To get a foreign credential recognized in Canada, order an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an IRCC-designated body such as WES, which maps your degree to its Canadian equivalent. A standard ECA costs roughly $200–$500 and is valid for five years. Regulated professions (like nursing or engineering) require a separate licensing process through their provincial regulator, not just an ECA.
What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
An ECA verifies that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and shows its Canadian equivalent. It's the standard way to translate international education into terms Canadian employers and immigration officers understand. For Express Entry, you must order your ECA before submitting your profile if you want your education to count toward your score — see the Government of Canada's ECA page.
Which organization should you use?
Canada designates several ECA bodies. For Express Entry and most Provincial Nominee Programs you can use WES, IQAS, CES, ICAS, or the University of Toronto. World Education Services (WES) is the most widely used and is designated by IRCC.
Cost, timeline, and validity
What to expect in 2026:
- Cost: roughly $200–$500 CAD (WES standard around $267; IQAS around $230)
- What to submit: usually only your highest completed credential
- Validity: a WES ECA is valid for five years from issue
- Timing: order it before your Express Entry profile to claim education points
Regulated professions need licensing too
An ECA is not the same as a licence. Regulated professions — nursing, engineering, medicine, law, accounting, the skilled trades, and others — require certification or licensing through the relevant provincial regulator before you can practise. A bridging program can help you meet those requirements; the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) can point you to the right body.
While your recognition is in progress
Recognition takes time, so build momentum in parallel: gain Canadian work experience, confirm your occupation and NOC code, and prepare a Canadian-format resume that frames your international credentials clearly.
Explore these careers on Before Borders
This is general guidance, not immigration or licensing advice. Requirements vary by program and profession and can change. Confirm details with IRCC (canada.ca), the assessment body, and the relevant provincial regulator.
Build a Canadian resume — free
Our AI resume builder presents your international education and experience in the format Canadian employers expect.
