The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a critical document when you consider applying for a Canada Permanent Residency (PR) visa. One ECA is the procedure that confirms that your education obtained in other countries is equal to those this same level or field in Canada. It thus arises that the ECA will favor your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system.
In this article, we’ll tell you about ECA—organizations that accept ECA, eligibility, advantages, procedure, costs, documents to be submitted to Visa Abroad Services LLP, a top migration consultancy in Noida, and how they can assist you.
What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
An ECA is a report which evaluates your foreign educational qualifications to decide how they compare to those given in Canada. It is required for skilled migrants applying under:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Without an ECA, your education points won’t be counted in the Express Entry profile.
Authorized Bodies for ECA in Canada
Only designated organizations can provide a valid ECA report. Here are the five approved bodies:
- World Education Services (WES) – Most popular, faster processing
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- Comparative Education Service (CES) – University of Toronto
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta
- Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – For medical professionals
Note: If you’re applying under the Physicians/Nurses stream, MCC or NNAS (for nurses) is required.
Eligibility Criteria for ECA
- You must have completed at least a secondary school diploma.
- The degree/diploma must be from a recognized institution.
- If you have multiple degrees, you can get the highest one assessed for maximum CRS points.
Benefits of ECA for Canada PR
✅ Boosts CRS Score – Higher education = More points
✅ Mandatory for Express Entry – No ECA = No education points
✅ Improves Job Prospects – Canadian employers recognize your qualifications
✅ Fast-Track Processing – Some ECAs (like WES) are quicker
Step-by-Step ECA Process
1. Choose the Right ECA Organization
- WES (Fastest, 20-35 days)
- IQAS (Takes 12-14 weeks)
- CES (Around 12 weeks)
2. Check Document Requirements
- Degree certificates & mark sheets
- Transcripts (sealed & sent directly by the university)
- Medium of instruction certificate (if applicable)
3. Submit Application & Pay Fees
- WES Fee: ~ $250 CAD
- IQAS Fee: ~ $200 CAD
- CES Fee: ~ $220 CAD
4. Send Documents to ECA Body
- Universities must send transcripts directly to the ECA agency.
5. Receive ECA Report
- WES: 20-35 days
- IQAS: 12-14 weeks
- CES: 12 weeks
ECA Document Checklist
✔ Degree/Diploma Certificate (Attested)
✔ Academic Transcripts (Sealed & Sent by University)
✔ Passport Copy
✔ Translation (If documents are not in English/French)
Latest Updates on ECA (2024)
- WES now accepts digital transcripts from select universities.
- IQAS has reduced processing time from 20 to 12-14 weeks.
- CES requires all documents in a single package.
How Visas Abroad Services LLP Can Help?
Applying for an ECA may seem complicated, but Visas Abroad Services LLP, a top immigration consultancy in Noida (Gaur City Mall), makes the process easier for:
🔹 Expert Guidance – Choosing the right ECA body
🔹 Document Verification – Ensuring error-free submission
🔹 University Coordination – Helping with transcript requests
🔹 Express Entry Profile Assistance – Maximizing CRS score
📍 Visit: 1133, Gaur City Mall, Greater Noida, UP, India
📞 Call: +91-9990744666
🌐 Website: VisasAbroad.com
Here are the official websites of all authorized Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) bodies for Canada PR:
1. World Education Services (WES) Canada
🌐 Website: https://www.wes.org/ca/
📌 Most popular, fastest processing (~20-35 days)
2. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta
🌐 Website: https://www.alberta.ca/iqas.aspx
📌 Takes 12-14 weeks
3. Comparative Education Service (CES) – University of Toronto
🌐 Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/ces
📌 Processing time: ~12 weeks
4. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
🌐 Website: https://www.icascanada.ca/
📌 Longer processing time (up to 15 weeks)
5. Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – For Doctors
🌐 Website: https://mcc.ca/
📌 Required for physicians applying through Express Entry
6. Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) – For Nurses
🌐 Website: https://www.nnas.ca/
📌 Mandatory for nurses seeking licensure in Canada
Which ECA Body Should You Choose?
- Fastest Option: WES (~20-35 days)
- For Alberta PNP: IQAS
- For Medical Professionals: MCC or NNAS
Need help selecting the right ECA provider? Visas Abroad Services LLP can guide you!
📞 Contact: https://visasabroad.in
Note: Be sure that you keep up to date with the latest information about the visa or the new website, before you do your application, as processing and the requirements may change.
Conclusion
Taking up an ECA is obligatory if you are planning to apply for Canada PR and picking the right agency is the most important thing. With the assistance of Visas Abroad Services LLP, you will be able to evade traffic and increase the value of your CRS score. A lot of times, the immigration process to Canada does not go smoothly but you can give yourself a head start by commencing the ECA procedure today!
Need Help? Contact Visas Abroad Services LLP for a free consultation! 🚀
