At the time of immigration to Canada, you have to submit many documents depending on the program you are applying to. But, there’s a common document that is needed for a majority of immigration streams, it is called an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).  In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about an ECA. Let’s go!

What is an Educational Credential Assessment?

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In simple words, an ECA is an assessment of your education compared to Canada’s educational standards. It’s used to substantiate that your foreign certificate, diploma, or degree matches the Canadian equivalent. If you have obtained education from Canada, there’s no need for an ECA. If you possess more than one degree, you have to get your highest degree evaluated. But it is recommended to get all your education credentials evaluated to claim as many Comprehensive Ranking System points as possible while you are in the Express Entry Pool.
When a candidate has finished education outside Canada, he needs an Educational Credential Assessment for –
  • Being eligible as an applicant for Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program); or
  • Earning extra points for education you completed from outside Canada.

Note:- You can earn some extra points for your spouse’s or common-law partner’s education if they’re also coming with you for immigration to Canada. Though it’s not required for your spouse to get an ECA but to claim additional CRS points it’s recommended. Especially, when your total score is lagging and you need extra points to stay in the race.

In order to earn education points, your ECA report has to demonstrate that your finished foreign education (diploma, degree, or certificate) is equivalent to a Canadian high school or post-secondary education.
One of the very first steps of your immigration through Express Entry is to get an ECA. As the evaluation process can take weeks to months the sooner you apply the better.
When you are eligible for Express Entry, you have to submit an ECA report before entering into the Express Entry pool. An ECA is mandatory for Federal Skilled Worker Program but it’s not necessary for the Federal Skilled Trade Program and Canadian Experience Class. However, to claim Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for both these programs you have to get assessed for an ECA report.

Which education credential to get assessed?

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Mostly, you only have to go for an assessment of that credential which is highest in terms of the level of education. For instance, when you have a Master’s degree as well as a bachelor’s degree, you just have to go for the assessment of your Master’s degree. There is no need to get your Bachelor’s degree assessed.

Note:- In case your post-secondary education credential isn’t equivalent to a Canadian education credential, you have an option to get your secondary education credential evaluated. This would help you in getting points for finishing secondary school.

How to get assessed for an ECA?

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada only accepts ECAs assessed by designated organizations or professional bodies. They will generate a report for you specifying your education relevancy as per the Canadian equivalent. Cost and processing time vary based on a selected organization or professional body.

Designated Organizations
Designated Professional Bodies
We understand you might be confused between designated organizations and professional bodies and which is suitable for you? To clear all your doubts we recommend you Shariq Immigration owing to the expertise and experience they have in Canada’s immigration process.

What does your ECA report mean?

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Your assessed report must demonstrate that your foreign education credential is legit and equivalent to a Canadian high-school or post-secondary school education. If your report shows the same, you need to attach the reference number and result in your profile of Express Entry.
By chance, your assessed report demonstrates that the foreign education institute (from where you took education) is not recognized or your education credential is not equivalent to a Canadian education credential-
  • you will not get any points for your education;
  • you will not fulfill the educational requirements provided by the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

How to submit your ECA report?

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Make sure your report is issued by a professional body or an organization nominated by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration purposes. When you apply for permanent residence or submit your profile for Express Entry, your report must not be older than five years. A report will only be considered valid when it’s issued after the date an organization or professional body becomes designated.
Once you receive your ECA report, you have to send the report further. So, don’t ask your designated organization or professional body to do so on your behalf. As you receive your report-
  • Update the reference number and the result on your Express Entry profile;
  • be prepared to upload your document copies if you are invited to apply for Canada’s permanent residence;
  • keep your valid documents intact.
Make sure your report is issued by a professional body or an organization nominated by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration purposes. When you apply for permanent residence or submit your profile for Express Entry, your report must not be older than five years. A report will only be considered valid when it’s issued after the date an organization or professional body becomes designated.
Once you receive your ECA report, you have to send the report further. So, don’t ask your designated organization or professional body to do so on your behalf. As you receive your report-

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