What is ECA Canada? How to Validate Your Qualifications in Canada
An Educational credential assessment (ECA) is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one. There are different types of ECAs. You need to get an ECA for immigration purposes.
There are many assessment services available for your ECA . However, most candidates find themselves frustrated by the lack of transparency regarding the process and results.
What is ECA?
An Educational credential assessment (ECA) is required when international students, professional graduates and skilled workers must undergo an assessment to validate their foreign or any other credential and to prove that it is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
Obtaining an ECA is vital for immigration purposes. Let us dive into how you can get an ECA.
Where do I Get an ECA?
You can obtain an ECA at a designated organization, as assessments will only be accepted if ECAs have been obtained by the organization listed below. The organization will evaluate your education, and you will receive a report that tells you what your education is equal to based on Canadian standards.
Note that assessments will only be accepted if issued on or after the date the organization was designated to do ECA reports. Alternatively, you can contact the organization to have the report re-issued.
As mentioned above, the organization must be on the list of designated organizations. Assessments obtained from any other organization that is not on the list of designated organizations will not be accepted.
Below is the list of designated organizations, as per the information on the official Canadian Government website.
- Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies: designated April 17, 2013.
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada: designated April 17, 2013.
- World Education Services (WES): designated April 17, 2013.
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS): designated August 6, 2015.
- International Credential Evaluation Service: designated August 6, 2015.
Which Credentials do I Need for Assessment?
The following pointers below are relevant to bear in mind when applying for your ECA:
- You will be assessed on your highest level of education. In other words, if you have a Master’s degree, which is your highest level, you will not require an assessment for your Bachelor’s degree.
- If you require an assessment for more than one or two credentials, you can earn additional points once you get each credential evaluated.
- If your post-secondary credential is not equivalent to a Canadian credential, you could have your secondary credential evaluated, earning you points for completing secondary school.
FAQs
How Much Does an ECA Cost?
As per the information on the official Canadian Government website, the ECA will cost around $200, which can incur additional costs, depending on the type of ECA and delivery cost. In addition, different designated organizations may be subject to different processing costs or fees.
Is an ECA Mandatory for Express Entry?
Yes. You must have an ECA and an ECA report which must be entered into your Express Entry profile. This can earn you additional points.
How Long Does ECA Canada Take?
World Education Services (WES) has the fastest processing times. Still, even so, WES or any other designated organization can take weeks or months should you fail to submit all relevant documents.
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