Educational credential assessment (ECA)
Statutory definition
IRPR r 75(2)(d) requires FSW applicants to meet educational requirements and r 76(2) provides that points for education are based on the level of the applicant's credential. Program instructions require ECAs from designated organizations to substantiate foreign credential claims.
Explanation
Designated ECA organizations include:
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
- Comparative Education Service (CES) at the University of Toronto
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS)
- Medical Council of Canada (for medical degrees)
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (for pharmacy degrees)
An ECA result identifies the Canadian equivalent level (e.g., "equivalent to a Canadian bachelor's degree"). The ECA result, not the foreign credential itself, is what IRCC uses to award CRS education points.
How this term is used
ECA processing times vary by organisation and by country of credential. WES is the most commonly used organisation. ECAs are generally valid for five years from the date of issue. An ECA for immigration purposes is not the same as professional credential recognition — a "bachelor's degree equivalent" ECA does not authorise the holder to practise a regulated profession in Canada.