If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry program, one of your first crucial steps is getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). But here’s the tricky part which ECA organization should you choose?
With multiple IRCC-approved options, making the wrong choice can cause delays, frustration, or even cost you a shot at early immigration. In this blog, we’ll simplify the selection process and help you make the smartest, most strategic choice.
What Is an ECA and Why Do You Need One?
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) evaluates your foreign education and determines how it compares to a Canadian qualification. It’s a mandatory document if:
- You’re applying through Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, or FSTP streams
- You want to improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
- You’re applying under most Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
If your highest qualification is from Canada, you don’t need an ECA.
List of IRCC-Approved ECA Organizations
Here are the only organizations approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
General Assessment Bodies:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Comparative Education Service (CES) – University of Toronto
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) – British Columbia
Profession-Specific Bodies:
- Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – for doctors
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada – for pharmacists
- Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
Official source:
IRCC – List of Designated ECA Organizations
2. Processing Times
| Organization | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| WES | 20–35 business days (fastest) |
| CES | 12–14 weeks |
| ICAS | 12–14 weeks |
| IQAS | 14–16 weeks or more |
| ICES | 12–14 weeks |
If you’re on a tight timeline, WES is usually the fastest option.
3. Document Requirements
Some ECA bodies require official transcripts to be sent directly by your university. Others are more flexible.
- WES: Widely known for a smooth digital process.
- ICAS/CES/IQAS: May require hard copies and additional paperwork.
- Check with your institution: Will they send your documents on your behalf?
4. Multi-Use Reports
Do you plan to use your ECA report for more than immigration (e.g., employment, further studies, licensing)?
- Some organizations like ICAS and CES offer more detailed reports.
- WES reports are often limited to immigration use.
5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Preferences
A few provinces may prefer or process faster for ECAs from certain organizations. Before applying for a PNP, check their eligibility criteria to confirm accepted ECA bodies.
6. Cost Comparison (approximate)
| Organization | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| WES | $240 |
| CES | $210 |
| ICAS | $200 |
| IQAS | $220 |
| ICES | $200 |
| MCC / PEBC | Varies (usually higher) |
Don’t pick based on price alone—factor in time, profession, and purpose.
Final Recommendation
If you are:
- A regular skilled worker applicant → Go with WES for speed and simplicity.
- A healthcare professional → Use MCC or PEBC.
- Planning to apply to a specific province → Double-check that province’s preferences.
- Needing an ECA for multiple uses → Look into ICAS or CES.
YouTube Video Coming Soon!
We’re creating a step-by-step video guide to help you:
- Compare all ECA organizations
- Avoid common mistakes
- Track your ECA timeline effectively
📌 Stay tuned and bookmark this page — we’ll update it with the video link shortly!
Need Help With Your ECA Application?
We’ve helped hundreds of clients successfully complete their ECA process without delays. Let our experts:
- Help you choose the right ECA body
- Prepare all required documents correctly
- Track your application progress
📞 Book a free consultation with Yoke Immigration today!
