Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for immigrants looking for better career opportunities, quality of life, and a multicultural environment. The Express Entry system is the most popular pathway for skilled workers to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. But when planning your move, one question that often comes up is: Is ECA required for a Canada PR?
Let’s explore what ECA is, when it's required, and how it impacts your PR application.
What is ECA?
ECA stands for Educational Credential Assessment. It is a process by which your foreign (non-Canadian) educational qualifications are assessed against Canadian education standards. The purpose is to verify whether your degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
Is ECA Mandatory for a Canada PR?
Yes — if you are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) through Express Entry, an ECA is mandatory for any education obtained outside Canada. Without an ECA, your education will not be considered for Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which can significantly impact your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Here's a breakdown of when ECA is required:
✅ ECA is required if:
- You are applying under Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
- You are applying through Express Entry and want points for your education.
- You wish to claim Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for your spouse’s or partner’s education (optional, but recommended).
❌ ECA is not required if:
- You have Canadian educational credentials.
- You are applying under Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and do not want to claim education points.
- You are being nominated under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that doesn’t require it.
Why is ECA Important?
- CRS Points Boost: A verified credential helps you claim CRS points, improving your Express Entry profile ranking.
- IRCC Requirement: For FSWP applicants, it’s a required step to prove your eligibility.
- Job Market Integration: Some employers in Canada may also recognize the ECA when evaluating your educational background.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many PNPs require ECA as part of their nomination process.
Who Needs to Get an ECA?
You need to get an ECA if:
- You completed your education outside Canada.
- You are applying under FSWP.
- You want CRS points for your education under any Express Entry program.
Note: Only the principal applicant is required to get an ECA, but if your spouse also gets one, it could help increase your overall CRS score.
Who Can Issue an ECA?
The ECA must be obtained from an organization designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The recognized organizations include:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Comparative Education Service (CES)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
- Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – for physicians
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) – for pharmacists
How Long is an ECA Valid?
An ECA report is valid for five years from the date of issue. It must be valid on the day you submit your Express Entry profile and at the time you receive your ITA.
How to Get an ECA: Step-by-Step Process
- Choose a Designated Organisation – WES is the most preferred due to speed and convenience.
- Create an Account – Register on the official website of the selected organization.
- Submit Required Documents – Includes degrees, diplomas, transcripts, and more.
- Pay Fees – Typically ranges from CAD $200–$300.
- Wait for Results – Processing takes between 3–10 weeks depending on the organization.
Validity of ECA Report
Your ECA report is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. It must be valid at the time you:
- Submit your Express Entry profile.
- Apply for PR after receiving an ITA.
Final Thoughts
If you’re applying for Canadian Permanent Residency, getting your ECA done early can streamline your Express Entry application and boost your chances of selection. It’s a one-time process with long-term benefits—so don’t skip it!
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