How to Get ECA for Canada in India? Experts New Guide 2025

When you intend to immigrate, understanding how to get ECA for Canada in India is the initial compulsory move. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) compares your Indian degree with the standards of Canada. In Express Entry or most federal immigration programs, you cannot claim education points without an ECA.

The guide will provide details on the stepwise procedure of applying online, providers, documents, cost, and schedule of Indian applicants in 2025.

How to Get ECA for Canada in India Online: Complete Step-by-Step Process in 2025

How to get ECA for Canada in India online?  To obtain your ECA for Canada from India, the entire process is conducted online, making it convenient for international applicants. There is no need to visit any office in person, as all communications, document submissions, and payments are handled digitally.

Follow These Steps to Know How to Get ECA for Canada in India Online:

1. Select Your ECA Provider- Choose from WES, ICAS, CES, IQAS, or ICES based on your needs, timeline, and university recognition.

2. Open the Provider’s Online Portal- To start your application.

3. Complete the Online Application Form- With accurate personal and academic information, including degree details and transcripts.

4. Pay the Application Fees Online- Typically ranging from CAD 200-300, depending on the provider.

5. Getting Your Transcripts- Request that your Indian University Mail the Sealed Transcripts directly to the chosen ECA provider, following their specific mailing instructions.

6. Email Scanned Copies of Your Documents- Such as your passport, degree certificates, and mark sheets if required.

7. Monitor Your Application Status Online- Through the provider’s portal to stay updated and address any queries promptly.

After completing these steps, your final ECA report will be sent to you both electronically and by mail, allowing you to use it for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other immigration applications.

How Do You Create Your Current WES Account and Start the Application Process?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? The most popular choice for Indians is World Education Services (WES): 

Steps to Start:

• Visit the WES official website.

• Create an account with your email.

• Fill in personal and educational details.

• Generate a unique WES Reference Number.

• Use this reference number on all documents and university transcript envelopes. 

Always keep a copy of your reference number safe.

What Latest Documents Do You Need from Indian Universities for ECA Applications?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? Before applying, make sure you have all the required documents. Missing papers cause delays. 

You Will Need:

• Degree certificate(s)

• Final mark sheets / consolidated mark sheets

• Sealed transcripts directly from your University

• Identity proof (passport copy)

• Name change affidavit (if applicable) 

Always check provider-specific requirements, as they may differ. 

Also Read: Express Entry Canada

How Do You Coordinate with Indian Universities to Send Sealed Transcripts in 2025?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? Indian universities are known to have a slow achievement of transcripts. Effective communication is essential. 

Steps to Coordinate:

1. Prepare an application letter that asks for sealed transcripts.

2. Include photocopies of your degree and mark sheets.

3. State your WES/ICAS/IQAS reference number.

4. Pay transcript fees (different universities).

5. Send using a courier or the university post office. 

You should always verify whether your University allows you to submit transcripts electronically to accelerate this process.

How to Get Current ECA for Canada in India Online Through Different Providers From India 2025?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? Each ECA provider follows slightly different processes, requirements, fees, and timelines. Some may be faster but more expensive, while others are slower yet more affordable. For example, WES is known for its speed and online convenience, while ICAS or IQAS may take longer but are often preferred for older or complex qualifications. These variations can significantly impact your Canada PR journey, especially if you are working with strict Express Entry deadlines or waiting for a Provincial Nominee Program nomination. By comparing providers in advance, you can choose the one that best matches your immigration goals, budget, and timeline—helping you avoid unnecessary delays, added costs, or surprises later in the process.

What Is the Latest Complete WES Online Application Process for Indian Students?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? WES (World Education Services) is one of the most popular ECA providers for Indian applicants, primarily because it offers the fastest processing time, typically around 35 business days.

Steps for WES Online Application:

• Create your WES account and generate your reference number.

• Upload scanned copies of your passport and degree certificates to the portal.

• Pay the fees of CAD 248 plus courier charges for document delivery.

• Request your university to send your official transcripts directly to WES in sealed envelopes, following their mailing guidelines.

• Track your application status through the WES dashboard to stay updated on progress.

WES’s fast processing and user-friendly online system make it a preferred choice for applicants who are working with tight timelines.

Also Read: Canada Visitor Visa

How Does the ICAS Online Portal Work for Indian University Graduates in 2025?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? ICAS is slower but thorough. Processing time is 12–20 weeks: 

Application Steps:

• Register on the ICAS portal.

• Pay fees (around CAD 220).

• Send transcripts by courier.

• Wait for the final assessment email.

What Makes Current IQAS Different for Online ECA Applications from India?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? Another reliable choice of ECA is IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service), in particular, when the applicant has a different or less common background in academic studies: 

• Processing Time: 20+ weeks

• Fees: CAD 200

• Paperwork: Is to be sent in sealed envelopes. 

This renders IQAS slow yet very efficient in intricate qualifications.

What Is the Latest Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and Why Do You Need It for Canada Immigration?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) is a report that establishes that your Indian education is similar to Canadian standards. It is compulsory to collect education points according to the Express Entry system. 

Why do You Need ECA?

• Confirm your highest level of education so that IRCC accepts your qualification.

• Gets you CRS points in Express Entry, directly enhancing your ranking.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) require and may require evidence of academic eligibility.

• All ECAs have been valid for over 5 years and may be used on several IRCC applications.

What Are the 2025 Requirements for ECA in Express Entry Applications?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? In 2025, the IRCC has set specific requirements for Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) to ensure that applicants’ foreign education is recognized for immigration purposes.

Key ECA Requirements for Express Entry:

• At least one valid ECA must be submitted for the principal applicant.

• Each ECA report remains valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

• Spouse’s ECA is optional but can provide additional CRS points, boosting the overall score.

• Mandatory if your education is outside Canada to prove equivalency with Canadian standards.

Understanding and meeting these requirements is crucial for maximizing CRS points and avoiding delays in the Express Entry process.

Which Current ECA Organizations Can Indians Use for Canada Immigration Applications in 2025?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? IRCC has officially designated the Educational Credential Assessment for eight organizations. But practically, there are 5 of them that are most popular among Indian applicants since they are better known and experienced in working with Indian degrees. 

Here are the Leading Providers:

1. World Education Services (WES): It is fast, tracked online, and widely accepted.

2. International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS): The choice of the older universities and comprehensive evaluations.

3. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS): Provides more thorough assessments but takes longer.

4. Comparative Education Service (CES): University of Toronto: Good choice of academic pathways, managed by one of the leading Canadian universities.

5. International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES): Credible assessments usually apply to immigration and licensing.

How Does the Latest WES Compare to Other ECA Providers for Indian Universities?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? Below is the comparison between WES and other providers:

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

What Are the Advantages of Choosing ICAS vs WES for Indian Degree Verification in 2025?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? It is necessary to balance the peculiarities of ECA providers when comparing them. The significant benefits of WES and ICAS are listed below: 

WES Advantages:

• Shortest Processing Times- Sometimes the shortest of all providers.

• More Widely Recognized - Much favored by IRCC, employers, and educational institutions.

• Convenient Tracking Online - A user-friendly portal enables you to keep track of your application easily. 

ICAS Advantages:

• Comprehensive Analysis - In-depth analysis, particularly in complicated situations.

• Better in Older Universities- Good awareness of tradition, or little-recognized institutions.

• Career Identification- It may assist in career identification and is handy when you intend to take up regulated careers.

What Are the Processing Times and Costs for ECA from India in 2025?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? Applicants must understand not just the official fees, but also the realistic processing timelines, potential university delays, courier charges, and hidden costs such as transcript requests, notarization, or additional document copies. Accounting for money and time upfront helps avoid last-minute stress, prevents unexpected hurdles, and ensures that your ECA process integrates smoothly into your Canada immigration journey. Careful planning at this stage can save weeks of delays and additional expenses later.

How Long Does Each Current ECA Provider Take to Process Applications from Indian Universities?

How to get ECA for Canada in India? Each ECA provider follows a different processing timeline, so understanding these estimates helps applicants plan effectively and set realistic expectations.

• WES: 35 business days, typically the fastest option for Indian applicants.

• ICAS: 12–20 weeks, depending on university response and document verification.

• IQAS: 20 weeks or more, detailed evaluations may extend timelines.

• CES: 12–14 weeks, standard academic assessment through the University of Toronto.

• ICES: 14–16 weeks, reliable timelines for both immigration and professional purposes.

Timelines may vary due to seasonal rush, university delays, or high application volumes.

What Are the Latest Hidden Costs and Additional Fees for ECA Applications?

Besides the official fee, you must consider other costs. Hidden Charges Include:

• Transcript fees (INR 1,000–5,000 per set)

• Courier charges (INR 2,000–4,000)

• Extra copy of ECA report (CAD 30–50)

• Name correction or affidavit fees (if needed)

How Do You Track Your Current ECA Application Status and Avoid Common Delays?

Most ECA providers provide tracking, which can be used to check the status of your applications. These best practices will reduce delays and push the process in the right direction:

• Always recheck documents before submission to prevent rejections or requests for the same.
• Seal and sign transcripts as required by ECA requirements.
• Good, reliable couriers are used and have tracking to ensure safe and prompt delivery.
• Maintain a free line of communication with your University if any problems arise with preparing transcripts or their dispatch. 

Also Read: Common Mistakes To Avoid As A Newcomer To Canada

What Should You Do If Your Latest ECA Application Is Delayed Beyond Expected Timeline?

If your ECA application is held up, you can take practical steps to eliminate the problem. 

• Your provider will update you via email or portal support.

• We request that your University verify the delivery of the transcript and ensure compliance with sealed envelope requirements.

• Submit a service request to the courier to check or make a delivery.

• In case of urgency, seek a parallel application with another provider to avoid wasting time in the immigration process.

What Happens After You Receive Your ECA Report for Canada Immigration in 2025?

After receiving your ECA report, it will usually be emailed to you. It is an essential report for your Canadian immigration process. 

Actions Once you have got your ECA:

• Updating your education credentials after uploading the ECA report details to your Express Entry profile.

• Use your ECA number, issue date, and provider name correctly to have the appropriate evaluation appear in your profile.

• Get your new education equivalency to calculate your new CRS points to view your better ranking in Express Entry.

• Apply the same ECA report to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications because it is valid up to 5 years and can be used to support several immigration streams.

How Do You Use Your Current ECA Report in Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs?

Once you receive your ECA report, your Canada immigration journey will be directly affected. 

• In Express Entry, ECA adds valuable points under the education section of the CRS.

• In Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), an ECA is often mandatory to prove your academic eligibility.

• An ECA remains valid for 5 years across all IRCC applications.

Conclusion

To succeed in your immigration process, you must first figure out how to get ECA for Canada in India. It will involve choosing the appropriate provider, filling in all the paperwork, and arranging for your University to send the transcripts. WES is the quickest, and the others, ICAS and IQAS, offer a detailed assessment. Your ECA has five years and is significant in Express Entry CRS points. Following the organized procedure described here, you may be sure that your application will go through and that you can take a step to Canada. 

Contact TerraTern for more information on how to get ECA for Canada in India.