Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
What is ECA?
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a process used to evaluate and verify the educational credentials of individuals who have completed their studies outside Canada. It is often required as part of the immigration process for individuals who wish to move to Canada for work or study purposes.
The ECA is typically conducted by designated organizations approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These organizations evaluate the academic documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates, and provide an assessment report that states the educational level attained by the individual in terms of Canadian standards.
The assessment report includes authenticity, equivalency to Canadian education levels, and GPA conversion, if applicable. ECAs help immigration authorities, educational institutions, and employers assess eligibility for immigration, admissions, or employment. Check specific requirements from relevant authorities or institutions for ECA compliance.
Organizations to choose for ECA
- WES is a non-profit organization assisting international students, immigrants, and refugees in the US and Canada.
- It helps people learn, work, and thrive in new places and allows society to recognize the value of people’s education and experience.
- With over 45 years of experience, WES sets the international academic credential evaluation standard.
- They collaborate with institutions, community organizations, and policymakers to help immigrants and refugees maximize their skills and education.
- The WES Mariam Assefa Fund supports economic and social inclusion for immigrants and refugees through grants, investments, and partnerships.
- ICAS is an affiliate of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada and is dedicated to providing the best quality assessments of credentials. Accredited provider of credential evaluation services to applicants for admission to universities in Ontario through ontariocolleges.ca
- offers reports to assist employers, education institutions, as well as immigration officials, and other community organizations, in understanding the degree you received outside of Canada
- Provides services for individuals applying for registration with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). BCCNM has precise requirements and only accepts your Assessment Report if it is prepared based on official documents.
- Basic: For applicants seeking general employment
- Comprehensive: For candidates seeking employment in a professional job or admission to a postsecondary institution.
- Immigration: For applicants seeking an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes (Express Entry, Permanent Residency, Provincial Nominee Program or Agri-Food Pilot). It is required for applications for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is an Alberta government-run service.
- It makes assessments and provides certificates that compare the academic credentials of other countries to the standards of academic excellence in Canada.
- Provides different types of assessment reports based on the required type of Visa
- For Immigration
- For Employment, Education or Licensure
- For Organizations
- For Immigration
- For General Purposes
- For agri-Food Immigration Pilot
- Education For International Professionals
- The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) assesses physicians in Canada and works with stakeholders to develop and administer examinations and assessment programs for medical education and practice in the country.
- Strives to achieve the highest level of medical care in Canada through excellence in the assessment of physicians.
- The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) assesses the qualifications of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Canada, ensuring their competence and safety. It sets practice standards, conducts licensure examinations, and evaluates internationally educated pharmacists.
- Evaluate qualifications for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, setting standards and conducting exams.
- Administer licensure exams (EE, MCQ, OSCE) for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
- Assess the education, experience, and language proficiency of internationally educated pharmacists (IEPs).
- Evaluate pharmacy technician qualifications through exams (EE, MCQ, OSPE).
- Collaborate with regulatory authorities, pharmacy organizations, and educational institutions.
- Obtain national certification through successful completion of PEBC exams for licensure in most Canadian provinces and territories.
Validity period
The validity period of an ECA varies by the issuing organization. Generally, it is valid for a specific duration and may require updating or renewal. IQAS in Canada provides ECAs, valid for five years from issuance (as of September 2021). Policies can change, so check the organization’s website for current information. For ECAs from other organizations or countries, consult their guidelines or contact them directly for validity periods.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is an economic immigration program that identifies individuals who can satisfy the needs of Alberta’s entrepreneurs and workers. It has programs for those who work or plan to work in Alberta as well as for entrepreneurs looking to start businesses in Alberta.
Processing Time for ECA Canada
Different agencies may have variations in the processing time of ECA (Educational credential assessment).