Getting your foreign education recognized in Canada through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is one of the most important steps for your immigration journey. Whether you're applying for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, or Quebec immigration, you need an ECA to prove your education is equivalent to Canadian standards. This complete guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right provider to receiving your assessment report. We know this can feel overwhelming, but don't worry — thousands of people complete this process successfully every month.
📚 Choose Your ECA Provider
Canada has five approved ECA organizations, but your choice depends on your immigration program. For Express Entry and most Provincial Nominee Programs, you can use WES, IQAS, CES, ICAS, or University of Toronto. For regulated professions, you might need specific assessments.
WES (World Education Services) is the most popular choice because it's fast, reliable, and widely accepted. They process about 60% of all Canadian ECAs. IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service) is run by Alberta and offers competitive pricing. CES (Comparative Education Service) is based at University of Toronto and has a good reputation for detailed assessments.
Here's what matters most when choosing: processing time, cost, and acceptance by your target province. Most people choose WES because it's accepted everywhere and processes applications quickly.
📋 Gather Required Documents
Document collection is the most time-consuming part of your ECA application. You need original documents or certified copies from your educational institutions. This means going back to your university or college to request official transcripts and degree verification.
For your degree certificate, you need the original or a certified true copy from the issuing institution. Photocopies are not acceptable. Your transcripts must come directly from the academic institution in a sealed envelope with official stamps. Some providers accept electronic transcripts sent directly from the institution to them.
If you studied in multiple countries or institutions, you need documents from each one. This includes any transfer credits or course completions. The process can take weeks or months depending on your institution's responsiveness, so start early.
💻 Create Online Account
Once you've chosen your ECA provider, visit their website and create an online account. This is where you'll manage your entire application process. The registration is straightforward — you provide basic personal information, create a password, and verify your email address.
After creating your account, you'll start a new ECA application. The system will ask you to select the purpose of your assessment (immigration to Canada), provide details about your education, and specify which documents you'll be submitting. Be very careful with spelling and dates — any mistakes can delay your assessment.
The online form asks for detailed information about each qualification you want assessed. This includes institution names, dates of study, degree titles, and fields of study. Have all this information ready before you start filling out the form.
📤 Submit Application & Documents
After completing your online form, you'll receive detailed instructions on how to submit your documents. Most ECA providers offer multiple submission options: mail, courier, or electronic delivery (if your institution supports it). Electronic submission is fastest but not available for all countries or institutions.
If you're mailing documents, use a trackable service like FedEx, DHL, or registered mail. Include your application reference number with every document. Package everything securely and keep tracking numbers for your records. Lost documents mean starting over, so protect your investment.
For electronic submissions, your institution sends documents directly to the ECA provider. This is more secure and faster, but you need to coordinate with your school's registrar office. Some institutions charge additional fees for this service, but it's usually worth the cost for peace of mind.
💳 Pay Fees & Track Progress
ECA fees vary by provider and the number of credentials you're assessing. As of 2026, expect to pay between $200-$500 CAD for a standard assessment. WES charges $267 CAD for their standard service, while IQAS charges $230 CAD. Additional credentials from the same applicant usually cost extra.
Most providers accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. International applicants can usually pay in their local currency, but the final charge appears in Canadian dollars. Keep your payment receipt — you might need it if there are any processing issues.
After payment and document submission, you can track your application status online. The system updates you when documents are received, when assessment begins, and when your report is ready. This tracking system helps reduce anxiety during the waiting period.
📄 Receive Your ECA Report
Your ECA report shows how your foreign education compares to Canadian standards. It includes the Canadian equivalency of your degrees, your field of study classification, and sometimes additional notes about your qualifications. This document is what you'll submit with your immigration applications.
Most ECA reports are delivered electronically through your online account. You can download and print copies as needed. Some providers also mail physical copies, but electronic delivery is faster and more convenient. Make sure to save multiple copies in different locations.
Your ECA report is valid for five years from the issue date. If your report shows your education equals a Canadian bachelor's degree or higher, you can use it for Express Entry points. The report also helps employers understand your qualifications when you're job hunting in Canada.
📄 Required Documents Checklist
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