ECA / credential evaluation for Canada (WES)
How the Educational Credential Assessment works, which organisations are approved, and how it affects your Express Entry points.
- An ECA converts your foreign education into the Canadian equivalent.
- WES is one of several IRCC-designated organisations.
- An ECA is required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- Two-or-more credentials can add extra CRS points.
What an ECA is
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a report that converts your foreign degree, diploma or certificate into its Canadian equivalent. IRCC uses it to award education points in Express Entry.
The ECA is issued by a designated organisation, not by IRCC itself, and it must be current and valid when you apply.
When you need one
You need an ECA to claim education points for foreign credentials under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. It is not required for the Canadian Experience Class, but it can still add CRS points.
If you have both foreign and Canadian credentials, you only need an ECA for the foreign ones.
Approved organisations
Several organisations are designated by IRCC, including World Education Services (WES), the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), and the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).
Some regulated professions use a different body, such as the Medical Council of Canada for doctors, so choose the organisation that matches your purpose.
How to get an ECA
Apply to the designated organisation, submit your transcripts and diplomas, and pay the fee. The organisation verifies your documents and issues a report stating the Canadian equivalency.
Processing takes a few weeks and can be longer if documents must be requested from your institution, so start early.
How it affects your CRS score
Education points are based on the equivalency in the report — for example, a bachelor's degree versus a master's. A higher equivalency means more points.
Claiming two or more completed credentials can add extra points, so report all completed post-secondary education, not just your highest.
Before you spend money
Check your current CRS score first to see whether an ECA would actually change your points enough to matter.
Run the scenario in the CRS calculator, then invest in the ECA only if it moves you above a recent cut-off.