Express Entry, step by step
Educational Credential Assessment: how early to start and which organisation to choose
An ECA is the cheapest part of Express Entry and the one most likely to hold you up, because it depends on universities sending documents on their schedule, not yours. Start it in week one.
Updated November 2026 · 3 min read
The short answer
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirms your foreign credential's Canadian equivalent. FSW requires it; CRS education points need it.
- Only designated organisations count: WES, ICAS, IQAS, CES (University of Toronto), ICES, and for doctors and pharmacists the MCC and PEBC.
- Allow one to four months; longer if your university is slow to send transcripts.
- An ECA is valid for five years. Order one for every credential you want points for, including your spouse's.
1What an ECA does
IRCC doesn't evaluate foreign degrees itself. A designated organisation checks that your credential is genuine and states its Canadian equivalent, such as "Bachelor's degree (four years)". The ECA report number goes into your Express Entry profile, and the education points depend on what it says.
2Choosing an organisation
| Organisation | Notes |
|---|---|
| World Education Services (WES) | Most used; often fastest if your university is in its system |
| International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS) | Accepts a wide range of documents |
| International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | Alberta-based, IRCC-designated for Express Entry |
| Comparative Education Service (CES), U of T | Well regarded for detailed evaluations |
| International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) | BC-based |
| Medical Council of Canada / PEBC | Required for physicians and pharmacists respectively |
3When to start: as early as possible
Order the ECA as soon as you've confirmed you want to use Express Entry, not when your French is nearly ready. It's needed to create a profile under FSW, and you want to enter the pool early. With five years of validity, an early ECA is almost never wasted.
- 1
Create an account and choose "ECA for IRCC"
Not a general academic evaluation.
- 2
Request transcripts from your university
Most organisations require them sent directly from the institution in a sealed envelope or through a verified digital service.
- 3
Upload or send your degree certificate
Follow the organisation's document rules exactly.
- 4
Wait and track
Processing usually runs weeks once all documents arrive.
4Mistakes that delay ECAs
- Choosing a general (non-IRCC) evaluation type.
- Sending transcripts yourself when the organisation requires them from the university.
- Name mismatches between passport and diploma without supporting documents.
- Forgetting your spouse's credential: it can add spouse points.
- Not ordering an assessment for a second credential, which can raise both education and transferability points.
5Frequently asked questions
How long does an ECA take?+
Usually one to four months in total, most of it spent waiting for your institution to send documents. Once complete, many organisations finish within a few weeks.
Is WES better than ICAS for Express Entry?+
IRCC accepts all designated organisations equally. Choose based on speed for your country and university, and on document requirements you can meet.
Do I need an ECA for a Canadian degree?+
No. Canadian credentials don't need an ECA.
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