---
title: How to Get an ECA for Canada Immigration Quickly
description: Need an ECA for Canada immigration? Learn how to choose the right agency, submit your documents, and maximize your CRS score in this step-by-step guide.
---

[Key Tips to Simplify Immigration to Canada - admis becomes AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/blog)

# [How to Get an ECA for Canada Immigration Quickly](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly)

 Written by [Laurent Maisonnave](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/laurent-maisonnave) | 2/14/25, 12:07 AM

Planning to immigrate to Canada? If you completed your education outside the country, you’ll need an **Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)** to prove your diploma’s equivalency to Canadian standards.

An ECA is a mandatory requirement for Express Entry and other immigration programs, affecting your **Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score** and eligibility. Choosing the right agency and avoiding common mistakes can **save you time and money**, ensuring a smoother immigration process.

This guide is part of our [**Immigration Canada 2025: Complete Registration Guide**](https://askaia.ca/blog/immigration-canada-2025-complete-registration-guide?hsLang=en), which covers every essential step for moving to Canada. Here, you’ll learn **step by step** how to get an ECA—from selecting the right organization to submitting documents and understanding processing times. **Let’s get started!**

1. [What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly?hs_amp=true#What-is-an-Educational-Credential-Assessment-ECA)
2. [Choosing the Right ECA Agency](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly?hs_amp=true#Choosing-the-Right-ECA-Agency)
3. [Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an ECA](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly?hs_amp=true#Step-by-Step-Process-to-Apply-for-an-ECA)
4. [Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an ECA](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly?hs_amp=true#Common-Mistakes-to-Avoid-When-Applying-for-ECA)
5. [How to Maximize Your CRS Score with Your ECA](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly?hs_amp=true#How-to-Maximize-Your-CRS-Score-with-Your-ECA)
6. [How to Use Your ECA in Your Express Entry or PR Application](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly?hs_amp=true#How-to-Use-Your-ECA-Your-Express-Entry-PR)
7. [Frequently Asked Questions About ECA](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly?hs_amp=true#Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-ECA)
8. [Conclusion: Get Your ECA Right for Canada Immigration](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly?hs_amp=true#Get-Your-ECA-Right-for-Canada-Immigration)

## **What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?**

An [**Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)**](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/education-assessment.html) is a document that evaluates how your **foreign diploma, degree, or certificate** compares to Canadian education standards. It’s a key requirement if you’re applying for **Express Entry** or other immigration programs that award points for education.

### **Who Needs an ECA?**

- **Express Entry Applicants** (Federal Skilled Worker Program).
- **Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates** who need to prove their education level.
- **Anyone looking to claim CRS points** for foreign education in the immigration process.

### **Who Doesn't Need an ECA?**

- If you **studied in Canada**, your degree is already recognized.
- If your job **does not require educational proof for immigration**, an ECA may not be necessary.

### **Why is an ECA Important?**

- It confirms your **education’s value** in Canada.
- It **affects your CRS score** under Express Entry.
- Some employers may also request it when assessing your qualifications.

## **Choosing the Right ECA Agency**

Not all ECA agencies are the same. Choosing the **wrong organization** can lead to **delays, lower CRS points, or even an invalid assessment**. To avoid this, it's essential to pick the **correct designated organization** based on your education and profession.

### **Designated ECA Agencies for Immigration**

IRCC approves the following organizations to assess foreign credentials:

1. **World Education Services (WES)** – Most popular for **Express Entry** due to fast processing.
2. **Comparative Education Service (CES)** – Managed by the **University of Toronto**, often used by academics.
3. **International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS)** – Recognized for general immigration purposes.
4. **International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)** – Common choice for skilled workers.
5. **International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)** – Based in British Columbia, often used for **PNP applicants**.

### **Special ECA Agencies for Regulated Professions**

Certain professions require **specialized ECA assessments**:

- **Doctors** → **Medical Council of Canada (MCC)**
- **Pharmacists** → **Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)**
- **Architects** → **Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)**

### **How to Choose the Right One?**

- If you’re applying under **Express Entry**, WES is often the fastest.
- If you’re in a **regulated profession**, use the required agency.
- If your **province has specific requirements**, check PNP guidelines.

## **Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an ECA**

Once you've chosen the right ECA agency, the next step is to **start your application**. Follow this step-by-step process to ensure a smooth evaluation.

### **Step 1: Create an Online Account with the ECA Agency**

- Visit the official website of the agency you selected (e.g., WES, IQAS, MCC).
- Register and provide your **personal details, education history, and immigration purpose**.
- Pay the required **ECA processing fee** (varies by agency, typically **$200–$300 CAD**).

### **Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents**

- **Diplomas, degrees, and certificates** (must be from a recognized institution).
- **Transcripts** (official academic records sent directly by your school).
- **Certified translations** if your documents are not in English or French.
- Some agencies may require your **passport or national ID** for verification.

### **Step 3: Submit Your Documents Correctly**

- Some agencies allow you to **upload** digital copies, while others require **sealed envelopes** directly from your school.
- **Double-check** the document list for your country to avoid delays.
- If needed, contact your university **before applying** to arrange transcript submission.

### **Step 4: Wait for Processing & Track Your Application**

- **Processing times vary**: 
    - **WES**: ~35 business days
    - **IQAS, ICAS, CES**: Can take **8–20 weeks**
    - **MCC, PEBC** (for regulated professions): Often longer
- Most agencies provide an **online tracking system** so you can monitor your application status.

### **Step 5: Receive Your ECA Report**

- Once completed, you’ll receive a **digital and/or paper report** confirming your degree’s Canadian equivalency.
- Your ECA reference number is **needed for Express Entry** or other immigration applications.

## **Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an ECA**

Applying for an ECA may seem straightforward, but small mistakes can lead to **delays, lower CRS points, or even an invalid evaluation**. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.

### **Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong ECA Agency**

Many applicants pick **WES** by default, but some professions require specialized assessments (e.g., doctors need MCC, pharmacists need PEBC).

**Solution:**

- **Verify the right agency** based on your **profession and immigration pathway** before applying.

### **Mistake #2: Sending Only Your Highest Degree**

IRCC instructions say to submit your "highest degree," but submitting **only a master's degree** might result in a lower evaluation. In Canada, some master's degrees are assessed as equivalent to a bachelor's degree.

**Solution**

- **Submit both your bachelor's and master's degrees** to get the full educational equivalency and **maximize CRS points**.

### **Mistake #3: Missing or Incorrect Documents**

Sending incomplete or incorrect documents **delays processing** or leads to rejection.

**Solution:**

- **Check your agency’s document list** carefully.
- Ensure your **transcripts are sent directly from your university** if required.
- If your documents are not in **English or French**, **use a certified translator**.

**Mistake #4: Not Checking Your Degree Equivalency Before Paying**

Some applicants complete the ECA process only to find that their degree is evaluated as **lower than expected**, costing them valuable CRS points.

**Solution:**

- Use [**WES’s free equivalency tool**](https://applications.wes.org/ca/degree-equivalency-tool/) to estimate your result before applying.
- If your degree is likely to be **downgraded**, consider other agencies like **IQAS** or **CES**, which may provide better evaluations.

**Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Start the ECA Process**

ECA reports take **weeks or months** to process, and **Express Entry applications have deadlines**.

**Solution:**

- Start the **ECA process as early as possible**, ideally **before submitting your Express Entry profile**.

### **Mistake #6: Assuming an ECA Guarantees Employment in Canada**

Some applicants think an ECA **certifies their degree for work purposes**, but in **regulated professions** (e.g., medicine, engineering), additional licensing is required.

**Solution:**

- If your goal is to work in a **regulated profession**, research the **licensing process** separately.

## **How to Maximize Your CRS Score with Your ECA**

Your **Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)** doesn’t just verify your degree—it also affects your **Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score** in Express Entry. Making the right choices can **increase your points** and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

### **Claim the Maximum Education Points**

The number of CRS points you receive depends on your **Canadian equivalency**:

**Strategy:**

- If you have multiple degrees, make sure to **submit all of them** to get the **"Two or More Degrees"** bonus. This can **increase your score by up to 8 points**.

### **Choose the Right ECA Agency for the Best Evaluation**

Some agencies may evaluate your **master’s degree as equivalent to a bachelor's degree**, lowering your CRS score.

**Solution:**

- Before submitting your application, use **WES’s free equivalency tool** or compare results from **IQAS, CES, and ICAS**, as some agencies may provide a **higher equivalency rating** for the same degree.

### **Ensure Your ECA is Valid at the Time of PR Application**

ECA reports are valid for **five years**. If your ECA **expires before you submit your PR application**, you must get a new assessment.

**Solution:**

- Start your ECA process early but **check your expiry date before submitting your Express Entry profile**.

### **Use the ECA to Qualify for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)**

Many **Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)** require an ECA to prove education level, even if Express Entry does not.

**Example:**

- **Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)** requires an ECA for certain streams.
- **Alberta PNP** gives priority to applicants with **recognized post-secondary education**.

## **How to Use Your ECA in Your Express Entry or PR Application**

Once you receive your **Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)**, you must correctly include it in your immigration application to ensure you receive the **maximum CRS points**. Here’s how to do it step by step.

### **1. Add Your ECA to Your Express Entry Profile**

- Log in to your **IRCC Express Entry account**.
- Go to the **Education Section** and enter your details: 
    - **Institution name** (where you obtained your degree).
    - **Canadian equivalency** (from the ECA report).
    - **ECA report number** (issued by the agency).
- Double-check your **ECA expiry date**—it must be valid at the time of application.

**Tip:** If you have multiple degrees assessed, enter each one separately to **maximize CRS points**.

### **2. Submit Your ECA Report with Your PR Application**

Once you receive an **Invitation to Apply (ITA)**, you’ll need to **upload a copy of your ECA report** along with other documents:

- Scanned copy of your **ECA report**.
- Official **degree certificates and transcripts** (if required by IRCC).

**Tip:** If your transcripts were sent **directly from your school to the ECA agency**, you **don’t** need to send them again to IRCC.

### **3. Linking Your ECA to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)**

If applying through a **PNP program**, you may need to:

- **Submit your ECA report separately** to the province.
- **Prove your education meets provincial requirements** (some PNPs require a minimum equivalency level).
- **Ensure your ECA matches the NOC code** you’re applying under.

**Example:** The **Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)** requires an ECA if your degree was obtained outside Canada.

### **4. What If Your ECA Report Shows a Lower Equivalency?**

- If your **master’s degree is only recognized as a bachelor's**, you might lose **CRS points**.
- You can **request a reassessment** with another agency (IQAS, CES, etc.), but this takes time.

**Solution:** If your CRS score drops significantly, consider alternative pathways like **PNP programs** to boost your points.

## **Frequently Asked Questions About ECA**

To help you navigate the **Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)** process, here are answers to the most common questions applicants have.

## Conclusion: Get Your ECA Right for Canada Immigration

An **Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)** is a key step in proving that your foreign education meets Canadian standards. Whether you’re applying for **Express Entry** or a **Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)**, choosing the right agency and submitting all your degrees can help **maximize your CRS points** and improve your chances of success. Since processing times can take weeks or months, it’s best to start early and avoid common mistakes.

This guide is part of our [**Immigration Canada 2025: Complete Registration Guide**](https://askaia.ca/blog/immigration-canada-2025-complete-registration-guide?hsLang=en), where we break down every step of the immigration process. If you're planning to move to Canada, check out the full guide to ensure you have everything in place—from language tests to visa applications.

Not sure which immigration path is best for you? [Take an assessment with AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/en/assessment-express-entry?hsLang=en) to get personalized options based on your profile.

[View full post](https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Laurent Maisonnave"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-02-18T13:53:10.250Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-02-14T00:07:56Z",
  "headline" : "How to Get an ECA for Canada Immigration Quickly",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 620,
    "url" : "https://askaia.ca/hubfs/How-to-Get-an-ECA-for-Canada-Immigration-Quickly.jpg",
    "width" : 1200
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://askaia.ca/blog/how-to-get-an-eca-for-canada-immigration-quickly",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://askaia.ca/hubfs/aia-logo-800.png",
      "width" : 243.65482
    },
    "name" : "Blog"
  }
}
```