Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Process
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.
Why is ECA Important?
An ECA ensures that your educational credentials meet the requirements of the host country’s standards. It is crucial for:
Immigration
Required for programs like Canada’s Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Employment
Ensures that employers recognize your qualifications.
Licensing
Professional licensing is needed in regulated occupations.
Education
Helps educational institutions evaluate your eligibility for admission.
Types of ECA
Depending on your goals, there are different types of ECAs. 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 World Education Services (WES), International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), or Comparative Education Service (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 organizations.
Common ECA Organizations and Their Processes
World Education Services (WES)
● Purpose: Immigration, employment, and education.
● Process:Create an online account with a reference number. And complete the application process.
Submit your educational documents as per WES requirements.
WES verifies the authenticity of your credentials with the issuing institutions.
Receive a digital or hard-copy report detailing the equivalency.
● Processing Time: Typically 7 weeks after receipt of all documents.
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
● Purpose: Immigration, employment, and licensing.
● Process: Submit a completed application form online or by mail.
Provide original or certified copies of educational documents.
ICAS assesses the documents and issues a report outlining their equivalency.
● Processing Time: 6-8 weeks on average.
Comparative Education Service (CES)
● Purpose: Immigration and academic purposes.
● Process: Register and complete the application form.
Submit educational credentials directly from the issuing institution.
CES reviews and evaluates your documents to determine equivalency.
● Processing Time: 12-16 weeks.
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
● Purpose: Immigration, employment, and academic equivalency.
● Process: Create an online account with a reference number. And complete the application process.
Submit educational documents, including transcripts and degree certificates.
IQAS evaluates the credentials and issues an official report.
● Processing Time: 10-12 weeks.
Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
● Purpose: Professional ECA for medical professionals.
● Process:Create an account on the Physicians Apply platform.
Submit medical degrees and transcripts for verification.
MCC provides an assessment required for licensing in Canada.
● Processing Time: Varies depending on the organization and complexity of credentials.
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
● Purpose: Licensing for pharmacists.
● Process:
Submit an online application for document evaluation.
Provide pharmacy degrees and academic transcripts.
PEBC evaluates the documents and issues a report needed for licensing.
● Processing Time: 8-10 weeks.
ECA Process
At Hiremate Services, we streamline the ECA process for you, ensuring every step is clear and hassle-free. Here is an overview of the process:
Document Preparation
Gather all required educational documents such as degree certificates, diplomas, and transcripts. (Currently, most of the universities will do electronic verification. Kindly check with our expert team member)
Ensure the documents are authentic and complete. If needed, we assist in obtaining certified copies.
Choose the Designated Organization
Select an organization based on your purpose (e.g., WES for immigration, a professional regulatory body for licensing).
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with the chosen organization.
Pay the necessary fees and provide all required information.
Send Academic Documents
Submit your documents directly to the assessment organization, either by yourself or through your educational institution.
Some organizations require sealed transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution.
Wait for the Assessment
Processing times vary by organization but generally range from a few weeks to several months.
Track your application status online.
Receive the ECA Report
Once the assessment is complete, you will receive an official report detailing the equivalency of your educational credentials.
Submit this report to the relevant immigration authority, employer, or educational institution.
Tips for a Smooth ECA Process
- Verify Requirements: Each organization has specific requirements. Check their guidelines carefully.
- Plan Ahead: Start early to account for processing times and potential delays.
- Ensure Accuracy: Double-check your application and documents for errors or discrepancies.
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. We provide:
Expert Guidance
Personalized assistance tailored to your needs.
Document Support
Help with document collection, notarization, and submission.
End-to-End Service
Comprehensive support from application initiation to report delivery.
Timely Updates
Regular updates on your application status to keep you informed.
Common Questions
How long does the ECA process take?
Processing times depend on the organization but usually take 4-12 weeks. If the university is available for electronic verification, it will be reflected on the portal within 3-5 working days after receiving all documents.
Can I use the same ECA report for multiple purposes?
It depends on the organization. Immigration ECAs may not be accepted for professional licensing or academic purposes.
What happens if my credentials are not recognized?
If your credentials are deemed non-equivalent, consult us for alternative solutions, such as additional certifications or re-evaluation.
At Hiremate Services, we ensure your ECA process is seamless and stress-free. Contact us today to get started and take the next step toward your international goals.
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