Get a foreign degree assessed (ECA)
For immigration (Express Entry), a designated organization compares your foreign education with Canadian credentials.
What you need
- Education completed outside Canada
- Documents requested by the designated organization (diplomas, transcripts)
- An ECA less than 5 years old when you apply
Step by step
- Choose a designated organization (for example WES, ICAS, IQAS, CES or ICES)
- Send your documents as that organization instructs
- Receive your report and reference number
- Enter the results in your Express Entry profile
- Keep your originals and be ready to upload copies if invited
Where to apply
IRCC: educational credential assessment · canada.ca
The app helps with
Tips to get it right the first time
- Usually you only need your highest credential assessed.
- Doctors, pharmacists and architects use their own professional bodies.
- An expired ECA leads to refusal: check its date before applying.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: canada.ca. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.