Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is the process of assessing an educational credential issued outside Canada.

What is an ECA?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is used to verify that a degree, diploma or certificate (or other proof of your level of education) obtained abroad is valid and equivalent to a Canadian credential.

You need an ECA if you are coming to Canada for immigration purposes. Your educational credential assessment may also help when you look for work, but it does not guarantee that you will find a job or be granted a work permit.

Who needs one

Several federal and provincial skilled worker immigration programmes require an ECA. For example, the programmes under theProvincial Nominee Program (PNP)for foreign workers may require this assessment. Federal immigration pathways have their own rules on ECAs. It is important to review carefully the criteria of the federal or provincial programme you intend to apply to in order to determine whether an ECA is required.

How to obtain one

To obtain this assessment, the applicant and their spouse (if applicable) must submit the required documents to an organisation designated byImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These organisations operate independently of the Government of Canada. The required documents may include transcripts, certificates and degrees issued by educational institutions in your country.

The organisations currently designated by IRCC to issue this type of document are:

• World Education Services 
• Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies 
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
• International Qualifications Assessment Service
• International Credential Evaluation Service 

Applicants holding credentials in the healthcare field must obtain a separate assessment from the organisations listed below:

• Medical Council of Canada (for physicians)
• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (for pharmacists) 

The ECA must be issued on or after the date IRCC designated the service. In addition, the ECA must be no more than 5 years old on the date IRCC receives the applicationExpress Entryand the applicant’s permanent residence application.

Note that an ECA is not proof of professional recognition or of a licence to practise in a regulated occupation. Professional recognition is a separate process decided by the regulatory bodies in each province. You can find out more on thewebsiteof the Government of Canada.

What to do if you hold two or more degrees or credentials

In most cases, you only need an assessment for your highest level of education.

For example, if you hold a Master’s degree, you only need an ECA for that Master’s degree. You do not need an ECA for your Bachelor’s degree.

To earn points for holding two or more credentials, you need an ECA for each credential.

To earn full points for more than one credential, at least one of those credentials must be for a programme of 3 years or longer. The order in which you completed your credentials does not affect the number of points you receive.