Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Get Your Foreign Degree Recognized for Canada PR
An ECA shows that your foreign degree, diploma or certificate equals a Canadian one. You need it for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and to earn CRS points for education outside Canada. This guide shows who assesses, what to expect and how long a report lasts.
since 1991
What is an ECA?
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a report from an organization IRCC designates. It shows that your completed foreign degree, diploma or certificate is equal to a completed Canadian secondary school or post-secondary credential (IRCC, 2026).
You enter the results and the reference number in your Express Entry profile. Keep your original documents, and be ready to upload copies if IRCC invites you to apply.
Do I need an ECA?
If you studied outside Canada, you need an ECA to be eligible as a principal applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or to earn points for that education. You do not need one for a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate.
Why an ECA matters
- Eligibility: the Federal Skilled Worker Program needs it for foreign education
- CRS points: education is worth up to 150 points without a spouse
- Combinations: it feeds skill transferability points too
- No job guarantee: it may help your job search but does not promise a job
Is an ECA worth it for you?
An honest check before you order a report.
Order one if you have
- A degree, diploma or certificate from outside Canada
- A plan to apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program
- A wish to claim education points in your CRS score
- More than one foreign credential to claim
Skip or wait if you have
- Only Canadian credentials: no ECA is needed
- A job in a regulated profession: your provincial regulator sets the licence
- An ECA close to 5 years old: check its date first
See how education adds points in the CRS guide, or run the CRS calculator.
The five designated organizations
Most people must use one of these organizations. Each one tells you how to submit your documents once you choose it. Source: IRCC.
Comparative Education Service
Based at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. IRCC designated it on 17 April 2013.
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
IRCC designated it on 17 April 2013. Read the ICAS guide →
World Education Services
IRCC designated it on 17 April 2013. Read the WES guide →
International Qualifications Assessment Service
Known as IQAS. IRCC designated it on 6 August 2015. Read the IQAS guide →
International Credential Evaluation Service
Run through the British Columbia Institute of Technology. IRCC designated it on 6 August 2015.
Not sure which one to use?
We match your credential, your profession and your timeline to the right organization.
Special rules to know before you order
Architects
If architect (NOC 21200) is your primary occupation and you need a licence, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board assesses your credentials.
Doctors
For NOC 31100, 31101 and 31102, the Medical Council of Canada assesses primary medical diplomas.
Pharmacists
If pharmacist (NOC 31120) is your primary occupation and you need a licence, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada assesses your credentials.
More than one credential
Each credential needs its own assessment. For full points for more than one credential, at least one must be 3 or more years of study.
How long it lasts
Your ECA must be less than 5 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application.
Licensing
An ECA does not guarantee a licence. You apply to the regulator in the province or territory where you plan to settle.
Related pages
These pages cover points, language and the Express Entry process.
How to submit your ECA
Five actions take you from your first order to a complete profile.
Choose your organization
Pick a designated organization, or a professional body if your occupation requires one.
Follow its steps
The organization you choose tells you how to submit your documents.
Keep your originals
Keep your original documents safe. Do not send originals you may need later.
Enter the results
Enter the results and the reference number in your Express Entry profile.
Be ready to upload
If IRCC invites you to apply, upload copies of your documents.
Want your credentials checked?
We review your credentials and your plan before you pay for a report.
How to get your ECA, step by step
Six steps from your first check to a complete profile.
Check if you need one
Check whether your program and your credentials need an ECA.
Choose your organization
Pick a designated organization or the right professional body.
Submit your documents
Follow the organization’s instructions for your documents.
Wait for your report
Processing times and costs vary by organization. Order early.
Enter your results
Add the results and the reference number to your profile.
Check the age of your ECA
Confirm the report is less than 5 years old on the day you apply.
Five mistakes that waste an ECA
These mistakes cost money or time.
Ordering one for a Canadian degree
You do not need an assessment for a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate.
Using an organization IRCC has not designated
Most people must use one of the five designated organizations.
Letting the report expire
An ECA must be less than 5 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply.
Expecting a licence
An ECA does not guarantee a licence in a regulated profession.
Assessing only one credential
Each credential you claim needs its own assessment.
ECA facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC’s ECA pages.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
ECA FAQs
What is an Educational Credential Assessment?
An ECA is a report from an organization IRCC designates. It shows that your completed foreign degree, diploma or certificate is equal to a completed Canadian secondary school or post-secondary credential.
Do I need an ECA for Express Entry?
If you studied outside Canada, you need an ECA to be eligible as a principal applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or to earn CRS points for that education. You do not need one for a Canadian credential.
Which organizations can issue an ECA?
Five designated organizations: Comparative Education Service (University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies), International Credential Assessment Service of Canada, World Education Services, the International Qualifications Assessment Service and the International Credential Evaluation Service (British Columbia Institute of Technology).
Which professions use a professional body?
Architects (NOC 21200) use the Canadian Architectural Certification Board, doctors (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102) use the Medical Council of Canada and pharmacists (NOC 31120) use the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada, when a licence is needed.
How long is an ECA valid?
Your ECA must be less than 5 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application.
Can I claim points for more than one credential?
Yes. Each credential needs its own assessment. To get full points for more than one credential, at least one must be for 3 or more years of study.
Does an ECA guarantee a licence or a job?
No. It may help your job search, but it does not guarantee a job in your field. For a regulated profession you must get your licence in the province or territory where you plan to settle.
How much does an ECA cost and how long does it take?
Processing times and costs vary by organization or professional body. Check the organization’s own site and order early.
What do I do with the ECA report?
Enter the results and the reference number in your Express Entry profile. Keep your original documents and be ready to upload copies if IRCC invites you to apply.
Can I choose any organization for my ECA?
No. Most people must use one of the five designated organizations, and certain professions must use a specific professional body.