If you are serious about making Canada your permanent home, most immigration programs require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) before they would consider your application. You may use this as proof that your degree from an accredited institution outside of Canada is valid. Don’t worry, the process is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your ECA in Canada:
Step 1: Find a Designated Organization
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) only accepts ECAs from designated organizations. Here’s the kicker: there are just two!
- World Education Services (WES): A popular choice, WES offers a user-friendly online application process.
- Comparative Education Service (CES): Established by the University of Toronto, CES provides a university-based evaluation experience.
Step 2: Choose the Right Organization
Both WES and CES are excellent choices. Consider these factors:
- WES: Known for its streamlined online process and faster turnaround times (generally 3-4 weeks).
- CES: Offers personalized consultations and may be preferred for complex academic backgrounds.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
- Official transcripts: Request certified copies of your diplomas and transcripts directly from your institutions. Ensure English or French translations are included if your documents are in another language.
- Course descriptions: Detailed syllabi or course descriptions might be required, depending on the organization.
Step 4: Apply and Pay the Fee
Head to the chosen organization’s website and initiate the application process. Fees vary, so check their websites for current costs.
WES: [World Education Services ECA ON wes.org] CES: University of Toronto Comparative Education Service
Step 5: Wait and Receive Your ECA
Processing times can vary, but both organizations provide estimated timelines. Once complete, you’ll receive your ECA electronically or by mail (depending on your preference).
Bonus Tip:
- Start the ECA process early! It can take time to gather documents, especially if you need translations.
Congratulations! With your ECA in hand, you’re one step closer to achieving your dream of permanent residency in Canada. Now you can confidently proceed with your immigration application.
Vocabulary
- Permanently (adverb): This word means forever or for a very long time.
- Example: She wanted to settle permanently in Canada after graduation.
- Equivalent (adjective): This means something that is similar or equal in value or meaning to something else.
- Example: The ECA will confirm that your foreign degree is equivalent to a Canadian bachelor’s degree.
- Streamlined (adjective): This describes a process that is made simpler and more efficient.
- Example: WES is known for its streamlined online application process for ECAs.
- Turnaround time (noun): This refers to the amount of time it takes to complete a task or process.
- Example: The average turnaround time for an ECA is 3-4 weeks.
- Initiate (verb): This means to start or begin something.
- Example: You can initiate the ECA application process by visiting the organization’s website.