July 21st, 2023 at 01:35 am
Getting Your Credentials Assessed For Moving To Canada
Canada’s annual immigration goals were raised in February 2022, and the country will welcome about 1.32 million newcomers through different immigration streams between 2022 and 2024. There has never been a better time to move to Canada as a permanent resident or a student.
As part of the application process, you may be asked to send Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) some important documents. You will get more points for your application and have a better chance of moving to Canada if you have these documents. Some examples of documents are an ECA report, results from language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF), letters about work experience, etc. Keep in mind that the process of getting your credentials evaluated and accepted takes time and costs money, so start early and plan ahead.
In this article, we’ll go into detail about how to get credential assessments, list the credentials that should be evaluated, and talk about the agencies that are allowed to give an ECA.
Why you should get your credentials checked
Getting an evaluation of your credentials will help you:
- Firstly, Show possible employers what you’re good at;
- Secondly, Find out what kinds of jobs you might be able to do;
- Thirdly, Check to see if your credentials meet the requirements for Canadian workers;
- Lastly, Check to see if you need more training, schooling, or work experience in Canada.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
An educational credential assessment (ECA) checks to see if your foreign degree, diploma, certificate, or other proof of your credential is valid and the same as a Canadian one. ECAs come in different forms. You need an ECA if you want to move to another country.
If you want to work in a regulated field (like as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, pharmacist, accountant, etc.), you must get your license in the province or territory where you plan to live.
Which educational credentials should be checked?
Most of the time, you only need an evaluation of your highest level of education, such as a diploma, certificate, foreign degree, or some other proof of your education. For example, if you have a Master’s degree, you only need an evaluation for that degree, not for your Bachelor’s degree.
To get points for having two or more credentials, you need an evaluation for each one. To get full points for more than one educational credential, at least one of the credentials must be for three years or more of study. Your points won’t change based on the order in which you finish your credentials.
Regulated Jobs, Trades, and Professions
Regulated jobs are governed by provincial, territorial, and federal laws. Regulators or apprenticeship authorities oversee them. Professions, skilled trades, and apprenticeable trades are regulated jobs. Doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, architects, and engineers work. Trades include baker, carpenter, and electrician. Visit Red Seal for trade training, skills, and experience.
You need a license, certificate, or registration with the regulatory body in your province or territory to work in a regulated job and use a regulated title. Certain jobs may be regulated in some Canadian provinces and territories. Hence, Work licenses from one province or territory may not be valid in others.
Each trade has its own governing body. Ask your job’s regulatory body or other governing bodies if you need to be evaluated. They can recommend a credential checker.
You can contact your governing body on the Canadian Job Bank. Each regulatory body’s website has information on fees, licensing, eligibility, and credential recognition.
Jobs that aren’t regulated
Some employers want applicants to be registered with or certified by the professional association in question. Getting your credentials evaluated and recognized helps Canadian employers figure out what you are qualified for. For a fee, a credential assessment agency can look at your education records. You could put this info on your resume.
Where to get ECA for Canada Immigration
You have to get your assessment from an organization or group of professionals that IRCC has picked. Once you choose a designated organization or professional body, they will tell you how to send in your documents to get your assessment, as well as the average processing time and costs.
Organizations that have been designated by ECA for immigration to Canada
You have to go through one of these organizations:
- Comparative Education Service at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (CES)
- Then, International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS),
- Also, International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES),
- Afterward, World Education Services (WES), and
- Finally, International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS).
If you want to work for a big company or in a job that is regulated by the government, you may need to have your assessment done by a specific group. Check with your boss or the group in charge of regulating your job for more information.
ECA for a study permit in Canada
If you want to study in Canada, just like if you want to move there, you’ll need to have your education evaluated. Some schools after high school can do the test. In other situations, you’ll need to go to a testing center. Get in touch with the Canadian college or university you want to go to after high school to find out what kind of test they need and will accept. Then, if you need to, contact the testing company that the school you want to attend suggested.
What happens if Canada does not accept your credentials?
If your report says that your credential isn’t the same as a Canadian credential or that the foreign school isn’t recognized:
- You won’t meet the Federal Skilled Workers Program’s education requirement
- Also, You won’t get any points for it.
How long will it take to get an ECA?
How long you have to wait to get your education evaluated varies by organization or professional body. It can take anywhere between a few weeks and a few months.
Validity of an ECA report
When you submit your Express Entry profile or apply for permanent residence, your ECA report for immigration to Canada shouldn’t be older than five years.
Cost Of Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Most people pay $200 CAD plus delivery. Courier shipping costs the most. ECA report prices and turnaround times can change at any time.
Family doctors, specialists, and pharmacists cost more. Contact your job regulator to find out how much it will cost.
Depending on your situation, the country you’re applying from, and how long it takes to get and organize all the necessary documents, your ECA process could take months. Knowing how to get certain documents will speed up the application and move to Canada.
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