WES ECA for Canada PR: Fees, Time and Steps
A WES ECA is the Educational Credential Assessment from World Education Services, one of the five organizations IRCC designates. The base fee is $264 CAD, and WES lists about 3 to 4 weeks once your documents are verified (WES, checked October 2026). This guide shows the steps, the costs and the mistakes that slow people down.
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What is a WES ECA?
A WES ECA is a report that shows your completed foreign degree, diploma or certificate is equal to a completed Canadian credential. IRCC designated World Education Services on 17 April 2013 (IRCC, 2026).
WES checks your documents, writes the report and sends it to the recipients you name. You then enter the results and the reference number in your Express Entry profile.
Do I need a WES ECA?
You need an ECA if you studied outside Canada and want to qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or earn points for that education. WES is one of five choices, so you need a WES report only if you pick WES. A Canadian credential needs no ECA.
Why people pick WES
- Listed time: about 3 to 4 weeks after your documents are verified
- Online: you apply, pay and follow your file in a WES account
- Payment: credit card, debit card or Convera
- Delivery: your report goes to the recipients you name
Is WES the right choice for you?
An honest check before you pay for a report.
WES fits if you want
- A listed time of about 3 to 4 weeks, close to IQAS and far shorter than ICAS
- To apply and pay online
- To send documents by courier from your country
- One report for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and CRS points
Think twice if
- You cannot courier the documents WES lists for your country
- Your job needs a professional body: doctors, pharmacists and architects
- You only hold Canadian credentials: no ECA is needed
- You want the lowest fee: compare ICAS and IQAS first
Read the ECA overview, see how education adds points in the CRS guide, or run the CRS calculator.
WES compared with the other four
All five are designated by IRCC. Fees and times below come from each organization (checked October 2026) and can change. Source: IRCC.
Comparative Education Service
Run through the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Check its own site for the current fee and time.
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
Lists $231 CAD with tax included and about 20 weeks after all documents arrive. No rush service. Read the ICAS guide →
World Education Services (this page)
Lists $264 CAD plus delivery and tax, and about 3 to 4 weeks after documents are verified.
International Qualifications Assessment Service
Known as IQAS. Lists $260 CAD plus a $25 administration fee, and about 15 business days. Read the IQAS guide →
International Credential Evaluation Service
Run through the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Check its own site for the current fee and time.
Not sure which one to use?
We match your credential, your profession and your timeline to the right organization.
Rules to know before you order from WES
Regulated professions
If you are a doctor (NOC 31100, 31101 or 31102), a pharmacist (NOC 31120) or an architect (NOC 21200) and need a licence, a professional body assesses you, not WES.
Documents by country
WES sets document requirements by your country or territory of education. Check its required documents tool before you send anything.
Payment and delivery
WES needs your payment before it can finish your evaluation. It accepts credit card, debit card or Convera, and delivery options run from $14 to $97 CAD.
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 the ECA, points, language and the Express Entry process.
How to submit your WES ECA
Five actions take you from your first click to a complete profile.
Check your country list
Open the WES required documents tool and pick your country or territory of education.
Apply online
Create a WES account, choose the evaluation for Canadian immigration and pay.
Send documents by courier
Follow your country rules. Your file enters the queue after the courier confirms delivery.
Follow your file
Log in to your WES account to see the status of your evaluation.
Add results to your profile
Enter the results and the reference number in your Express Entry profile.
Want your documents checked first?
We review your credentials and your plan before you pay for a report.
How to get your WES 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 at all.
Pick your country list
Find your country or territory in the WES required documents tool.
Apply and pay
Create your account, choose the Canadian immigration evaluation and pay $264 CAD plus any delivery fee and tax.
Send your documents
Courier what WES asks for. The queue starts after the courier confirms delivery.
Wait for your report
WES lists about 2 weeks to verify and about 1 week to evaluate, up to 2 weeks if complex.
Enter results and check the date
Add the results and the reference number to your profile. Confirm the report is under 5 years old.
Five mistakes that waste a WES 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.
Sending the wrong documents
Each country has its own list. Check it before you courier anything.
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.
WES ECA facts at a glance
Key facts from WES and IRCC, checked October 2026.
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WES ECA FAQs
What is a WES ECA?
A WES ECA is a report from World Education Services that shows your completed foreign degree, diploma or certificate is equal to a Canadian credential. IRCC designated WES on 17 April 2013.
How much does a WES ECA cost?
The base fee is $264 CAD. Delivery runs from $14 to $97 CAD, and 13% HST is added when applicable (WES, checked October 2026). WES raised its prices by 3% on 1 January 2026.
How long does a WES ECA take?
WES lists about 2 weeks to verify your documents and about 1 week to evaluate, or up to 2 weeks if your case is complex. That is about 3 to 4 weeks in total once your documents arrive. Times can change with volume and staffing.
How do I apply for a WES ECA?
Create a WES account, choose the evaluation for Canadian immigration and pay. Then send your documents by courier as the list for your country says.
How do I send my documents to WES?
Send them by courier, following the document requirements for your country or territory of education. Your file enters the WES queue after the courier confirms delivery.
Is WES designated by IRCC?
Yes. IRCC designated World Education Services on 17 April 2013, so a WES report is accepted for Express Entry.
Is a WES ECA valid for Express Entry?
Yes, if it is less than 5 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application. You enter the results and the reference number in your profile.
Is WES better than IQAS or ICAS?
None is best for everyone. WES lists $264 CAD and about 3 to 4 weeks, IQAS lists $260 CAD plus a $25 fee and about 15 business days, and ICAS lists $231 CAD and about 20 weeks (each organization, checked October 2026).
Does a WES ECA guarantee a licence or a job?
No. It may help your job search, but it does not promise a job. For a regulated profession you must get your licence in the province or territory where you plan to settle.