What an ECA does
An educational credential assessment confirms that a degree, diploma or certificate from outside Canada is valid and equal to a completed Canadian credential. It must be done for immigration purposes by an organization IRCC has designated.
When you need one
- Federal Skilled Worker: required if your education is from outside Canada. FSW has an education requirement.
- Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades: not required to be eligible, but needed if you want CRS points for foreign education.
- Canadian credentials never need an ECA.
Validity
The ECA report must be less than five years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your application.
How it changes your score
Without an ECA, foreign education counts for no CRS points. With one, a bachelor's degree is worth up to 120 core points for a single candidate, and it unlocks the education transferability combinations. If you have two or more credentials, assess the ones that give you the "two or more credentials, one of three years or more" level.
Common questions
Which organizations can do an ECA?
IRCC publishes the list of designated organizations; medical doctors and pharmacists must use their professional bodies. Check the official page for the current list.
Do I need to assess my high school diploma?
Usually no. Assess the highest credentials you want points for.