Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) – 8 FAQs

The Express Entry requires candidates to complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which is required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The equivalency of educational credentials (degrees, diplomas, certificates, and so on) obtained in other countries is evaluated by IRCC for each ECA presented by a prospective Canadian immigrant and is compared to Canadian requirements. One of the five organizations named by the IRCC to offer ECAs for degrees and diplomas obtained overseas (excluding ECAs for doctors and pharmacists) is Global Education Services (WES).   The following eight frequently asked issues about ECAs from WES applicants are addressed.

1) What can I do in Canada with an ECA?

For several IRCC programs, an ECA is necessary. An ECA from WES allows applicants to:

• It is important for doctors and pharmacists to be informed of the prerequisites for immigration to Canada.
• Meet the standards of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
• Be eligible for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Programme of the IRCC.
• Recognize their education so they can pursue their other objectives in Canada.
• Save a copy of their report and any academic credentials in their WES Account for future reference.

 

2) How long does it take for WES to provide an ECA?

With a processing time standard of just 35 days, WES has one of the quickest ECA suppliers in Canada. Please take note that this 35-day service standard only applies once WES has received full payment, examined, and approved all academic documentation.  

3) Am I able to have an ECA report analyzed and incorporate all of my credentials?

ECAs normally only take into account a candidate’s greatest level of international academic achievement. After submitting their ECA application, applicants can contact WES and seek to have all of their academic credentials assessed. There are a few exceptions to the rule that ECA applicants must only submit their highest-earned certificate for examination.  

4) May I include an additional recipient in my ECA application?

Yes. Candidates for the WES may submit this request via their WES Account. During the original credential assessment application or afterward, applicants can designate Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offices, specific immigration attorneys, or licensed immigration advisors as the recipients of their ECA.  

5) Can I send my ECA report to a person or organization in the United States?

No, WES only distributes an applicant’s ECA to the IRCC, PNP offices located across Canada, a select group of immigration law firms, and authorized immigration consultants.  

6) May I provide the IRCC my regular (non-ECA) evaluation report?

Yes. Candidates may submit this request via their WES Account.  

7) How can I update the IRCC with my expiring ECA report?

A WES initial ECA is good for five years after the date of issuance. By logging into their WES account online, applicants can order an extra copy of the ECA for IRCC in order to extend the validity of a WES ECA. The applicant’s ECA will be valid for an additional five years as a result of this.  

8) Will I ever have to switch from an ECA to a WES standard evaluation report?

Where necessary, WES can assist immigrants to Canada with upgrading their ECA. The report is sole to be used for immigration purposes, according to ECAs. Employers, schools, universities, and professional licensing organizations in Canada can eventually need information that is not provided in an ECA.  

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