Complete guide to getting your foreign education recognized in Canada for Express Entry.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a mandatory evaluation that verifies your foreign education credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards. It's required for Express Entry and most provincial nominee programs.
Why you need it: Without an ECA, you won't receive any education points in your CRS score, potentially costing you 90-150 points.
IRCC recognizes five designated organizations for ECA. Each has different processing times, costs, and specializations.
Most popular and widely accepted
Processing Time:
• Standard: 35 business days
• Express: 20 business days (+$120)
Cost:
• Standard: $260 CAD
• Additional degrees: +$115
Best For:
Pros:
✓ Fastest processing with express option
✓ Most recognized by employers
✓ Online application and tracking
✓ Digital delivery available
Cons:
✗ More expensive than alternatives
✗ Strict document requirements
✗ May downgrade some degrees
Alberta government-run service
Processing Time:
• Standard: 8-12 weeks
• Rush: 5-7 weeks (+$200)
Cost:
• Standard: $200 CAD
• Per degree
Best For:
Pros:
✓ Most favorable for Chinese degrees
✓ Lower cost than WES
✓ Government-backed credibility
✓ Recognizes more institutions
Cons:
✗ Slower processing time
✗ Paper-based application only
✗ Limited tracking options
BCIT-affiliated service
Processing Time:
• Standard: 15 weeks
• Rush: 10 weeks (+$100)
Cost:
• Basic: $220 CAD
• Per degree evaluation
Pros:
✓ Detailed reports
✓ Good for BC PNP applications
✓ Moderate pricing
Cons:
✗ Longer processing times
✗ Less widely known
University of Toronto affiliated
Processing Time:
• Standard: 15-20 weeks
• No rush option
Cost:
• $245 CAD
• Per credential
Pros:
✓ Academic rigor and detail
✓ University-backed
✓ Good for professional degrees
Cons:
✗ Slowest processing
✗ No expedited option
✗ Mail-based only
For medical professionals only
Processing Time:
• 8-12 weeks
Cost:
• Varies by service
⚕️ Medical Professionals Only
MCC is exclusively for doctors, physicians, and medical graduates seeking ECA for Express Entry. All other applicants must use WES, IQAS, ICES, or CES.
| Organization | Processing | Cost | Best For | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WES | 5-7 weeks | $260-380 | US, UK, India | Fastest |
| IQAS | 8-12 weeks | $200 | China, Pakistan | Moderate |
| ICES | 10-15 weeks | $220 | BC applicants | Slow |
| CES | 15-20 weeks | $245 | Professional degrees | Slowest |
| MCC | 8-12 weeks | Varies | Medical only | Moderate |
Based on thousands of cases, IQAS has proven to be the most Chinese-friendly ECA organization with the highest success rate.
Why IQAS for Chinese degrees:
Choose WES if:
Risk:
May downgrade 3-year degrees to "diploma" instead of "Bachelor's"
Choose IQAS if:
Benefit:
More likely to recognize 3-year degrees as full Bachelor's (120 CRS points)
Important for Chinese applicants:
Always use CHSI (学信网) for degree verification. Get both English and Chinese versions. Send verification directly from CHSI to the ECA organization for faster processing.
❌ Incomplete Transcripts
Missing semesters, courses, or final year results
✓ Solution: Request complete transcripts showing ALL semesters and courses
❌ Unofficial Documents
Self-submitted photocopies or scanned documents
✓ Solution: Documents must come directly from university in sealed envelope
❌ Unrecognized Institution
University not in ECA organization's database
✓ Solution: Check institution database before applying, provide accreditation proof
❌ Translation Issues
Non-certified translations or missing originals
✓ Solution: Use certified translators, include both original and translation
❌ Document Mismatch
Name on degree differs from passport/application
✓ Solution: Provide name change documents or use exact name match
❌ Expired Verification
Third-party verification expired before ECA completion
✓ Solution: Ensure verification is valid for at least 90 days
Verify institution is recognized
Check ECA organization's database before applying
Request complete official transcripts
All years, all courses, all grades, in sealed envelope
Get certified translations
If documents not in English/French, use certified translator
Arrange direct verification
University sends documents directly to ECA organization
Double-check name spelling
Must match passport exactly
Include degree certificate
Original or certified copy of graduation certificate
Pay correct fees
Check current fees, include rush fees if expediting
Complete application accurately
No typos, all fields filled, correct dates
Start early
Begin process 3-6 months before you need results
Prepare documents in advance
Get transcripts and certificates ready before applying
Contact university registrar early
Some universities take 4-6 weeks to process transcript requests
Choose WES with express option
Fastest: 3-4 weeks total with express processing
Use direct document delivery
University sends documents directly to ECA (faster verification)
Track your application
Monitor status online, respond to requests immediately
Follow up proactively
If processing exceeds timeline, contact them weekly
Request digital delivery
Email delivery is faster than mail (saves 1-2 weeks)
3-4 Week Express Route:
Total cost: $380 CAD | Total time: 3-4 weeks
Pro Tip: Parallel Processing
While waiting for ECA, work on language tests and Express Entry profile. Don't wait until ECA is complete to start other preparations.
Based on your country of education, budget, and timeline. Use comparison table above.
Contact university registrar for official transcripts and degree certificate in sealed envelope.
If documents not in English/French, hire certified translator. Keep originals.
Fill application accurately, pay fees, select delivery method (digital recommended).
Send via courier (recommended) or have university send directly. Track delivery.
Check online portal regularly. Respond immediately if additional documents requested.
Download digital copy or receive physical report. Use reference number for Express Entry.
Our AI can analyze your education background and recommend the best ECA organization and strategy for your specific situation.
Generated and reviewed by PRCan AI
An automated immigration analysis system trained on IRCC regulations, program guides, and official government documentation. Learn more about PRCan AI →