August 21, 2025
Thinking of Immigrating to Canada? Here’s Why an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Is a Must!
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through programs like Express Entry, understanding the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is crucial. The ECA validates that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian one. Without it, you won’t be able to claim the vital education points needed for immigration.
At MyWorld Immigration, we guide you through every step of your journey — and that starts with ensuring your education is properly assessed.
What Is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
An ECA is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to verify your international academic qualifications. It’s a mandatory step if your education was completed outside of Canada.
You’ll need your ECA before creating your Express Entry profile, as the report and reference number are required to claim points for your education.
Who Needs an ECA?
- Anyone with foreign education applying under Express Entry or other immigration programs
- Spouses or common-law partners (if they are accompanying you) can also submit an ECA to help increase your overall CRS score
- Individuals applying through certain provincial nominee programs (PNPs) where post-secondary education may not be mandatory, but ECA is still required
Note: You don’t need an ECA for education completed in Canada.
Which Education Levels Should You Assess?
In most cases, you only need to assess your highest level of education. However, we recommend getting all your post-secondary credentials assessed to maximize your score and improve your chances of selection.
If you do not have any post-secondary education but are applying to a program that still requires an ECA, your secondary school certificate must be evaluated instead.
Approved ECA Organizations by IRCC
IRCC only accepts ECA reports from the following designated organizations:
- World Education Services (WES) – Most commonly used and widely recognized
- Comparative Education Service (University of Toronto)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
Each organization has different fees, processing times, and document requirements, so be sure to visit their official websites for detailed instructions.
Special Cases: Professionals Requiring Assessment by Regulatory Bodies
If your intended occupation in Canada falls under a regulated profession, you must get your credentials assessed by the relevant professional body, not a general organization. These include:
- Architects (NOC 21200): Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
- Doctors (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102): Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120): Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
How Long Is the ECA Valid?
Your ECA report is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If it expires, you’ll need to get a new one before submitting your immigration application.
Why Choose MyWorld Immigration?
At MyWorld Immigration, we specialize in helping clients navigate the Canadian immigration system. Whether you’re unsure which organization to choose for your ECA or how to submit your documents, we can assist every step of the way.
Ready to Get Started?
Have questions about your educational credentials? Need expert immigration advice?
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada!
Contact MyWorld Immigration
Facebook: facebook.com/myworldimmigration
Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
Phone: +1-672-399-0000
Instagram: @myworldimmigration