As part of the mandatory requirements for the Express Entry program eligibility, candidates have to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) done by an Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved authority.
Education Is An Important Aspect Of Immigration
Canada is a relatively young nation, largely settled by immigrants. This has determined the way the country has grown economically, socially and culturally. The inclusive nature of government policies and the overall welcoming attitude towards those who can contribute to the health and growth of the country are important aspects that immigrants and citizens both value.
Highly skilled/educated immigrants are employed in better paying, more permanent jobs. They contribute more in terms of paying more taxes and are less dependent on government benefits. Their children also tend to attain higher levels of education, raising their social and economic status further.
Keeping these aspects in mind, having a higher level of education or trades skills can improve your chances of getting a better ranking in the Express Entry pools and subsequently an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Educational Credential Assessment
You can apply under various categories of the Express Entry program, but one of the documents that you certainly have to submit is the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
This is an evaluation report that states that your educational qualifications that have been obtained outside Canada are valid for the purposes of immigration and what their equivalent qualifications are in the Canadian educational system.
It states whether the applicant’s degree is comparable to an equivalent one under the Canadian standards of education.
This assessment is essential if you have applied for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker program in order to enter the Express Entry pool. Though it is not required for the Federal Skilled Trades program or the Canadian Experience Class, it can boost your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points under these categories, giving you an added advantage.
You need to submit the highest degree assessed, but it’s wise to get all your qualifications assessed in case this enables you to claim additional CRS points.
How To Get It Done
The assessment can only be done by an organization or professional body approved/designated by the IRCC. Currently these are:
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- World Education Services
- International Qualifications Assessment Service
- International Credential Evaluation Service
Getting it done:
- Costs and processing times can differ across these organizations.
- Submit your documents/degrees/certificates and pay the assessment fees
- Check with the employer or regulatory body for your occupation to choose the right service
- Assessment reports show how many CRS points will be assigned to your educational qualifications if they are found valid
- You have to provide the original ECA report with your application
- If your spouse/partner has a post-secondary qualification, get an ECA done for him/her as this can boost your rank in the Express Entry pool
- Physicians who intend to practice their profession have to get an ECA for their primary medical degree
- Pharmacists must have their evaluation done by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada