What Is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker, you’ve likely come across the term Educational Credential Assessment, or ECA. But what exactly is it?
An ECA is a formal evaluation of your foreign educational qualifications, verifying that your degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian one. It’s an essential document for most immigration programs, including Express Entry, Atlantic Immigration Program, and provincial nominee programs.
Without a valid ECA, your international credentials may not be recognized, meaning you could lose valuable CRS points or even be ineligible to apply for some immigration programs.
Why Is an Educational Credential Assessment Required for Canada Immigration?
Canada wants to ensure that immigrants meet the country’s education standards. The ECA helps:
- Confirm that your education is comparable to a Canadian qualification
- Assign proper Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in Express Entry
- Meet the eligibility for programs like the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Support your future job applications or professional licensing
Note: If you earned your degree in Canada, you do not need an ECA.
Who Needs an Educational Credential Assessment?
You need an ECA if:
- You need to qualify for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) under Express Entry
- You want to claim CRS points for education completed outside Canada when you apply for permanent residence under Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class.
- Your spouse or partner’s foreign education will contribute to CRS points
or: - You’re applying for a PNP stream or an immigration program (e.g. Atlantic Immigration Program) that asks for credential verification
Which Organizations Are Authorized to Provide ECA?
Only organizations designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can issue ECAs. As of 2025, the approved agencies are:
Important note: For some occupations (e.g. physicians, pharmacists, and architects), applicants must obtain the assessment from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Educational Credential Assessment
Here’s how to apply for your ECA:
- Choose a Designated Organization
WES is the most popular for general immigration purposes. - Create an Account Online
Register on the organization’s website and follow instructions for document submission. - Gather Required Documents
- Original degree/diploma
- Official transcripts sent directly from your school
- Certified translations if documents are not in English or French
- Pay the Fees
Most ECA services cost between $200 – $300CAD, plus courier or delivery fees. - Wait for Results
Processing times vary. Once complete, the organization sends a report directly to IRCC or lets you upload a PDF. - Link ECA to Express Entry Profile
Include your ECA reference number and report details to claim points.
How Long Is an ECA Valid?
An Educational Credential Assessment is valid for 5 years from the date of issue and must be valid at the time you submit your Express Entry profile and PR application.
How Much CRS Score Can You Get from ECA?
The number of CRS points you receive depends on your assessed level of education.
| Educational Level (Canadian Equivalent) | CRS Points (Single Applicant) |
| Secondary school only | 30 points |
| One-year post-secondary program | 90 points |
| Two-year program or diploma | 98 points |
| Bachelor’s degree OR a three-or-more-year program | 120 points |
| Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years | 128 points |
| Master’s or professional degree | 135 points |
| PhD | 150 points |
Including your spouse’s ECA can give you up to 10 extra points, which can be the difference between an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and missing the cutoff.
Final Thoughts
An Educational Credential Assessment is more than just a paperwork step, it’s a critical foundation of your Canadian immigration profile. Done correctly, it boosts your eligibility, saves time, and strengthens your application.
Get Help from Yes Study
Don’t let technicalities or paperwork delay your Canadian dream. At Yes Study, we:
- Help you choose the right ECA provider
- Guide you through the document preparation process
- Review your Express Entry profile for CRS optimization
- Support your journey from student to PR
Talk to our team today to get started on your immigration journey with full confidence!
