Latest News

Here are the answers to eight of the most frequently asked questions about Educational Credential Assessments by WES applicants (ECAs).

Applicants pursuing Canadian immigration pathways, particularly the Express Entry pathway, must submit an Educational Credential Assessment to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (ECA).

Every ECA submitted by a prospective Canadian immigrant is reviewed by IRCC to determine the equivalency of educational credentials earned in other countries and to compare them to Canadian standards.

World Education Services (WES) is one of five organisations designated by IRCC to provide ECAs for degrees and diplomas earned abroad (excluding ECAs for doctors and pharmacists).

Note: WES does not assess occupational or trade credentials. We recommend that applicants visit the IRCC website for more information on their immigration programmes.

Here are the answers to eight frequently asked questions about ECAs by WES applicants.

1) What does an ECA allow me to do in Canada?

For some IRCC programmes, an ECA is required. An ECA from WES allows applicants to:

• IRCC immigration programme introduction It is important for doctors and pharmacists to be aware of the requirements for immigration to Canada. For more information, please see our note.
• meet the requirements of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
• Be eligible for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Project of the IRCC.
• Recognize their education so they can pursue their other objectives in Canada.
• Keep a copy of their report and any academic credentials in their WES Account for future reference.

2) How long does it take for WES to provide an ECA?

With a processing time standard of just 35 days, WES has one of the quickest ECA providers in Canada. Please take note that this 35-day service standard only applies once WES has received full payment, reviewed, and approved all academic documentation.

3) Am I able to have an ECA report evaluate and include all of my credentials?

ECAs typically only take into account a candidate's highest level of international academic achievement. After submitting their ECA application, applicants can contact WES and request to have all of their academic credentials evaluated.

There are some exceptions to the rule that ECA applicants must only submit their highest earned credential for evaluation. This blog post, New Requirements for Canada's Educational Credential Assessment, has more information on these exceptions and other new ECA-related information (ECA).

4) May I include an additional recipient in my ECA application?

Yes. Candidates for the WES may submit this request via their WES Account. During the initial credential evaluation application or later, applicants can designate Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offices, specific immigration attorneys, or licenced immigration consultants as the recipients of their ECA.

5) Can I send my ECA report to a person or organisation in the United States?

No, WES only distributes an applicant's ECA to the IRCC, PNP offices located across Canada, a select group of immigration law firms, and authorised immigration consultants.

6) May I send the IRCC my regular (non-ECA) evaluation report?

Yes. Candidates may submit this request via their WES Account.

7) How do I update my IRCC ECA report that has expired?

A WES ECA is valid for five years from the date of issue. Applicants can sign into their online WES account and order an additional copy of the ECA for IRCC to extend the validity of a WES ECA. This will extend the validity of the applicant's ECA for an additional five years.

8) Will my ECA ever need to be upgraded to a WES standard evaluation report?

When necessary, WES can assist applicants immigrating to Canada in upgrading their ECA. ECAs state unequivocally that the report is only to be used for immigration purposes. However, employers, colleges, universities, and professional licencing bodies in Canada may require information that is not included in an ECA at some point.

This requirement can be met with a WES Course-by-Course (CxC) or Document-by-Document (DxD) evaluation report. 

Do you want to learn more about moving to Canada? Contact Amster Group's Canada migration experts right away. contact us now