Canada · Licensing & Skills

Educational Credential Assessment

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirms that a foreign degree, diploma or certificate is valid and equal to a Canadian credential. Express Entry needs one for education gained outside Canada.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Express Entry candidates, especially Federal Skilled Worker applicants, and anyone who needs foreign education recognised for immigration points.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • The assessment must come from an organisation designated by IRCC
  • Some professions, such as doctors and pharmacists, use a profession-specific body
  • Reports are valid for immigration for five years
Process

How the process works

  1. Choose an IRCC-designated organisation
  2. Open an account and pay the fee
  3. Arrange for institutions to send transcripts directly where required
  4. Receive the ECA report and reference number
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Degree certificates
  • Official transcripts sent by the institution
  • Identity documents
Good to know

What to keep in mind

An ECA is for immigration only. It does not license you to practise a regulated profession.

Official source: IRCC: Educational Credential Assessment. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Ecosystem Architecture

Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for Educational Credential Assessment

Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.

Is Educational Credential Assessment the right route for you?

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