The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a document that evaluates and verifies the educational credentials obtained outside of Canada. It is required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for certain immigration programs to ensure that foreign educational credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.

The ECA report serves several purposes in the immigration process:

  1. Credential Verification: The ECA verifies the authenticity of your educational credentials, such as degrees, diplomas, or certificates, obtained from foreign educational institutions.
  2. Educational Equivalency: The ECA determines the Canadian equivalency of your foreign educational credentials. It assesses the level of education, program duration, and specialization to establish how your credentials compare to Canadian educational standards.
  3. Points Calculation: For immigration programs that use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the ECA report helps determine the number of points you can claim for your education. Higher education levels and degrees from recognized institutions can contribute significantly to your CRS score.

To obtain an ECA report, follow these steps:

  1. Choose an ECA Designated Organization: IRCC has designated several organizations to provide ECAs. These organizations include World Education Services (WES), International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), and Comparative Education Service (CES), among others. Choose an organization that is recognized by IRCC and suits your needs.
  2. Submit Required Documents: Each designated organization has specific document requirements. Generally, you will need to provide your educational transcripts, degree certificates, and any other relevant documents. You may also need to provide translations of documents not in English or French.
  3. Pay the Fees: There is a fee associated with obtaining an ECA report. The fee varies depending on the designated organization you choose. Make sure to check the organization’s website for the most up-to-date fee information.
  4. Await Assessment: Once you have submitted your documents and paid the fees, the designated organization will assess your credentials. The assessment process may take several weeks to complete, depending on the organization and the complexity of your credentials.
  5. Receive the ECA Report: Once the assessment is complete, you will receive an ECA report from the designated organization. This report will outline the equivalency of your educational credentials in Canadian terms.

It’s important to note that the ECA report is just one component of the immigration process. Depending on the immigration program you are applying for, you may need to meet additional requirements, such as language proficiency tests, work experience, or proof of funds.

Organisations Recognised by the IRCC for Educational Credentials Assessment:

  1. Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
  2. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
  3. World Education Services
  4. International Qualifications Assessment Service
  5. International Credential Evaluation Service
  6. Medical Council of Canada
  7. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (professional body for Pharmacists)

The specific requirements and fees for each of the organisations above can be found on their respective websites.