An Educational credential assessment (ECA) is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one. There are different types of ECAs. You need to get an ECA for immigration purposes. If you got another type of ECA, you may be able to get it re-issued, depending on the type of ECA and/or issuing organization.
Why Do ECA required?
If you completed your education outside Canada, you need an assessment to:
- be eligible as the principal applicant for Federal Skilled Workers Program (Express Entry), or
- earn points for education you got outside Canada
You can also earn points for your spouse or common-law partner’s education, if they are coming with you to Canada.
Which credentials to get assessed
In most cases, you only need an assessment for your highest level of education. For example, if you have a Master’s degree, you only need an assessment for that degree. You don’t need one for your Bachelor’s degree.
When to get an assessment for 2 or more credentials
To get points for having 2 or more credentials, you need an assessment for each one.
To get full points for more than 1 credential, at least 1 of the credentials must be for 3 or more years of study.
The order that you complete your credentials does not affect points.
When to get your secondary education assessed
If your post-secondary credential is not equal to a Canadian credential, you could get your secondary credential assessed. This would get you points for completing secondary school.
How Do I Get an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) done?
You must get your assessment from an organization or a professional body designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They will give you a report that tells you what your education is equal to in Canada.
Processing times and costs may vary by organization or professional body.
Once you choose a designated organization or a professional body, they will tell you how to submit your documents to get your assessment.
Where Can I Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
Designated organizations
You must use one of these designated organizations:
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- World Education Services
- International Qualifications Assessment Service
- International Credential Evaluation Service
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