18 October 2024
When planning to immigrate, work, or study in Canada, you may need to have your educational qualifications assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
An ECA report evaluates your foreign academic credentials and compares them with Canadian standards. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require an ECA for certain immigration programs, such as Express Entry, to prove that your education meets Canadian equivalency.
Several organisations are authorized by the Canadian government to perform ECAs, each catering to different professions and needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the main organizations that provide ECA reports and help you understand which is right for you.
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World Education Services (WES)
World Education Services (WES) is one of the most recognized and widely used organizations for obtaining an ECA, particularly for immigration purposes. WES is designated by IRCC to evaluate degrees and diplomas earned outside of Canada and compare them to Canadian educational standards.
Why Choose WES?
– Immigration Purposes: WES provides ECAs for several Canadian immigration programs, including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
– Valid for Five Years: The ECA issued by WES is valid for five years from the date of issue, which means you can reuse it for future Express Entry profiles or job applications.
– Recognition: WES’s reports are recognized not just by immigration authorities but also by employers, educational institutions, and licensing boards across Canada.
How It Works
You typically need to submit only your highest earned credential for evaluation, although there are exceptions. WES will store your report and verified documents for future use, making it convenient for future immigration or employment applications.
Ideal For:
– Individuals applying for Canadian immigration through Express Entry, PNPs, or the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot.
– Those seeking employment recognition in non-regulated professions.
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Comparative Education Service (CES) – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
Comparative Education Service (CES) is another designated ECA provider, affiliated with the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s top universities. Established in 1967, CES offers credential evaluation services to support immigration and employment in Canada.
Key Features of CES
– University-Based Service: CES is Canada’s only university-based ECA provider, and its reports are trusted by employers and professional agencies.
– Wide Use for Immigration: CES assessments can be used for various immigration pathways such as Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, and more.
– Processing Time: CES’s current average processing time is about 40 business days, so applicants should plan accordingly.
Ideal For:
– Applicants looking for a university-backed credential evaluation service.
– People applying through caregiver programs, PNPs, or Atlantic Immigration programs.
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International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
The International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) provides credential assessments for immigration, employment, and education purposes. Their ECA reports are widely recognized in Canada and help employers, immigration officials, and educational institutions understand the qualifications of individuals who have studied outside of Canada.
Why ICAS?
– Immigration and Education: ICAS ECAs are accepted for immigration purposes and by educational institutions in Ontario, making it a good option for those applying to colleges or universities.
– Employment Recognition: Many Canadian employers use ICAS assessments to evaluate the educational background of potential employees.
Ideal For:
– Individuals looking to immigrate to Canada or pursue higher education in Ontario.
– Applicants who need credential recognition for employment in Canada.
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International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is a government service based in Alberta. IQAS is designated by IRCC to provide ECAs for immigration purposes and evaluates formal academic or technical education from recognized institutions outside Canada.
Key Features
– Validity for Immigration: IQAS reports are valid for five years and can be used for Express Entry applications.
– Employment Support: While an ECA from IQAS does not guarantee a job, it can be used along with your resume to demonstrate your educational qualifications to Canadian employers.
– Regulated Professions: Keep in mind that an ECA from IQAS does not grant licensure to work in regulated professions (such as medicine or engineering). Additional licensing or certification may be required.
Ideal For:
– Applicants interested in immigration programs and employment in Canada.
– Those with technical or academic degrees who want to work in Canada.
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International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) is a provincially mandated organization in British Columbia. ICES is another designated organization that provides ECAs for immigration, employment, and educational purposes.
What Sets ICES Apart?
– Immigration and Employment: ICES ECAs are used to determine whether a person’s foreign credentials meet Canadian immigration and employment standards.
– Higher Education Applications: ICES assessments are also accepted by educational institutions for admission decisions.
– Scope of Evaluation: ICES focuses only on academic credentials and does not assess professional qualifications or trade certifications.
Ideal For:
– Individuals immigrating to Canada or applying to educational institutions in British Columbia.
– Applicants seeking employment recognition for academic credentials.
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Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
If you are a physician looking to practice in Canada, you’ll need to have your international medical credentials assessed by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). While an ECA from MCC confirms that your degree is comparable to a Canadian medical degree, it does not automatically grant you the right to practice medicine.
Why Choose MCC?
– Physician Immigration: MCC’s ECA is required for medical professionals applying through immigration programs like Express Entry.
– Licensure Requirements: After receiving an ECA from MCC, you will still need to meet additional requirements such as postgraduate training and certification by provincial medical regulatory bodies.
Ideal For:
– International medical graduates (IMGs) who plan to immigrate and practice medicine in Canada.
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Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
For pharmacists seeking to immigrate and work in Canada, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is the designated organization for ECA reports. PEBC assesses your international pharmacy credentials to determine if they are comparable to a Canadian-accredited program.
Key Features
– Educational Document Evaluation: PEBC evaluates your educational credentials to determine whether they meet Canadian standards for licensure as a pharmacist.
– Steps Toward Licensure: After a successful document evaluation, candidates must pass additional exams before qualifying to practice as pharmacists in Canada.
Ideal For:
– Pharmacists who want to immigrate and work in Canada.
Conclusion
Choosing the right organization for your ECA depends on your specific needs, such as the profession you want to work in or the type of immigration program you’re applying for. While WES is the most popular option for general immigration purposes, other organizations like CES, IQAS, ICAS, and ICES cater to specific regions or needs. Meanwhile, professionals like doctors and pharmacists must rely on the MCC and PEBC for credential assessments.
An ECA report not only fulfils immigration requirements but can also help you find employment and further education in Canada. Make sure to research and choose the best organization for your situation, and start the process early to avoid delays in your immigration or career plans.
