:

• It helps potential employers understand your qualifications.
• It allows you to determine the types of jobs you may be eligible for in Canada.
• It ensures that your credentials meet Canadian standards.
• It helps you identify whether additional training, education, or Canadian work experience is required for your career goals.

What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an evaluation process that confirms whether your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and comparable to a Canadian credential. Different types of ECAs exist, but if you are applying for immigration, you must obtain an ECA specifically designated for immigration purposes.

Which academic qualifications require assessment?

In most cases, you only need to have your highest level of education evaluated for immigration purposes. This includes your diploma, certificate, foreign degree, or any other proof of your educational qualification. For example, if you hold a Master’s degree, you generally only need to have that degree assessed and not your Bachelor’s degree.

However, if you want to earn points for having multiple educational credentials, each one must be assessed separately. To receive the maximum points for multiple credentials, at least one of them must be from a program that lasted three years or more. The sequence in which you completed your educational qualifications does not impact the points you receive.

Regulated occupations, professions, and trades

Certain jobs in Canada are regulated by provincial, territorial, or federal laws and require a license, certification, or registration with a regulatory authority. These regulated jobs are often referred to as professions, skilled trades, or apprentice-able trades. Examples of regulated professions include doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, architects, and engineers, while trades such as bakers, carpenters, and electricians may also require certification.

If you plan to work in a regulated occupation, you must obtain the necessary credentials from the appropriate regulatory body in the province or territory where you intend to work. It is important to note that some professions are regulated in certain provinces and territories but not in others. Additionally, if you hold a license to practice in one province, it may not be valid in another.

Different regulatory bodies oversee different professions and trades, so it’s crucial to check with the governing authority for your specific field. They can inform you about the required credential assessment agency and any additional steps necessary to obtain recognition for your qualifications. You can find regulatory body contact information on the Canadian Job Bank website or by visiting the individual websites of the relevant regulatory organizations.

Non-regulated occupations

Many occupations in Canada are not regulated, meaning you do not need a license or certification to work in those roles. However, some employers may still prefer candidates who are registered or certified by a professional association. Having your educational credentials assessed and recognized can help potential employers understand your qualifications.

If you are applying for a non-regulated job, you can have your credentials evaluated by an authorized assessment agency for a fee. Once assessed, you can include this information in your resume to showcase your qualifications to potential employers.

Authorized institutions for obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) in Canada

To have your educational credentials evaluated for immigration purposes, you must obtain an assessment from an organization or professional body designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Each designated organization has its own process for document submission, processing times, and fees. Once you select an organization, they will guide you through the required steps.

Officially designated organizations for ECA (Canada immigration)

If you need an ECA for immigration, you must choose from one of the following designated organizations:

Designated Organization	Description
Comparative Education Service (CES) – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies	Provides credential assessments for immigration and employment in Canada.
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)	Evaluates international educational credentials for immigration, employment, and education.
World Education Services (WES)	One of the most widely used ECA providers, offering fast processing for many applicants.
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)	Conducts credential evaluations for immigration and other purposes.
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)	Assesses foreign academic credentials for immigration and employment.

If you intend to work in a regulated occupation or for a large employer, you may need to get your credentials assessed by a specific organization recognized by your employer or the regulatory body for your profession. It is advisable to confirm this before proceeding with an ECA.

Recognized professional bodies for ECA (regulated medical fields in Canada)

If you work in regulated medical professions, you must obtain your ECA through a designated professional body instead of a general ECA organization.

Occupation	National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code	Professional Body
Specialist Physicians	31100 or 31101	Medical Council of Canada
General Practitioners / Family Physicians	31102	Medical Council of Canada
Pharmacists	31120	Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

Note: Nurses and other healthcare professionals who do not fall under the above categories can obtain their ECA from any of the designated general organizations such as CES, WES, IQAS, etc. If your primary occupation is different from those listed above, you must choose the appropriate designated organization for your field.

Essential ECA requirements for Canadian immigration

Your ECA report must confirm that your foreign credential is valid and equivalent to a completed Canadian secondary school (high school) or post-secondary credential. If your ECA confirms equivalency, you must include the result and reference number in your Express Entry profile when applying for immigration.

How long does it take to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

The time required to complete an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) depends on the designated organization or professional regulatory body conducting the evaluation. Processing times vary and can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as:

• The specific ECA organization’s workload and processing speed.
• The need for verification with the issuing educational institution.
• The complexity of assessing the credential, especially if the institution is lesser-known.
• The country where the credential was issued and how quickly documents can be retrieved.

To avoid delays, it is recommended to start the ECA process early as part of your immigration preparation.

How long is an ECA report valid for immigration purposes?

For immigration purposes, an ECA report remains valid for five years from the date it was issued. When submitting your Express Entry profile or applying for permanent residence, ensure that your ECA report is still within this validity period. If your report expires before you apply, you may need to obtain a new one.

Understanding the costs involved in obtaining an ECA report

The cost of obtaining an ECA report varies by organization but typically starts at $200 CAD. However, additional costs may apply, including:

• Delivery fees: Courier services are the most expensive, while standard mail is more affordable.
• Additional copies or updates: Some organizations charge extra if you need multiple copies or modifications.
• Processing speed: Some organizations offer expedited services for an additional fee.

For professionals in regulated medical fields, such as specialist physicians, general practitioners, and pharmacists, the cost of obtaining an ECA is higher. If you belong to one of these professions, you must contact the professional regulatory body responsible for your occupation to get an accurate estimate of the fees involved.

Key factors influencing your ECA processing time

The total time required to complete your ECA process depends on multiple factors, including:

• The country where your educational credentials were issued.
• The efficiency of document retrieval from your institution.
• How long it takes to submit and verify all required paperwork.

By understanding the specific steps needed to obtain your documents and choosing the right assessment organization, you can reduce unnecessary delays and submit your application for Canadian immigration more efficiently.

What if your educational credentials are not recognized in Canada?

If your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report indicates that your foreign diploma, degree, or certificate does not meet Canadian education standards or that your educational institution is not recognized, it can negatively impact your immigration application.

Here’s how it may affect you:

• You will not satisfy the educational eligibility criteria under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
• You will not receive any points for your education under the Express Entry system, which could significantly reduce your overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Since education plays a crucial role in immigration pathways like Express Entry, a lack of recognized credentials can lower your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

What can you do if your Credentials are not recognized?

If your ECA results are unfavorable, consider the following options:

1. Verify with another designated organization: Different assessment agencies may have slightly different evaluation criteria. If your first ECA report is unsatisfactory, you might consider applying through another IRCC-designated organization to see if the results differ.
2. Pursue additional education: If your credential is not recognized, you might need to upgrade your qualifications by pursuing further studies in Canada.
3. Check alternative immigration programs: If you do not qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, explore other immigration pathways, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or employer-sponsored work permits, which may have different educational requirements.
4. Consider gaining work experience: In some cases, relevant work experience can compensate for educational shortcomings, particularly for programs that focus on skilled trades or employer-driven immigration.

Why planning ahead matters

Since education is a key factor in Canadian immigration, it’s essential to research and verify whether your academic credentials will be recognized before starting the immigration process. Taking early action can help you avoid setbacks, explore alternative solutions, and improve your chances of successfully moving to Canada.

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