AEducational Credential Assessment (ECA) Process
Why is ECA Important?
An ECA ensures that your educational credentials meet the host country’s standards. It helps authorities and institutions recognize your qualification correctly for the purpose you need.
Immigration
Required for many immigration programs (example: Canada’s Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program).
Employment
Helps employers understand and recognize your qualifications clearly during hiring and verification.
Licensing
Often required for professional licensing in regulated occupations to validate educational equivalency.
Education
Helps universities and institutions evaluate eligibility for admission and academic placement.
Types of Educational Credential Assessment
Depending on your goals—immigration, professional licensing, or education— different types of ECAs are required. Here are the most common ones.
Immigration ECA
Required by immigration authorities to evaluate your academic credentials for migration purposes. Includes assessments by designated organizations such as WES, ICAS, and CES.
Professional ECA
Necessary for licensing in regulated professions such as medicine, engineering, or law. Evaluated by professional regulatory bodies specific to your field.
Academic ECA
Focused on academic equivalency for admission to foreign universities or colleges. Performed by educational institutions or assessment bodies.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a critical step for individuals planning to immigrate, work, or study abroad. It involves evaluating the equivalency of your educational qualifications to the standards of the host country. At Hiremate Services, we specialize in guiding you through the ECA process efficiently and accurately.
What is ECA?
ECA is an assessment of foreign educational credentials to determine their equivalence to the education system of another country, such as Canada, the USA, or Australia. It is often required for immigration programs, professional licensing, or higher education admissions.
Common ECA Organizations & Their Processes
Different destinations and professions require different ECA bodies. Below are the most common organizations, their purpose, typical process, and usual timelines.
World Education Services (WES)
Purpose: Immigration, employment, and education.
- 1Create an online account and get a reference number. Complete the application.
- 2Submit educational documents as per WES requirements.
- 3WES verifies credentials with issuing institutions.
- 4Receive digital or hard-copy equivalency report.
ICAS (Canada)
Purpose: Immigration, employment, and licensing.
- 1Submit a completed application online or by mail.
- 2Provide original or certified copies of educational documents.
- 3ICAS assesses and issues equivalency report.
Comparative Education Service (CES)
Purpose: Immigration and academic purposes.
- 1Register and complete the application form.
- 2Submit credentials directly from issuing institution.
- 3CES evaluates and determines equivalency.
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Purpose: Immigration, employment, and academic equivalency.
- 1Create an online account and get a reference number. Complete the application.
- 2Submit transcripts and degree certificates as required.
- 3IQAS evaluates credentials and issues official report.
Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
Purpose: Professional ECA for medical professionals.
- 1Create an account on the Physicians Apply platform.
- 2Submit medical degrees and transcripts for verification.
- 3MCC provides assessment required for licensing in Canada.
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
Purpose: Licensing for pharmacists.
- 1Submit an online application for document evaluation.
- 2Provide pharmacy degrees and academic transcripts.
- 3PEBC evaluates and issues report needed for licensing.
Common ECA Organizations & Their Processes
Different destinations and professions require different ECA bodies. Below are the most common organizations, their purpose, typical process, and usual timelines.
World Education Services (WES)
Purpose: Immigration, employment, and education.
- 1Create an online account and get a reference number. Complete the application.
- 2Submit educational documents as per WES requirements.
- 3WES verifies credentials with issuing institutions.
- 4Receive digital or hard-copy equivalency report.
ICAS (Canada)
Purpose: Immigration, employment, and licensing.
- 1Submit a completed application online or by mail.
- 2Provide original or certified copies of educational documents.
- 3ICAS assesses and issues equivalency report.
Comparative Education Service (CES)
Purpose: Immigration and academic purposes.
- 1Register and complete the application form.
- 2Submit credentials directly from issuing institution.
- 3CES evaluates and determines equivalency.
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Purpose: Immigration, employment, and academic equivalency.
- 1Create an online account and get a reference number. Complete the application.
- 2Submit transcripts and degree certificates as required.
- 3IQAS evaluates credentials and issues official report.
Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
Purpose: Professional ECA for medical professionals.
- 1Create an account on the Physicians Apply platform.
- 2Submit medical degrees and transcripts for verification.
- 3MCC provides assessment required for licensing in Canada.
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
Purpose: Licensing for pharmacists.
- 1Submit an online application for document evaluation.
- 2Provide pharmacy degrees and academic transcripts.
- 3PEBC evaluates and issues report needed for licensing.
ECA Process
At Hiremate Services, we streamline the ECA process for you—so every step stays clear, accurate, and hassle-free.
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01
Document Preparation
Gather degree certificates, diplomas, and transcripts. Currently, most universities do electronic verification—kindly check with our expert team member. Ensure documents are authentic and complete; if needed, we help you obtain certified copies.
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02
Choose the Designated Organization
Select the organization based on your purpose (e.g., WES for immigration, or a professional regulatory body for licensing).
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03
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with the chosen organization, pay the required fees, and provide all necessary information.
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04
Send Academic Documents
Submit documents directly to the assessment organization (by you or via your institution). Some organizations require sealed transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution.
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05
Wait for the Assessment
Processing times vary by organization (from a few weeks to several months). Track your application status online.
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06
Receive the ECA Report
Once completed, you’ll receive an official equivalency report. Submit it to the relevant immigration authority, employer, or educational institution.
Tips for a Smooth ECA Process
ECA timelines depend on the organization and document flow. Following a few best practices helps you reduce back-and-forth, avoid rejections, and keep the process moving.
Verify Requirements
Each organization has specific rules for transcripts, sealing, and submissions—always check their latest guidelines before you send anything.
Plan Ahead
Start early to account for processing time, institution responses, courier delays, and any follow-up requests from the ECA body.
Ensure Accuracy
Double-check names, dates, course details, and document formats. Even small errors can trigger resubmissions and add weeks to the timeline.
ECA Process
At Hiremate Services, we streamline the ECA process for you—so every step stays clear, accurate, and hassle-free.
-
01
Document Preparation
Gather degree certificates, diplomas, and transcripts. Currently, most universities do electronic verification—kindly check with our expert team member. Ensure documents are authentic and complete; if needed, we help you obtain certified copies.
-
02
Choose the Designated Organization
Select an organization based on your purpose (e.g., WES for immigration, or a professional regulatory body for licensing).
-
03
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with the chosen organization, pay the necessary fees, and provide all required information.
-
04
Send Academic Documents
Submit documents directly to the assessment organization (by you or through your institution). Some organizations require sealed transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution.
-
05
Wait for the Assessment
Processing times vary by organization but generally range from a few weeks to several months. Track your application status online.
-
06
Receive the ECA Report
Once the assessment is complete, you will receive an official report detailing equivalency. Submit this report to the relevant immigration authority, employer, or educational institution.
Why Choose Hiremate Services for ECA Assistance?
With over a decade of experience in attestation and document-related services, Hiremate Services is your trusted partner for ECA support—focused on accuracy, completeness, and smooth submission.
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Expert Guidance
Personalized assistance tailored to your purpose (immigration, work, licensing, or study).
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Document Support
Help with document collection, notarization guidance, and submission readiness.
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End-to-End Service
Support from application initiation to report delivery—reducing delays and rework.
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Timely Updates
Regular status updates to keep you informed throughout the process.
Common Questions About ECA
How long does the ECA process take?
Processing times vary by organization and completeness, typically ranging from 6 to 16+ weeks depending on program and document verification requirements.
Can I use the same ECA report for multiple purposes?
In many cases, yes — a valid ECA report may be used for immigration, employment, education, and licensing. However, verify each organization’s policy as some may require specific report types or additional documentation.
What happens if my credentials are not recognized?
If credentials are not recognized, the ECA body will specify missing elements or discrepancies. You may need to submit additional documents, translations, or meet alternate evaluation requirements. Hiremate Services can assist in preparing and resubmitting your materials.