Comprehensive Guide for Internationally Trained Pharmacists: Obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Canadian Immigration
What is Educational Credential Assessment:
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.
You must include your ECA report and the reference number in your Express Entry profile.
Note: Your ECA report may help when looking for a job. But, it doesn’t guarantee that:
- you’ll get a job in your field, or at a certain level
- you’ll get a license to practice in a regulated profession (job)
IMPORTANT: If you plan to work in a regulated job, such as a Pharmacist, you must get your license in the province or territory that you plan to settle in.
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 in which you complete your credentials does not affect points.
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (a professional body for pharmacists designated on January 6, 2014) must do your assessment if
- your primary occupation is a pharmacist (NOC code 31120)
- you need a license to practice
For example, you would need a license if you were caring for patients in a:
- community pharmacy
- hospital pharmacy
- long-term care facility
- other practice settings
If you’re in a position where you don’t need a license, one of the other designated organizations can assess your credentials. For example, you may not need a license to work in the pharmaceutical industry or in a government job where you need a pharmacy degree for the job but don’t need a license to practice pharmacy.
PEBC Requirements for an ECA Report
STEP 1: Document Evaluation
You must pass Document Evaluation before you will have access to the ECA Report application. Your Document Evaluation will determine whether your undergraduate degree is the equivalent of the basic education requirement to practice as a pharmacist in Canada – a 4-year, Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. PEBC does not assess the equivalency of your highest level of education.
STEP 2: Applying for ECA
Applying for the ECA Report
Once your Document Evaluation has been approved the ECA Report application will be added to your Portal account within 5 business days. It is an optional application that you can ignore if you do not require an ECA Report for IRCC.
The application contains two phases. You must complete the first phase before the second phase will be made available to you.
1. ECA Report Application
Read the Terms and Conditions provided in the application and then provide your confirmation as indicated.
2. ECA Report Fee
Once you complete the application you must pay the fee.
Document Evaluation: $705
STEP 3: Steps Following Completion of Application
Once you have completed the application and your fee has been approved, a PDF of your ECA Report will be uploaded to your Digital Wallet within 5 business days unless there are issues with your application.
It is your responsibility to submit the ECA Report to IRCC. IRCC will then verify the authenticity of your report with PEBC.
ECA Report Expiry
Your ECA Report will expire 5 years from the date of issue on your report. Once your ECA Report expires you can apply for a new one using the same process and paying the applicable fee.
For complete details, follow the link: https://pebc.ca/pharmacists/document-evaluation/applying-for-document-evaluation
Provincial and Territorial Regulatory Authorities Contact Information
Preparing for work in Canada after immigration:
Contact the regulatory body in the province where you plan to live to find out if you need a license to practice your intended occupation.
It is strongly recommended that you gather all supporting documents and arrange for them to be sent while you are still in the country where they were issued. It is very important to submit documents for assessment following the specific process required by the provincial/territorial regulatory authority (see list below). This will greatly facilitate the assessment and recognition process.
For International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs), The Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International Pharmacists provides information on the pharmacist profession in Canada. The self-assessment tool will help you identify whether you have the skills, knowledge, and qualifications required to practice as a pharmacist in Canada. You can access the website here: https://www.pharmacistsgatewaycanada.ca/
THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY
The regulatory authority sets the requirements for certification, licensing, or registration to work in regulated occupations. It is responsible for defining the assessment process described above and for the ultimate recognition of your professional qualifications.
In addition to an assessment of your academic and professional qualifications, you may also have to complete other requirements to obtain a license to practice or a certificate of qualification. These could include:
- examinations to test your knowledge and competencies;
- proof of language proficiency;
- criminal record check;
- Canadian work placement or practicum;
- reference check or proof of professional standing;
- orientation course or bridging program; and/or
- additional academic or professional requirements.
Use the information below to contact the regulatory authority in the province or territory in which you wish to settle. It can provide detailed information on the requirements to obtain a license to practice.
PHARMACY EXAMINING BOARD OF CANADA
Email: pebcinfo@pebc.ca
Telephone: (+1) 416-979-2431
Fax: (+1) 416-599-9244
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACY REGULATORY AUTHORITIES
Email: info@napra.ca
Telephone: (+1) 613-569-9658
Fax: (+1) 613-569-9659
ALBERTA
ALBERTA COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS
Email: acpinfo@pharmacists.ab.ca
Telephone: (+1) 780-990-0321
Fax: (+1) 780-990-0328
BRITISH COLUMBIA
COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Email: info@bcpharmacists.org
Telephone: (+1) 604-733-2440
Fax: (+1) 604-733-2493
MANITOBA
COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS OF MANITOBA
Email: info@cphm.ca
Telephone: (+1) 204-233-1411
Fax: (+1) 204-237-3468
NEW BRUNSWICK
NEW BRUNSWICK COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS
Email: info@nbpharmacists.ca
Telephone: (+1) 506-857-8957
Fax: (+1) 506-857-8838
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR PHARMACY BOARD
Email: inforx@nlpb.ca
Telephone: (+1) 709-753-5877
Fax: (+1) 709-753-8615
NOVA SCOTIA
NOVA SCOTIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS
Email: info@nspharmacists.ca
Telephone: (+1) 902-422-8528
Fax: (+1) 902-422-0885
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR, PROFESSIONAL LICENSING, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/professional-licensing
Email: professional_licensing@gov.nt.ca
Telephone: (+1) 867-767-9067
Fax: (+1) 867-873-0484
NUNAVUT
PROFESSIONAL LICENSING, NUNAVUT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Telephone: (+1) 867-982-7668
Fax: (+1) 867-982-7640
ONTARIO
ONTARIO COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS
Email: ocpclientservices@ocpinfo.com
Telephone: (+1) 416-962-4861
Fax: (+1) 416-847-8200
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS
Email: info@pepharmacists.ca
Telephone: (+1) 902-628-3561
Fax: (+1) 902-628-6946
QUÉBEC
ORDRE DES PHARMACIENS DU QUÉBEC
Email: ordrepharm@opq.org
Telephone: (+1) 514-284-9588
Fax: (+1) 514-284-3420
SASKATCHEWAN
SASKATCHEWAN COLLEGE OF PHARMACY PROFESSIONALS
Email: info@saskpharm.ca
Telephone: (+1) 306-584-2292
Fax: (+1) 306-584-9695
YUKON
YUKON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, PROFESSIONAL LICENSING & REGULATORY AFFAIRS BRANCH
www.community.gov.yk.ca/consumer/pl.html
Email: plra@gov.yk.ca
Telephone: (+1) 867-667-5111
Fax: (+1) 867-667-3609
IMPORTANT:
Although assessment services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained outside Canada compare with those obtained in Canada, their assessments are advisory only. In Canada, they do not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for:
- admission at an educational institution;
- certification, licensing, or registration in an occupation; and/or
- general employment.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PHARMACISTS
Internationally trained professionals may have access to financial assistance to complete the assessment process that will allow them to work in their intended occupations. These micro-loan programs are offered to citizens or permanent residents of Canada who were trained outside Canada and do not have sufficient credit history to borrow from a Canadian financial institution.
To learn about participating provinces and territories, and determine your eligibility, use the information below to find an organization close to you offering micro loans.
Windmill Microlending
Suite 709, 7015 Macleod Trail SW
Calgary Alberta
T2H2K6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 403-228-9981
Suite 2020 (Scotia Place Tower 1) 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
T5J3R8 Canada
Bureau 710, 5455 Avenue de Gaspé
Montréal Quebec
H2T3B3 Canada
220 – 20th St W. Suite 219, Second Level
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
S7M0W9 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 306-974-4856
Suite 300, 165 Avenue Rd
Toronto Ontario
M5R3S4 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-360-4445
Suite 709, 7015 Macleod Trail SW
Calgary Alberta
T2H2K6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 403-228-9981
Suite 2020 (Scotia Place Tower 1) 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
T5J3R8 Canada
Bureau 710, 5455 Avenue de Gaspé
Montréal Quebec
H2T3B3 Canada
220 – 20th St W. Suite 219, Second Level
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
S7M0W9 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 306-974-4856
Suite 300, 165 Avenue Rd
Toronto Ontario
M5R3S4 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-360-4445
Suite 709, 7015 Macleod Trail SW
Calgary Alberta
T2H2K6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 403-228-9981
Suite 2020 (Scotia Place Tower 1) 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
T5J3R8 Canada
Bureau 710, 5455 Avenue de Gaspé
Montréal Quebec
H2T3B3 Canada
220 – 20th St W. Suite 219, Second Level
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
S7M0W9 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 306-974-4856
Suite 300, 165 Avenue Rd
Toronto Ontario
M5R3S4 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-360-4445
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. – Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Loan Project
238 – 8131 Westminster Hwy
Richmond British Columbia
V6X 1A7 Canada
Supporting Employment and Economic Development (SEED Winnipeg) Inc. (SEED)
80 Salter Street
Winnipeg Manitoba
R2W4J6 Canada
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
ISANS Desmond, Bayers Road Professional Centre, 7071 Bayers Road, Suite 164 (Desmond Avenue entrance)
Halifax Nova Scotia
B3L2C2 Canada
Main office, 2120 – 6960 Mumford Road
Halifax Nova Scotia
B3L4P1 Canada
ISANS Joseph Howe, 2717 Joseph Howe Drive, Second Floor
Halifax Nova Scotia
B3L4T9 Canada
WIL Employment Connections – Internationally Trained Workers
141 Dundas Street, 4th Floor
London Ontario
N6A 1G3 Canada
Canada Microcredit Educators Group – Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Pilot Project
420 University Ave, Suite 200, P.O. Box 1551
Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
C1A 7Z5 Canada
Microcrédit Montréal
319 – 3680 rue Jeanne Mance
Montreal Quebec
H2X 2K5 Canada
Alberta
Windmill Microlending
Suite 709, 7015 Macleod Trail SW
Calgary Alberta
T2H2K6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 403-228-9981
Suite 2020 (Scotia Place Tower 1) 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
T5J3R8 Canada
Bureau 710, 5455 Avenue de Gaspé
Montréal Quebec
H2T3B3 Canada
220 – 20th St W. Suite 219, Second Level
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
S7M0W9 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 306-974-4856
Suite 300, 165 Avenue Rd
Toronto Ontario
M5R3S4 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-360-4445
British Columbia
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. – Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Loan Project
238 – 8131 Westminster Hwy
Richmond British Columbia
V6X 1A7 Canada
Manitoba
Supporting Employment and Economic Development (SEED Winnipeg) Inc. (SEED)
80 Salter Street
Winnipeg Manitoba
R2W4J6 Canada
New Brunswick
Multicultural Association of Fredericton
28 Saunders Street
Fredericton New Brunswick
E3B 1N1 Canada
Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area
22 Church St, Suite C170
Moncton New Brunswick
E1C 0P7 Canada
YMCA of Greater Saint John
191 Churchill Blvd.
Saint John New Brunswick
E2K 3E2 Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador
AXIS Career Services, Association for New Canadians
A/S Association for New Canadians, 10 Smithville Crescent, P.O.Box 2031, Stn. C
St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador
A1C 5R6 Canada
Nova Scotia
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
ISANS Desmond, Bayers Road Professional Centre, 7071 Bayers Road, Suite 164 (Desmond Avenue entrance)
Halifax Nova Scotia
B3L2C2 Canada
Main office, 2120 – 6960 Mumford Road
Halifax Nova Scotia
B3L4P1 Canada
ISANS Joseph Howe, 2717 Joseph Howe Drive, Second Floor
Halifax Nova Scotia
B3L4T9 Canada
Ontario
Windmill Microlending
Suite 709, 7015 Macleod Trail SW
Calgary Alberta
T2H2K6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 403-228-9981
Suite 2020 (Scotia Place Tower 1) 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
T5J3R8 Canada
Bureau 710, 5455 Avenue de Gaspé
Montréal Quebec
H2T3B3 Canada
220 – 20th St W. Suite 219, Second Level
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
S7M0W9 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 306-974-4856
Suite 300, 165 Avenue Rd
Toronto Ontario
M5R3S4 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-360-4445
WIL Employment Connections – Internationally Trained Workers
141 Dundas Street, 4th Floor
London Ontario
N6A 1G3 Canada
Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF)
2211 Riverside Dr., Suite 308
Ottawa Ontario
K1H7X5 Canada
Achēv
Brampton East, 263 Queen Street East, Unit 14
Brampton Ontario
L6W4K6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 905-595-0722
Brampton South, 7700 Hurontario Street, Unit 601
Brampton Ontario
L6Y4M3 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 905-457-4747
Mississauga – Malton, 7420 Airport Road, Suite 104
Mississauga Ontario
L4T4E5 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 905-677-0007
Mississauga – City Centre, 50 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 300/410
Mississauga Ontario
L5B3C2 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 905-949-0049
Head Office, 90 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 210
Mississauga Ontario
L5B3C3 Canada
Oakville, 690 Dorval Drive, Suite 100
Oakville Ontario
L6K3X9 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 905-875-3851
Pickering, 1099 Kingston Rd, #240
Pickering Ontario
L1V1B5 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 905-420-1919
Richmond Hill,420 Hwy 7 East #204B
Richmond Hill Ontario
L4B3K2 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 855-330-8655
North York, 1090 Don Mills Road, Suite 406
Toronto Ontario
M3C3R6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-444-8744
Toronto, 100 Lombard St. Suite 400
Toronto Ontario
M5C1M3 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-964-9797
Prince Edward Island
Canada Microcredit Educators Group – Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Pilot Project
420 University Ave, Suite 200, P.O. Box 1551
Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
C1A 7Z5 Canada
Quebec
Windmill Microlending
Suite 709, 7015 Macleod Trail SW
Calgary Alberta
T2H2K6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 403-228-9981
Suite 2020 (Scotia Place Tower 1) 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
T5J3R8 Canada
Bureau 710, 5455 Avenue de Gaspé
Montréal Quebec
H2T3B3 Canada
220 – 20th St W. Suite 219, Second Level
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
S7M0W9 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 306-974-4856
Suite 300, 165 Avenue Rd
Toronto Ontario
M5R3S4 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-360-4445
Microcrédit Montréal
319 – 3680 rue Jeanne Mance
Montreal Quebec
H2X 2K5 Canada
Saskatchewan
Windmill Microlending
Suite 709, 7015 Macleod Trail SW
Calgary Alberta
T2H2K6 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 403-228-9981
Suite 2020 (Scotia Place Tower 1) 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
T5J3R8 Canada
Bureau 710, 5455 Avenue de Gaspé
Montréal Quebec
H2T3B3 Canada
220 – 20th St W. Suite 219, Second Level
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
S7M0W9 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 306-974-4856
Suite 300, 165 Avenue Rd
Toronto Ontario
M5R3S4 Canada
Telephone: (+1) 416-360-4445
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