Key Highlights
When preparing to relocate from one country to another, numerous factors must be taken into account. While it’s common knowledge that you’ll need your passport and birth certificate, there are additional considerations, such as the validation of educational credentials. For instance, in Canada, the significance of educational credits cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in securing a well-paying job rather than settling for a low-income position. The possession of a degree can significantly impact whether you secure a job in the $80,000 salary range as opposed to the $30,000 bracket.
For individuals who earned their degrees in a foreign country, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) becomes imperative. This assessment system validates and compares your academic qualifications with the standards set in Canada.
While the advantages of undergoing this evaluation are clear, it is undeniably a challenging task. Although a time-consuming process, it is certainly not insurmountable
What is the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) serves as a document aimed at authenticating the educational credits of an immigrant applicant. Its purpose is to ensure that the quality of education received in one’s home country is equivalent to that of Canadian degrees.
This assessment specifically examines whether an individual’s foreign Diploma in secondary education aligns with the standards and rigor expected of a Canadian degree. Multiple agencies are tasked with evaluating foreign degrees, and these include:
1. Comparative Education Service
2. World Education Services
3. International Educational Evaluation Service
These institutions are responsible for scrutinizing the educational background of applicants, determining the validity of their education, and assessing the credibility of their credentials.
How to Determine If an ECA Evaluation is Necessary?
Completion of an ECA evaluation is not mandatory for all immigration applicants. However, participation in the Federal Skilled Workers Program, also referred to as the Express Entry program, requires mandatory ECA enrollment.
The Express Entry program expedites the immigration process for individuals with specific skill sets. If you hold a degree from a foreign institution and aim to have it recognized in Canada, obtaining an ECA is crucial, particularly if you are pursuing a career or job aligned with your credentials.
Which Credentials Need Evaluation?
It is not required to undergo evaluation for every level of education within this system. The focus of evaluation is on higher levels of education.
Therefore, individuals should specifically have their highest level of education assessed. For instance, if one has completed both a certificate course and a bachelor’s degree, there is no need to have both evaluated.
However, individuals with multiple credentials must undergo separate evaluations for each. For example, if someone holds degrees in both psychology and mechanics, both qualifications should undergo individual evaluation.
It is important to note that an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is not necessary for 10th and 12th-grade certificates. If an individual holds a Bachelor’s degree, the ECA should be obtained solely for the Bachelor’s, unless there is an additional diploma, such as a Post-Graduate Diploma, in which case both can be evaluated to potentially earn more CRS points. For M.Sc. applicants, the evaluation of the Bachelor’s degree is mandatory, while the 10th and 12th-grade mark sheets do not require evaluation.
Which organization should be chosen for ECA?
The choice of organization for credential evaluation relies heavily on factors such as the chosen career, the type of credential requiring assessment, and the institution where the degree was obtained. To assist in selecting the right organization, one can consult the CICIC system (Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials).
This tool utilizes information about the applicant’s degree and work experience to guide them in choosing the most suitable organization for their needs.
Medical professionals are advised to undergo credential evaluation through the Medical Council of Canada. Similarly, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada handles the evaluation of all pharmacist applications to the program.
Who needs an ECA report for Canadian immigration?
Prospective immigrants applying through the Express Entry system in Canada must undergo a credential evaluation. Nevertheless, if you are an international student who completed a degree at an accredited Canadian university, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report is not required.
Moreover, certain Master’s and postgraduate degree programs for the Federal Skilled Workers Program may not necessitate an ECA. The requirement depends on factors such as the type of degree, the university granting it, and the country of issuance. It is advisable to consult with an agent to confirm whether an ECA is mandatory for your specific situation.
How do you get an ECA report for Canadian immigration?
To obtain your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report, it is essential to identify the most suitable organization for your specific requirements.
To initiate the ECA process, applicants (along with their accompanying spouse or partner, if applicable) are required to submit necessary documents, such as transcripts and degree certificates, to an organization authorized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
These designated organizations operate independently from the Canadian government. The current entities designated by IRCC for issuing ECA reports include:
1. World Education Services
2. Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
3. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
4. International Qualifications Assessment Service
5. International Credential Evaluation Service
6. Medical Council of Canada
7. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
Where can you get you ECA?
You can get your ECA from IRCC approved organization.
If you possess professional training but are not a pharmacist or medical professional, you can opt for WES. WES evaluations enjoy broad acceptance from diverse business, educational, and governmental entities in both Canada and the United States.
The process for submitting your documents to your chosen organization remains largely consistent, regardless of your selection. Once the evaluation organization establishes the ECA, you must upload this report to the Canadian immigration website.
Sample of an ECA Report Issued by WES
Cost and Processing Time for ECA Canada
The passage provides information about the processing times and fees associated with different agencies that offer Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) services in Canada. An Educational Credential Assessment is typically required for individuals who have obtained their education credentials outside of Canada and are seeking recognition of their qualifications in the country. Here’s a breakdown of the information provided:
1. ECA Organizations and Processing Times:
- World Education Services (WES): 4 Weeks
- Comparative Education Service (CES): 14 Weeks
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES): 12 Weeks
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS): 15 Weeks
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS): 13 Weeks
- Medical Council of Canada (Professional body for doctors): 6 Weeks
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (For Pharmacists): 13 Weeks
2. Fees for ECA:
- World Education Services (WES): $220
- Comparative Education Service (CES): $210
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES): $230
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS): $200
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS): $200
- Medical Council of Canada (Professional body for doctors): $290
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (For Pharmacists): $600
3. Additional Information:
- The provided fees are the basic fees for the ECA process and do not include courier charges or other miscellaneous expenses.
- Processing time may vary from case to case.
This information can be useful for individuals seeking an ECA for their foreign educational credentials and helps them compare processing times and fees across different agencies. Keep in mind that these details are subject to change, and individuals should check with the respective agencies for the most up-to-date information.
How Do I Submit My ECA Document, and When Do You Need the Report?
This passage appears to provide guidance on the submission of documents for the Express Entry system, particularly in the context of Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes to Canada. Let’s break down the key points:
1. Submission of Documents: To initiate the process, you need to enter the report into your Express Entry profile page. This step must be completed within five years of receiving and completing the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
2. Reissuing Reports: If you are unable to submit your report within the five-year timeframe, there might be an option to have the report reissued. Contacting the relevant organization is recommended to inquire about this possibility.
3. Document Maintenance: While it is crucial to maintain the original documents for your records, uploading them is necessary for entry and permission to remain in Canada. This likely refers to the importance of having electronic copies of your documents accessible through the Express Entry profile.
4. Multiple Credential Reports: The system allows for the addition of multiple credential reports on the profile page. After submitting the first report, you can add other credentials as needed.
5. Proving Credentials for ECA Assessment: The passage suggests that proving your credentials is a crucial step in qualifying for immigration under the Express Entry or Federal Workers Program. It acknowledges the complexity of the process and recommends seeking the assistance of an immigration consultant to navigate the requirements successfully.
6. Immigration Consultant: The passage emphasizes the role of an immigration consultant in facilitating a smoother immigration process. It encourages individuals to contact a consultant to explore how the right agency can help streamline the immigration journey.
In summary, the passage provides step-by-step guidance on document submission, highlights the importance of maintaining original documents, and emphasizes the role of an immigration consultant in successfully navigating the Express Entry or Federal Workers Program for immigration to Canada.
How Countrywide Visas Can Help You Increase Your Chances To Obtain A Canadian PR?
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