🎓 Education Equivalency Tool

ECA Cost & Time Checker

Compare IRCC-approved organizations to find the fastest or cheapest way to get your foreign degree assessed for Canada.

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⭐ Recommended Match

WES

World Education Services
2026 Cost ~$264 CAD
Processing Time 35 Business Days
  • ✓ Fastest processing time in Canada.
  • ✓ Excellent digital portal & tracking.
  • ✗ Strict: Often downgrades 1-year Master's to a PG Diploma.
⭐ Recommended Match

IQAS

International Qualifications Assessment Service
2026 Cost ~$200 CAD
Processing Time 10 - 14 Weeks
  • ✓ Known to recognize 1-year Master's degrees favorably.
  • ✓ Slightly cheaper than WES.
  • ✗ Very slow communication and long wait times.
⭐ Recommended Match

ICAS

International Credential Assessment Service
2026 Cost ~$200 CAD
Processing Time 20 - 30 Weeks
  • ✓ Accepted broadly for specific college admissions.
  • ✗ Extremely slow! Can take up to 6 months.
  • ✗ Paper-heavy process compared to competitors.
⭐ Recommended Match

CES

Comparative Education Service (U of T)
2026 Cost ~$226 CAD
Processing Time 12 - 15 Weeks
  • ✓ Backed by the prestigious University of Toronto.
  • ✓ Reliable alternative if WES rejects your documents.
  • ✗ Customer support can be slow to respond.
Immigration Pro Tip: Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. When placing your order, ensure you specifically select "ECA for IRCC (Immigration)". If you select a standard employment or education evaluation, IRCC will reject it! You must also ensure your university sends your transcripts directly to the evaluator (digitally or in a sealed envelope).

Canada ECA Cost & Time Comparison: WES vs. ICAS vs. IQAS

🎓 Essential PR Step: If you earned your degree outside of Canada, you MUST obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to claim CRS points for your education. Choosing the wrong organization can lead to months of delays or your degree being undervalued. Our checker compares the current 2026 processing times and fees across all IRCC-designated organizations.

An ECA is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equal to a Canadian one. While WES is the most popular choice due to its speed, other organizations like ICAS, IQAS, and ICES may be better suited for specific professional degrees or teaching qualifications. Our ECA Cost & Time Checker helps you decide which organization fits your timeline and budget, ensuring you get the maximum points possible for your Express Entry profile.

How to Choose the Right ECA Organization

Selecting the right body depends on your academic background and how fast you need your results. Follow these steps:

  1. Identify Your Profession: If you are a doctor (MCC) or a pharmacist (PEBC), you have specific mandatory bodies. For most other skilled workers, WES, ICAS, or IQAS are the standard choices.
  2. Compare Processing Timelines: WES usually takes 30-35 business days, while ICAS can take up to 20-26 weeks. If a draw is coming soon, speed should be your priority.
  3. Check Document Requirements: Some bodies require original transcripts sent directly from your university, while others may accept digital uploads via secure platforms like Digilary or Parchment.
  4. Calculate Total Costs: Beyond the base assessment fee (approx. $220 – $260 CAD), remember to factor in international courier fees and the cost your university charges to issue transcripts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is WES the best choice for every Canadian PR applicant?
WES is the fastest, but not always the best. WES is known for being very strict with “Non-University” private institutions or certain technical diplomas. If your degree is from a less traditional institution, IQAS or ICES might be more likely to grant you a “Canadian Equivalency” that earns you higher CRS points.
2. How long is an ECA valid for Canadian immigration?
For IRCC purposes, your ECA report is valid for exactly 5 years from the date it was issued. You must ensure that your ECA is still valid both when you submit your Express Entry profile and when you eventually apply for Permanent Residency.
3. Can I use my ECA for job hunting in Canada?
Yes, but with a caveat. While an “ECA for IRCC” is designed for immigration points, many Canadian employers and regulatory bodies accept it as proof of your educational level. However, if you are in a regulated profession (like Engineering or Nursing), you may need a specific “Professional License” ECA later on.
4. What happens if WES gives me a lower equivalency than I expected?
If WES evaluates your 4-year degree as equivalent to only a 3-year Canadian diploma, you will lose significant CRS points. In such cases, many applicants “double-file” by applying to a different body like IQAS or ICES to see if they provide a more favorable assessment.
5. Do I need an ECA for my secondary school (high school) diploma?
Generally, no. If you have a post-secondary degree (University/College), you only need to get an ECA for your highest level of education to get the maximum points. You only need an ECA for high school if you do not have any higher education.

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