An ECA stands for Educational Credential Assessment. ECA is one of the most important documents which you need to attach with Canada PR application. An ECA helps you demonstrate that your degrees or diploma obtained in other countries is valid and meets the Canadian education levels.
An ECA verifies if your foreign academic degrees are at par with the Canadian level. If you have completed any academic course from outside Canada, you will need an ECA while applying for Canada immigration. An ECA can also help you increase your CRS score for Express Entry.
Though the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) does not require an ECA, you may still get it to increase your CRS points, and, hence, your chances to get Canada PR visa in 2025.
What is the full form of ECA?
The full form of ECA is Educational Credential Assessment. You need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you are immigrating to Canada for work or study purposes. This official assessment will verify if your foreign credentials meet the educational requirements in Canada.
ECA Certificate
Once you get the certificate or report, you must include it in your Express Entry profile. Along with the ECA report, you also need to enter the reference number in the Express Entry profile.
The ECA report might come in handy when you are searching for a job. By getting an Educational Credential Assessment certificate, you will know whether you qualify for the job or not.
Keep in mind, an ECA does not guarantee you a job. Nor does it guarantee that you will be licensed to practice in a regulated profession. So, you should understand that the aim of an ECA is only to get your credentials assessed.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Designated Bodies
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) authorizes certain organizations and professional bodies that provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Thus, you can get your ECA from the organizations and professional bodies listed below.
Designated Organizations
- Comparative Education Service
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Designated Professional Bodies
IRCC has designated these professional bodies to evaluate ECA reports of those immigrating to Canada under certain occupations.
ECA For Nurses
Nurses with a primary medical diploma, must get an ECA from the Medical Council of Canada, if their education is:-
- Specialist in surgery (NOC code 31101)
- General practitioner or family physician (NOC code 31102)
- Specialist in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC code 31100)
ECA For Pharmacists
For Pharmacists, if the individual’s NOC code is 31120 and they need to get a license to practice in Canada, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada will provide an ECA.
ECA for Architects
Recently, IRCC designated the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) as the ECA designated professional body for Architects. If your occupation is in NOC code 21200, you can get your credentials verified by CACB.
ECA Validity
The validity of an ECA or its full form – Educational Credential Assessment – is 5 years.
Talent Connected Worldwide has assisted thousands of students and workers in getting their ECA reports. If you are an aspiring immigrant, contact us and get your ECA faster.
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