Start Credential Recognition (ECA)
Description
If you plan to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in the future, you will likely need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove your foreign degree is equivalent to a Canadian one.
In person
N/A
Online
30–45 min
What to do
1.
Identify an IRCC-designated organization for your assessment (e.g., WES, ICES at BCIT, or IQAS)
2.
Request official transcripts from your home university to be sent directly to the assessment organization
3.
Pay the assessment fee (WES charges about C$264 before tax and delivery in 2026)
4.
Wait for the final report — this usually takes 2–4 months and is valid for 5 years
Tips
WES is most widely accepted
World Education Services (WES) is the default choice for most IRCC immigration streams (Express Entry) and is accepted by most Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Start early — it takes 2–6 months total
Getting official transcripts from your home university can take 4–8 weeks, and the ECA review itself takes another 2–4 months. Start the process as soon as possible if you are planning to apply for PR.