Credential Assessment
Foreign Credential Assessment: WES and Alternatives
8 minute read
If you earned your education outside Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for most work permit and permanent residence pathways. This guide covers all recognized assessment bodies.
What is an ECA?
An Educational Credential Assessment verifies that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equivalent to a Canadian credential. It is required for:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (most streams)
- Some LMIA-exempt work permits
- Professional licensing (engineering, nursing, accounting)
CRS Points from Education
A bachelor's degree assessed as equivalent adds up to 120-150 CRS points to your Express Entry profile. A master's or PhD adds even more. Without an ECA, your foreign education counts as zero.
Recognized Assessment Organizations
IRCC accepts ECAs from these designated organizations:
World Education Services (WES)
Toronto-based, most popular
- • Cost: $220 CAD + $100 per additional credential
- • Timeline: 4-6 weeks after documents received
- • Online portal, digital delivery
- • Accepts most countries except India (requires IQAS)
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
British Columbia Institute of Technology
- • Cost: $200-350 CAD depending on service level
- • Timeline: 4-8 weeks
- • Strong reputation in British Columbia
- • Preferred by BC PNP applicants
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Alberta Government
- • Cost: $200 CAD
- • Timeline: 8-12 weeks
- • Required for Indian credentials (WES does not assess India)
- • Preferred for Alberta immigration streams
Comparative Education Service (CES)
University of Toronto
- • Cost: $210 CAD
- • Timeline: 6-8 weeks
- • Preferred for Ontario immigration streams
- • University transcript required
MCC - Medical Council of Canada
Physicians only
- • For medical degrees only
- • Required for physician immigration and licensing
- • Separate from general ECAs
Start Your Credential Assessment
WES is the fastest option for most countries (except India). Create your account and begin the document collection process today.
Document Requirements
Each organization has slightly different requirements, but generally you will need:
Required Documents
- ✓ Degree/Diploma certificate (official, final, awarded)
- ✓ Academic transcripts (sealed envelope from institution or secure electronic delivery)
- ✓ Translation (if documents not in English or French)
- ✓ ID document (passport or government-issued photo ID)
- ✓ Previous credentials (if assessing graduate degrees, include bachelor's transcripts)
Document Collection Tips
- Contact your university early — transcript requests can take 2-4 weeks
- Request sealed envelopes — most institutions mail transcripts directly to assessment bodies
- Use courier tracking — documents occasionally get lost in international mail
- Get certified translations — only certified translators accepted; online auto-translations rejected
- Keep copies — scan everything before sending
ECA for Work Permits
While ECAs are primarily required for permanent residence, they can strengthen LMIA applications:
- Demonstrates genuine qualification for the NOC code
- Required for regulated professions (nursing, engineering, teaching)
- Strengthens employer's case that you have specialized skills Canadians lack
- Some LMIA-exempt work permits (IMP categories) require ECAs
Professional Licensing Note
An ECA for immigration does not equal professional licensure. Nurses, engineers, teachers, and other regulated professionals need separate licensing from provincial regulatory bodies.
Timeline & Planning
Typical Timeline
- Week 1: Create account, pay fees, request transcripts from university
- Week 2-4: University processes and mails transcripts
- Week 5-6: Assessment body receives and reviews documents
- Week 7-10: Assessment completed, report generated
- Total: 7-12 weeks typical
Plan ahead: Start your ECA process as soon as you consider Canadian immigration. The assessment is valid for 5 years, so there is no downside to completing it early.
Cost Summary
| Cost Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| ECA Application Fee | $200-350 CAD |
| University Transcript Fees | $10-50 per copy |
| Courier/Document Shipping | $50-150 |
| Certified Translation | $50-200 per document |
| Total Estimated Cost | $350-800 CAD |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗ Sending incomplete transcripts (missing years/courses)
- ✗ Using unofficial/online transcripts
- ✗ Uncertified translations
- ✗ Waiting too long to request university documents
- ✗ Choosing WES for Indian credentials (use IQAS instead)
- ✗ Not requesting duplicate ECA for backup
An accurate, timely ECA can be the difference between an Express Entry ITA and remaining in the pool. Invest the time to do it right the first time.