ECA and the importance of validating qualifications in Canada

Canada attracts skilled workers from all over the world. People who are willing to work in Canada and settle in the country finds great value in its varied opportunities. It won’t be an overstatement that skilled workers qualified in a wide range of disciplines can land in suitable occupations in Canada.

In case you are a skilled worker applying for a work permit under the federal Express Entry program, while applying, it’s necessary to undergo an ECA.

ECA is a procedure used to verify the validity of your foreign diploma, degree, or certificate and its equal status to a Canadian qualification. Once ECA is issued the ECA report and the reference number must be included in the Express Entry profile.

Only the principal visa applicant needs to have an ECA. The family members of the principal applicant needn’t have an ECA. However, if the principal applicant’s spouse has a post-secondary degree, that applicant can claim additional CRS points if they receive an ECA.

Where to get an ECA from?

IRCC accepts ECA issued at designated organizations approved for the same. Here’s the list of those organizations with the dates on which these organizations were designated:

• International Credential Evaluation Service – 6^th August 2015
• Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies – 17^th April 2013
• World Education Services – 17^th April 2013
• Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies – 17^th April 2013
• International Credential Evaluation Service – 6^th August 2015
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada – 17^th April 2013
• International Qualifications Assessment Service – 6^th August 2015
• World Education Services – 17^thApril 2013
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada – 17^th 2013
• International Qualifications Assessment Service - 6^th August 2015

Documents needed for ECA in Canada immigration

The following documents have to be submitted along with an ECA application form. The fee charged is CAD$530. The documents needed are:

• Transcripts
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Licencing Statement
• Statutory Supporting Documents if required
• University Degree or Diploma Certificate

ECA is mandatory in all PNP immigration draws. Before receiving an ITA, the ECA for language proficiency test and Canada immigration test must be completed. The reports of those tests must be included in the PNP profile.

At the same time, ECA isn’t necessary for Quebec. Instead, the applicant’s credentials can be submitted with the Ministry of Immigration, Frenchisation and Integration. Or else the applicant must certify from his/her University Registrar so as to claim points towards education requirements.

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Note:

CRS – Comprehensive Ranking System

IRCC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

PNP – Provincial Nominee Program