Express Entry Step 3: Educational Credential Assessment

Before proceeding on this blog post, make sure you read the previous steps:

Express Entry Step 1: Check your Eligibility

Express Entry Step 2: Language Test

We are now on Express Entry Step 3 of the Canadian Immigration Series: Educational Credential Assessment(ECA).

Who are required to have their Educational Credential assessed?

Basically, any education taken outside of Canada needs to be assessed to be able to gain points in the CRS and to be eligible in the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

What is the ECA for?

Different countries have different standards when it comes to education. ECA compares your education obtained to its equivalent level in Canada. Evaluation methodology combines different criteria such as program length, institution standing, quality mechanisms, etc.

Where can I have my education assessed?

There are designated institutions by IRCC for ECA, these are:

• Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (Date designated: April 17, 2013)

• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (Date designated: April 17, 2013)

• World Education Services (Date designated: April 17, 2013)

• International Qualifications Assessment Service (Date designated: August 6, 2015)

• International Credential Evaluation Service (Date designated: August 6, 2015)

• Medical Council of Canada (professional body for Doctors) (Date designated: April 17, 2013)

• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (professional body for Pharmacists) (Date designated: January 6, 2014)

These are the only institutions where you can have your education assessed, otherwise it will not be accepted by IRCC.

What are the steps to have an ECA?

1. Choose an institution from the list above where you want to have your education assessed.

2. Sign-up for Educational Credential Assessment specifically for Immigration purposes.

3. After signing up and paying the fee, you will receive a reference number and list of required documents.

4. Complete the required documents and mail to your chosen institution.

5. Your chosen institution will review your documents and perform evaluation.

6. Once completed, they will send a soft copy and hard copy of your ECA result. They will also forward the result to IRCC.

What are the required documents?

Here are the typical requirements for ECA, depending on your chosen institution, the requirements may vary:

Secondary Education (High School)

Photocopy of Graduation Certificate/Diploma

Academic Transcript or Form 137

Higher Education

Photocopy of Diploma

Original Transcript of Records

If you completed a doctoral degree, Confirmation of Doctoral Degree Conferral

Note: If you are married, you will also be asked to send a photocopy of your Marriage Certificate.

Processing Times

An Educational Credential Assessment typically takes 20 business days or more depending on your chosen institution.

What is the equivalent CRS points of your ECA result?

Your ECA report may contain different wording than those of the above. To know your Canadian equivalent, please check ECA Conversion.

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