Moving Abroad

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Canada: Who Needs One and How Long It Lasts

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. Who needs an ECA?
  3. Which credentials should you assess?
  4. Who can do the assessment?
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Can an expired ECA be reissued?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

An educational credential assessment (ECA) checks that your foreign degree, diploma or certificate is valid and equal to a Canadian one. If you plan to immigrate through Express Entry with foreign education, this is one of the first documents you will need. Here is how it works, based on IRCC guidance.

Quick answer

  • You need an ECA if you studied outside Canada and want to be a principal applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or want points for foreign education.
  • Your ECA must be less than 5 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application.
  • You do not need one for a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate.
  • An ECA does not guarantee a job or a licence.

Who needs an ECA?

Anyone whose education was completed outside Canada and who wants to qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker principal applicant or earn points for that education. You can also earn points for your spouse or common-law partner’s education if they come with you.

To earn points, the report must show that your completed foreign credential equals a completed Canadian secondary school or post-secondary credential.

Which credentials should you assess?

In most cases, only your highest level of education. If you have a Master’s degree you do not need to assess your Bachelor’s. To get points for two or more credentials, each one needs an assessment, and at least one must represent 3 or more years of study to earn full points.

Who can do the assessment?

Designated organisation
Comparative Education Service, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
World Education Services
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
International Credential Evaluation Service, British Columbia Institute of Technology

If your primary occupation is architect, doctor or pharmacist, you must use a designated professional body instead. Processing times and costs vary by organisation, so check with the one you choose.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the ECA expire while you wait in the Express Entry pool. IRCC says it will refuse an application with an expired ECA.
  • Assessing a credential you do not need.
  • Expecting the ECA to give you a licence in a regulated job.

FAQ

Can an expired ECA be reissued?

IRCC says to contact the issuing organisation, which may reissue it depending on the type.

Key takeaways

  • Get the ECA before building your profile.
  • Check validity against the whole waiting period.
  • Use only an IRCC-designated body.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm details with IRCC.

Sources

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (canada.ca): Educational credential assessment

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