Certificate or credential evaluation from either WES (World Education Service) or other platforms is a necessary process for immigrating students or workers.
Most of the applicants use credential or certificate evaluation platforms during their immigration to Canada.
In simple terms, a credential evaluation refers to the valuation of your degree/ diploma by the subject matter experts that further helps you to make your documents valid internationally.
Significance of Credential Evaluation or ECA
ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) is a crucial process and performed by highly expert evaluators who have full knowledge of the international education system.
The leading role of ECA is to convert your national educational degree to make it equivalent to that of Canada or the USA.
The need for this evaluation arises because the education system of every country in the world is different. Therefore, it is crucial to get the credential evaluation before immigrating to Canada.
World Education Services (WES)
World Education Services (WES) is a famous designated organization originated in the year 1974 and authorized by IRCC to endue ECA reports.
To start with the process, you need to send all your essential documents to the organization. After that, a credential evaluator is assigned by the organization to verify and authenticate your documents. Once the document submission process is over, they will assess the credentials based on the following.
- The education system that your native country follows.
- The content and curriculum of your previous programmes.
- The reputation and recognition of the educational institutions that you have attended earlier.
- Some other requirements that might be asked while assessing your credentials.
Platforms (Other than WES) that Provide ECA Services
Though World Education Services (WES) is a well established and reputed organization, there are a few more platforms designated by the IRCC to provide the certificate evaluation services to the Canadian immigrants. Let’s have a look at such platforms.
#1. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
The International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) which is designated by IRCC, has been providing its services since the year 1993. It is based in Guelph, Ontario.
The Canadian immigration package report will help you to apply for admission or to seek employment in the Canadian provinces. The package will be accepted by the IRCC for five years starting from the date of issue.
#2. International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS)
It is the ECA service of the Alberta government. It was approved and designated by the IRCC in August 2015.
Notably, IQAS assess academic credentials only. Currently, it may take at least three weeks to process your application. However, the processing time may change as per the decisions of the officials.
#3. Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
MCC provides certificate assessment services only to the medical degree and diploma holders. Therefore, this is one of the necessary processes that every immigrant should follow who want to move as a Doctor in Canada.
However, only the ECA report doesn’t allow immigrants to move to the desired country. You also need to satisfy other requirements. After submitting your certificates, your ECA report would be produced within 21 days.
#4. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
This organization works for the Pharmacists only who wish to work in Canada. Like other platforms, it was also designated by the IRCC on January 6, 2014. Once the organization receives your ECA request, it would take up to 8 weeks to complete and process your application.
Finally, is there a trustworthy alternative to WES
Once you receive your ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) report from any of the above platforms, you need to upload your result to your online Express Entry profile. It would be better if you keep a copy of the original ECA report for your future reference.