Apply ECA Canada 2025: Steps, Process, Costs & Documents

Educational Credential Assessment, which is abbreviated as ECA Canada, is a necessary process for foreign-trained workers willing to immigrate to Canada. This is being forced by immigration programmes like Express Entry and various Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs). An ECA assesses the equivalence of your foreign degrees, diplomas, or certificates with the Canadian education standards so that your credentials are seen and accepted in the Canadian system.

In addition to the requirement to have basic eligibility, an ECA is also essential in enhancing your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, directly affecting your likelihood of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to permanent residence.

What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Canada Immigration?

Here are all the details you need to know about ECA for Canada Immigration:

• Definition:

1. ECA Canada = authentication of foreign academic qualifications.

2. Affirms international education is comparable to Canadian standards.

• Purpose:

1. Check the authenticity of academic documents.

2. Canadianizes degrees, diplomas, or certificates.

3. Grant education points under the Express Entry CRS system.

• Legal requirement:

1. This is required of foreign-educated applicants by IRCC (Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada).

2. Types of assessments:

3. Immigration-oriented ECAs: Particularly among the IRCC and for immigration purposes.

4. General academic tests: These Canadian colleges and universities administer during admissions.

5. Professional licencing exams: Examinations that the regulatory authorities mandate to practise in a licenced profession (e.g., medicine, engineering).

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Express Entry Canada

How Does ECA Differ from Other Credential Evaluations for Canada in 2025?

Here is how ECA differs from other credential evaluations:

Which Immigration Programs Require an ECA Canada Assessment?

Here is a list of the immigration programs that require an ECA Canada assessment:

• Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP): The Eligibility requirement is mandatory.

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This is optional, yet strongly suggested in case you wish to get CRS points on foreign education.

• Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP): Optional, although you can boost your profile by submitting an ECA.

• Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs): Most provinces insist on an ECA for foreign-educated applicants.

• Atlantic Immigration Programme (AIP): Can potentially be subject to ECA depending upon the stream and job offer.

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): This requires evidence of foreign educational equivalency through an ECA.

Who Needs an ECA Assessment for Canadian Immigration in 2025?

Here is a list of those who need an ECA assessment for Canadian immigration in 2025:

• Foreign-educated Applicants: All people applying under the Express Entry with overseas education.

• Eligible Skilled Workers Under FSWP: ECA is compulsory.

• PNP Applicants: Foreign-educated applicants typically require an ECA to qualify.

• Spouses/Partners: They can also obtain an ECA, provided they wish to receive a maximum of 10 extra CRS.

Not Required For:

Here is what is not required for the same:

• Applicants who have Canadian degrees or diplomas only.

• Those who wish to apply through family sponsorship programmes.

Do You Need ECA if You Studied in Canada?

This explains whether you need an ECA if you studied in Canada:

• No: the Canadian credentials do not need ECA.

• Mixed Cases of Education: If you have foreign and Canadian credentials, only the foreign ones should be assessed.

• Pro Tip: You should always pick your highest foreign qualification to earn as many CRS points as possible and improve your Express Entry profile.

ECA Requirements for Spouse and Dependents

Here is a list of the ECA requirements for spouses and dependents:

1. Spouse/partner ECA:

• It is not mandatory, but very advantageous for Express Entry.
• Up to 10 CRS points may be added to the profile as a whole.
• Particularly handy when the husband or wife possesses an advanced or specialised educational background.

2. Dependent children:

• No ECA of minors or dependents.
• The expression of their education is not evaluated in Express Entry and PNPs.

3. Strategy:

• Provided that the spouse has good educational qualifications, acquiring ECA might increase the family's CRS score.
• Helps enhance competition in Express Entry draws.

Also Read: A Closer Look at How Much Gap is Accepted For Study in Canada

What Are the Canada ECA Fees and Processing Times by Different Organisations in 2025?

Here are the Canada ECA fees and processing times by organisation:

1. WES Canada (World Education Services):

• The quickest one, or the fastest to receive, is usually 7-10 business days after receiving documents.
• Prices range between 240-260 CAD, and include courier/admin fees.

2. IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service):

• It takes longer to process, which is 15-20 business days, or even longer.
• Fees generally range from $200–$220 CAD.

3. ICAS (International Credentialing Assessment Service of Canada):

• Mean time of processing: 20 working days.
• Fees approximately $220–$240 CAD.

4. BCIT/ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service):

• Process the report within 20 business days.
• Costs about $230–$250 CAD.

5. CES (Comparative Education Service -University of Toronto):

• Processing time: 1215 business days.
• Fees usually $210–$230 CAD.

2025 Canada ECA Fees Comparison Table

Here is a table that shows the 2025 Canada ECA fees comparison:

WES Canada ECA Fees and Services

This section covers the WES Canada ECA fees and services:

• Base Fee: $220 CAD to do the main report.

• Courier Price: $10-85 CAD, varying based on delivery place and speed.

• Processing Time: Swiftest in all specified organisations, typically 7-10 business days after receiving the documents.

• Why Popular: It is the fastest, provides good online tracking, and has good customer service, which is why it is the best option among many Express Entry applicants.

IQAS ECA Cost Structure and Additional Charges

This section gives all details about the IQAS ECA cost structure and additional charges:

• Initial Fee: $260 CAD to assess the credentials.

• Additional Copy: A further report copy will be charged at $15 CAD.

• Courier Fees: Depend on the destination and shipping method.

• Time to Process: 15-20 business days; however, there is a tendency to delay during peak seasons.

What is the reason for selecting IQAS? It is commonly preferred among Asian and Middle Eastern applicants because of the familiarity with and recognition of the documents.

Also Read: Canada Deportation: 12 Scenarios That Can Cause Deportation From Canada

Comparison Between ICAS, BCIT/ICES, and CES Fees for Canada in 2025

Here is the fee comparison between ICAS, BCIT/ICES, and CES:

1. ICAS

Here are the details for ICAS:

• Fees: Around $220 CAD.
• Processing times are typically more than WES or CES.

2. BCIT/ICES

Here are the details about BCIT/ICES:

• Fees: Around $200 CAD.
• A good alternative for applicants in the Asia-Pacific region.

3. CES (University of Toronto)

Here are the details about CES (University of Toronto):

• Fees: Around $210 CAD.
• The reports are fairly acceptable in Canadian institutions and immigration programmes.

How to Choose the Best ECA Organisation for Canada Based Upon Your Needs?

Go through these details to decide which ECA organisation is best for your needs:

• Speed of Processing: WES processes faster than others do.

• Fee Structure: There are minor differences, but courier and extra copy fees can run high.

• Document Requirements: Your organisation will have a unique rule that best suits your university process.

• Geographic Specialisation: Some organisations are more conversant with documents in particular regions.

• Customer Service: The process becomes easier with good service and an internet connection.

Which ECA Canada Organisation Processes Applications Fastest?

This section shows which ECA organisation processes applications fastest:

• Fastest in 2025:

1. WES: 7-10 business days, which is very efficient for most applicants.

• Second Fastest:

1. IQAS: average 15-20 business days, though it might be slower during business periods.

• Others:

1. CES, ICAS, and BCIT/ICES typically require more time and are more appropriate if WES does not work with your documents or location.

Geographic Specialization of ECA Canada Organizations

This section covers all the details about the geographic specialisations of ECA organisations:

• WES: Most appropriate when applied by Indians, Pakistanis, and Filipinos because of their high acquaintance with documents and swifter verification.

• IQAS: This is popular with Middle Eastern and European applicants, with whom universities frequently have direct affiliations.

• CES: It has broad coverage worldwide and is widely accepted in immigration and academic applications.

• BCIT/ICES: This is also often selected by applicants in the Asia-Pacific area, such as China, Japan, and Australia.

• ICAS: Applicants across the globe are offered services by this agency, although its services are usually slower than those of others.

What Documents Do You Need for the ECA Canada Application in 2025?

Here is a list of the documents you need for the ECA Canada application:

• Degree Certificate: Certificate of education.

• Diploma/Transcripts: Certified grade sheets of all years of study.

• University Sealed Transcripts: Sent in or placed in an unopened official envelope.

• Government-Issued Identity: Passport or national ID to identify the person.

• Marriage Certificate (option): This is only mandatory when attaching the credentials of a spouse to your application.

How To Get Official Transcripts for the ECA Assessment?

This section lists the steps to follow to get official transcripts for the ECA assessment:

• Ask your University Directly: invite the registrar/exam department.

• Sealed Envelope/ Electronic Transfer: Transcripts must be sent in an envelope or electronically through the approved channels in most organisations.

• Adhere to Organisation-Based Guidelines: There are distinct guidelines for each ECA body; one should always verify before sending.

ECA Document Authentication and Apostille Requirements

Here is how to approach the ECA document authentication and apostille requirements:

• Notarization/Apostille: Before some countries will allow the sending of documents, they may be required to be notarised or apostilled.

• IRCC Criterion: It does not accept a copy with seals that are not authentic or electronic ones that universities do not send.

• Regulations by Country: It is always good to check with your ECA organisation beforehand to reduce procrastination.

Also Read: Provincial Nomination in Canada: Your Immigration Path

What is the Step-by-Step ECA Application Process in 2025?

This section gives a step-by-step layout of the ECA application process in 2025:

1. Select your ECA organisation depending on speed, charges, and region.

2. Open a Web account on the organisation's official website

3. Pay ECA fees securely online.

4. Send the application form together with personal and academic information.

5. You can mail official transcripts directly to your university or through authorised means.

6. Wait until document verification is completed, which can involve cross-checks with your institution.

7. Get a final ECA report, valid within 5 years, and post it on your Express Entry account.

How to Create Your ECA Online Application Account?

This section briefs you on how to create your ECA online application account:

• Enrol on the official site of the organisation of your preference, ECA.

• Give correct personal information, including:

1. First and last name (should be the same as those in the passport).

2. Date of birth.

3. Email ID for communication.

4. Details on the passport or ID given by the government.

• Retrieve your username and password.

• Check the status of applications, submit documents, and get updates on the account.

What Happens After Submitting Your ECA Application?

All the things that happen after submitting your ECA application are listed below:

• Online, you will be able to monitor the status of your application.

• You will be notified if some of the documents are absent or not completed.

• After verification, a final ECA report is given out as a PDF.

• A paper copy is also sent by mail when requested.

• You can send the report to IRCC to process it regarding immigration.

How Many Points Can You Get with ECA Canada in Express Entry in 2025?

Here is how many points you can get with ECA Canada in Express Entry:

• ECA is needed to claim CRS points on education.

• The points will also be based on the Canadian equivalency result of your foreign qualification.

• The greater the equivalency, the greater the points under the CRS system.

ECA Canada Points for Master’s Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree

These are the ECA Canada points you can get for a master’s degree vs a bachelor’s degree:

1. Bachelor’s degree equivalency:

• 120 CRS points (single applicant)
• 112 CRS points (with spouse)

2. Master’s degree equivalency:

• 135 CRS points (single applicant).
• 126 CRS points (with spouse).

3. Doctoral degree equivalency:

• 150 CRS points for both single and married applicants.

How Does Spouse ECA Canada Affect Your Express Entry Score?

This section covers how a spouse can affect your Express Entry score:

• A spouse with an ECA can contribute up to 10 additional CRS points.

• Although not obligatory, it may reinforce the profile in the Express Entry pool.

• Specifically, when the principal applicant has a CRS score just short of the cutoff.

What Are The Common ECA Assessment Canada Challenges and Solutions?

Here are some common ECA assessment Canada challenges and solutions:

1. Document Rejection:

• Occurs when the format or seal is not correct.
• Remedy: Re-resubmit in accordance with reasonable university and ECA policies.

2. Credential Non-Recognition:

• Not all institutions may be accepted.
• Solution: Give another chosen ECA organisation a try

3. University Shut or Dissolved:

• There might be no more older institutions.
• Solution: The government archives or official education boards should be used to check the records.

4. Delayed Processing:

• Timelines can also be extended because of document problems.
• Solution: Request early, courier, and monitor progress online regularly.

What to Do if Your ECA Canada Application is Rejected?

Here’s what to do if your ECA Canada application is rejected:

• Ask the ECA organisation to provide you with a comprehensive rejection letter to know the cause of rejection.

• Improperly missing or improperly issued documents, e.g., transcripts, seals, certified copies.

• Re-submission of newly amended submissions by making sure all requirements are met.

• In case of rejection, another specific ECA organisation should be evaluated.

Also Read: Immigration To Canada From India: All Different Pathways

How to Handle Discontinued or Unrecognised Educational Institutions?

Here is how to handle the ECA assessment Canada for other educational institutions:

• Get verification with the help of the Ministry of Education or any other authority in your country.

• Offer documentary evidence of the student, like ancient university documentation, mark sheets, or government licensing documents.

• Without official documentation, some organisations might accept affidavits or notarised statements.

• Meanwhile, verify the acceptable alternatives with the ECA body before submitting them.

How Long is ECA Canada Valid and When Should You Renew?

This section shows how long ECA Canada is valid and when you should renew:

• Validity: An ECA report is valid 5for  years from the issue date.

• Renewal: You are only required to renew it when the ECA runs out, and you still intend to apply as an immigrant.

• Pro tip: Submit an ECA regarding your immigration application date, not too late or too early, to keep it active during the process.

Can You Use the Same ECA Canada for Multiple Immigration Applications?

This section answers all questions about whether you can use the same ECA Canada for multiple immigration applications:

• A single ECA report can be used in other programmes provided it is valid.

• Can be used for:

1. Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FSTP).

2. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNP).

3. Atlantic Immigration Programme (AIP).

• Recognised in all the immigration pathways recognised by IRCC; therefore, there is no need to have several ECAs on the same credential.

Key Details for 2025:

Here are the key details for ECA Canada for 2025:

• Eligibility Requirement: The  Federal Skilled Worker Programme is required, and most Express Entry streams are helpful.

• Validity: All ECA reports have a 5-year validation period after the issue date.

• Authorised Organisations: Only five accredited bodies can issue valid ECA reports.

• Fees: The fees usually vary between 200 and 260 CAD per credential, with the addition of courier or administration expenses.

• Processing Time: It will take an average of 7- 20 business days after receiving the documents.

• CRS Effect: It is crucial to determine education-related CRS points in the Express Entry process.

Conclusion

ECA Canada is a significant entry into immigration in Canada, particularly for the Express Entry applicants. An ECA Assessment Canada is valid for 2025 and is typically priced at between 200 and 260 CAD per credential, as well asd some courier or administration fees. WES (World Education Services) is the quickest; the report is usually ready 7-10 days after receiving documents.

The application's success depends on how well the applicants prepare their documents and the selection of the appropriate organisation, since the requirements are different. Evaluating the highest level that gives as many CRS education points as possible is always preferable. An ECA report that is already well prepared not only certifies foreign qualifications but also enhances Express Entry competitiveness, which increases the opportunities of permanent residency. Contact TerraTern for more information.