Validity of ECA Report: 5-Year Rule + Renewal Guide 2025

The validity of ECA report for Canadian immigration lasts for five years from the date issued. It must be valid when creating the Express Entry profile and submitting the application in 2025. Renewal is done by the issuing body (say, e.g., the WES) by ordering another copy of the IRCC, which refreshes the window of usability of the report. For WES specifically, use the "Order Duplicate IRCC" option in the account to have that use extended, so that eligibility for immigration pathways and profile updates will not break down.  

What is the Validity Period of ECA Reports for Immigration Purposes?

The validity of ECA report for Canadian immigration is for five years from the date of issue. The ECA report must be under five years from the date of issue, and also the time of completion of the Express Entry profile and the date of submission of the permanent residence application. This five-year window encompasses all IRCC-designated organisations, including WES, CES, IQAS, ICAS, MCC, PEBC, and ICES. It aligns with IRCC's guidance to ensure the applicability of current assessment standards at profile creation and during the application submission stage. Applicants close to expiry should follow the information provided by the providers on how to renew WES report.  

Why Do ECA Reports Have Expiry Dates?

The ECA reports have expiry dates as follows:

• Assessment bodies regularly review equivalency standards as well as decision frameworks. Hence, a five-year limit helps maintain consistency between outcomes and current policies, ensuring consistent immigration judgments based on the validity of ECA reports.

• Education systems change over time, leading to changes in the comparison of foreign credentials to their Canadian levels, which require time-bound assessment and know-how on how to renew WES report when it comes to expiry.

• To preserve the integrity of points allocation and eligibility determinations throughout the five years, IRCC requires ECAs to be valid both at profile submission and at PR application.

• Designated professional assessors (e.g., MCC, CACB) uphold the 5-year rule as they understand applicants with up-to-date assessment(s) in the specialised pathways.

• Providers such as WES attest ECAs for a period of five years and have streamlined ways to add to usability for providing clarity on how to renew WES report through ordering an additional copy of the IRCC.

Also Read: ECA Report Complete Guide: Latest Experts' Insights

How to Check if Your ECA Report Has Expired?

To check if your ECA report has expired, follow these steps:

1. The validity of the ECA report will be 5 years from the date of original issue. Check the year of issue on the first page of the report and ensure that the report was issued less than 5 years before your Express Entry profile creation date and PR submission date. [IRCC guidance]

2. On WES reports, you can clearly see the original date the issue is on page one, so 5 years have passed now. Follow the steps to renew the WES report via the WES account before you use it for immigration applications. [WES guidance]

3. CES, IQAS, and ICAS have issue date prominently displayed on the PDF, on portal views, set the date 5 years back to validate the current validity of the ECA report for immigration uses. [Provider guidance]

4. Log in to the portal of the assessment provider (WES, CES, IQAS, ICAS) and check the digital copy - here too, the exact date and the same status appear online, which can be checked quickly before filing. [Provider guidance]

5. In applications where the 5-year theme will expire, contact the issuer early. Use the 'How to renew WES report' or consult with the providers of any renewal/issuer to avoid rejection due to refusal of a QoS for lapsing ECAs. [IRCC and provider guidance]

6. To allow processing buffers, especially during peak seasons, keep a calendar reminder between 60-90 days before expiry and re-download the latest standard PDF after renewal to ensure updated dates for the validity of the ECA report. [Best-practice guidance]
   
   

Here is the step-by-step table for the same:

How to Renew a WES Report When It Expires? Experts Insights 2025

The validity of ECA report from WES is five years; when near expiry, use the How to renew WES report workflow by ordering a Duplicate IRCC copy in the WES account to extend usability for another five years from the new issue date, per WES and IRCC guidance. Processing is online, typically completed within minutes, with immediate digital access to the updated report and IRCC recipient delivery where selected.

Step-by-Step Renewal:

1. Log in to the WES Account: Open the existing, completed ECA order from the dashboard timeline to begin the How to Renew WES Report process tied to the validity of the ECA report.

2. Go to Completed Reports: Locate the original ECA under “Completed” and select the actions menu to proceed with renewal while maintaining the duplicate assessment content.

3. Select “Order Duplicate IRCC”: Choose the Duplicate IRCC option; WES states that ordering an extra IRCC copy extends the expiry by five years from the new issue date.

4. Choose Purpose and Recipients: Set “Immigration (IRCC)” as the purpose and add IRCC as a recipient to allow direct electronic access; add yourself if a personal copy is also needed.

5. Pay Fees: Complete Payment Online: WES lists ECA and additional service fees on its fees page, and duplicate/e-delivery fees may apply based on selections.

6. Download the Updated Report: Access the new PDF showing the refreshed issue date, confirming a new five-year window for the validity of ECA report; IRCC can retrieve it if added as a recipient.

Also Read: IRCC Reports Continued Reduction in Immigration Application Backlog: Update

What Are the Renewal Processes for Other ECA Providers in India 2025?

The renewal processes for other ECA providers are:

• CES (University of Toronto) renews expired reports via a dedicated online renewal application; upload two documents: government-issued ID and the original CES ECA report, and submit separate applications if multiple CES ECAs exist to maintain the validity of the ECA report for IRCC use and align with How to renew WES report style steps.

• CES indicates specific timelines for renewals (e.g., posted estimates such as 15 business days) and provides a portal flow for starting renewal, helping applicants avoid lapses in the validity of ECA report near submission deadlines.

• IQAS states ECAs are valid for five years for Express Entry and must be re‑applied for upon expiry; while it does not offer a simple “renewal,” applicants needing changes use the reassessment process with a fee and defined 30‑business‑day decision window, distinct from how to renew a WES report.

• ICAS offers renewals through a dedicated renewal package; it retains application documents for 10 years and digital copies indefinitely, allowing streamlined re‑issue to preserve the validity of ECA report without re‑submitting complete documentation in many cases.

• Across providers, IRCC requires ECAs to be less than five years old at both profile creation and PR submission; if expiry will occur, follow the provider’s re‑issue or renewal instructions (e.g., CES renewal portal, ICAS renewal package) or re‑apply as required, similar in principle to How to renew WES report.

• Check provider fees pages before applying, as renewal costs and delivery options vary; start early to keep the validity of ECA report within the five‑year window and ensure uninterrupted eligibility across CES, IQAS, and ICAS processes while referencing How to renew WES report for analogous steps.

How to Renew CES (University of Toronto) ECA Reports

To renew the CES (University of Toronto) ECA reports, please see the following:

• CES confirms the validity of ECA report is five years; renew by submitting a dedicated online renewal application with two uploads: current government-issued ID and the original/expired CES ECA report, mirroring the clarity found in How to renew WES steps.

• Start a new CES renewal application (not the original application flow); processing timelines are posted by CES and commonly estimated around 15 business days for renewals, subject to volumes.

• If multiple CES ECA reports exist, file a separate renewal application for each report to keep the validity of ECA report aligned with IRCC requirements at submission.

• Ensure names, dates of birth, and credential details match the original CES file to prevent processing delays; submit exactly the two mandatory documents before proceeding.

• Check the CES fees/forms page for current renewal costs and delivery options, then monitor the portal for status changes and download the renewed PDF once issued.

• Plan renewal 30–60 days before expiry so the validity of the ECA report remains active throughout the Express Entry profile and PR submission windows, similar in timing discipline to How to renew WES.

What is the ICAS Renewal Process?

The ICAS renewal process is as follows:

• ICAS supports expired-report renewals via a renewal package; it retains application documents for 10 years and electronic report copies indefinitely, which can streamline reinstating the validity of ECA report.

• Complete the ICAS renewal forms with updated personal details, select delivery preferences, and pay the applicable renewal fees; content remains the same while the report is reissued with current dates.

• Processing times vary by season and delivery method; initiate the renewal well before deadlines to keep the validity of ECA report compliant at both profile creation and PR submission.

• Use ICAS’s renewal/upgrade services page to choose the correct option for immigration reports; verify whether any additional recipient delivery (e.g., IRCC electronic access) is required.

• If credentials, names, or documents have changed since the original evaluation, include explanations or updated documents to avoid reassessment requests that could extend timelines.

• For search breadth, align planning with How to renew WES best practices: confirm fees in advance, keep copies of confirmations, and re-download the renewed PDF to ensure the visible issue date is current.

What Are the Costs Associated with ECA Report Renewal in 2025?

Below is a concise cost comparison to help plan renewals while ensuring the validity of the ECA report is compliant and aligned with best practices, similar to how to renew WES.

Also Read: Visa Renewal Process India: Experts' Step-by-Step Guide

How Long Does ECA Report Renewal Take in 2025?

The validity of the ECA report influences the urgency of renewal, as processing times range from near-instant for WES duplicates to multiple weeks for other providers, depending on the volume and verification steps. Planning avoids gaps in eligibility and aligns with best practices for renewing WES.

1. WES: Online duplicate IRCC orders are typically processed within minutes, with updated PDFs available in roughly 15 minutes once payment posts; this is the fastest route to maintain the validity of ECA report and mirrors How to renew WES guidance.

2. CES (University of Toronto): Posted estimates for renewing an expired immigration report are about 15 business days once requirements are met; actual timelines vary with intake volumes and document checks, so buffer time protects the validity of ECA report.

3. ICAS: Renewal timelines are significantly longer on average; many cases run several months (often cited near 20 weeks) after a complete renewal package is received, so apply early to preserve the validity of ECA report.

4. ICES: Typical renewal processing is about 15–20 business days once all items are received; duplicates may be faster, but no rush service is offered, so start early to keep the validity of ECA report intact.

5. Expedited Options: Some providers offer paid rush or courier add-ons that can reduce timelines, but not all do; when available, these can trim 50–75% from standard timeframes and are helpful if the validity of the ECA report is close to expiring.

6. Planning Window: Submit renewals 2–3 months before expiry to absorb peak season delays, verification requests, or delivery lag, following a proactive approach similar to How to renew WES while safeguarding continuous eligibility.

Can You Use an Expired ECA Report for Immigration Applications?

The expired ECA reports for immigration applications are as follows: 

• No. IRCC does not accept expired ECA reports for Express Entry profiles or permanent residence applications; ECAs must be less than five years old at both profile creation and application submission to maintain the validity of ECA report, so follow How to renew WES steps or re‑apply with the original provider before filing.

• Using an expired ECA results in refusal or profile ineligibility, as IRCC systems verify issue dates against submission timestamps to enforce the five‑year policy tied to the validity of ECA report.

• Two options exist if expired: renew through the issuer (e.g., WES duplicate IRCC copy) or obtain a new assessment; renewal is typically faster and cheaper, aligning with How to renew WES guidance.

• Some providers offer urgent processing or electronic delivery for faster turnarounds; plan to keep the validity of ECA report current and avoid last minute risks.

Also Read: Considering Immigration to Canada After 45? Here Is How You Can Do It

What Happens if Your ECA Expires During Application Processing in 2025?

Guidance for managing ECA expiry during active immigration applications with IRCC procedures

• If an ECA expires while an application is in process, obtain a renewed report immediately and submit it through the secure online account to keep the validity of ECA report compliant; failure to update can lead to refusal.

• IRCC allows document updates via the applicant portal; include explanations and proof of renewal timing to support continuity and alignment with How to renew WES or equivalent provider processes.

• Proactive messages noting a pending renewal and uploading receipts/confirmations can help demonstrate good‑faith compliance if the validity of ECA report lapses close to deadlines.

• While some cases note discretionary flexibility, decisions remain case-specific; aim to renew well before expiry to avoid relying on discretionary outcomes and keep the validity of the ECA report uninterrupted.

Here is the table with the scenaio and recommended action from the immigration expert:

How to Upgrade Your ECA Report Instead of Renewal in 2025?

Information about upgrading to standard evaluation reports, which offer broader recognition and have no expiry dates.

• Upgrading converts an immigration-only ECA to a standard credential evaluation (e.g., WES Document by Document or Course by Course) that does not expire, offering a permanent alternative to the five-year validity of the ECA report cycle.

• Standard evaluations are recognised by employers, schools, and licensing bodies, making them useful beyond immigration; though costlier than renewal, they remove repeated renewal needs and complement How to renew WES strategies.

• The upgrade is initiated from the provider account using existing verified documents, with timelines similar to new evaluations; once issued, the report has no expiry, while the validity of the ECA report for IRCC remains governed by IRCC rules.

• For long‑term plans, upgrading can be cost-effective: keep an active immigration compliant ECA via renewal and add a no‑expiry standard report for broader use cases alongside How to renew WES practices.

Also Read: Indian Passport Renewal Processing Time & Renewal Tips

Conclusion

Understanding the validity of the ECA report, it is essential for compliant Canadian immigration planning that for five years beginning on the date of issue of the ECA, the source of the validity also for the date of profile creation and the date of PR submission, fast renewals follow. How to renew WES report by ordering a Duplicate IRCC copy for immediate digital access.

WES will usually handle renewals in minutes, where other companies will take weeks, and the cost is generally between $33-$50 plus surcharging for delivery or rush service. Renew early to ensure you do not have gaps in eligibility and delays in the submission. 

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