Express Entry: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Requirements

What is the purpose of an ECA?

The ECA is used in order to verify that the credentials you hold are valid and equal to those in Canada.

Is an ECA required by all applicants?

An Educational Credential Assessment is required if you are planning on entering into the Express Entry Pool and your intent is to be considered in the draw under the Federal Skill Worker. If your spouse or common-law partner wishes to come with you to Canada under this program they will also need to complete the ECA in order to be considered.

If you have attended post-secondary education in Canada then it may not be a requirement for you.

When are you are not required to complete the ECA?

If you are planning to apply to the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Canadian Experience Class then completing an ECA would be optional for you

By completing an ECA however, it may have the ability to increase your points that you will receive through the Comprehensive Ranking System and in turn improve your chances of being drawn from the pool.

What are the educational requirements?

In order for you to meet the educational requirements upon application you must have:

  • A Canadian diploma, certificate or credential; or,
  • A foreign educational credential as well as an Educational Credential Assessment that is equal to a complete Canadian secondary or post-secondary education

What points are you eligible for and how does the point system work?

Education Level Maximum Points Available

University degree at PhD level 25

University degree at Masters level 23

2 or more Canadian post-secondary degrees/ 22

Diplomas (one MUST be a minimum of a 3 year program)

1 Canadian post-secondary degree/diploma 21

In a 3 year program

Canadian post-secondary degree/diploma 19

In a 2 year program

Canadian post-secondary degree/diploma 15

In a 1 year program

Canadian high school diploma or the equivalent 5

What must your ECA include?

There are certain items that need to be clearly set out on your ECA at the time of your application and they are:

  • Proof of your foreign credential (if applicable)
  • An issue date that is on or after the date that the particular organization was designated by the CIC
  • An issue date that is not older than 5 years from the date your application is received
  • It must show that your credential is equivalent to a Canadian one

Is there anything else you should know about the ECA?

There is a chance that you will be able to receive an early feedback in which will tell you how you compare to others in Canada.

What it does NOT guarantee is:

  • That you will get a job in your field or at a particular level
  • That your work experience and professional credentials are automatically recognized in Canada; and,
  • That you will be licensed to a practise in a regulated profession

There is a lot to take in within the requirements of the ECA. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything that is involved in this step please contact one of our representatives and we can ensure that you are on the right track. We have the ability and experience to set you up for the most success possible, while making it easy on you at the same time. At Akrami & Associates, there is Always a Way!

Latest Immigrations News

  • Immigrate-to-Canada-through-Express-Entry.png

    February 27, 2020

    Immigrate to Canada through Express Entry

    Express Entry Canada Canada is the second largest also one of the wealthiest country in the world. It is regularly voted one of the best countries to live in as it is known for diversity, a high standard of living, an open and tolerant culture, a clean environment [...]

  • ontarios-human-capital-category.png

    January 30, 2020

    Ontario’s Human Capital Category

    OINP: Human Capital Category Canada is a great country to live and work in. However, many employers in Canada face problems in filling in jobs. Therefore, to boost Canada’s economy and fill in positions, Canada welcomes many immigrants to Canada. To help fill in those jobs, the federal [...]

  • express-entry-to-canada.png

    November 28, 2019

    Express Entry to Canada

    Express Entry and How Does it Work Express Entry (EE) was introduced by the Federal government in 2015 as an online immigration application system offering Canadian permanent residence to foreign skilled workers. Candidates are ranked based on their individual profiles and only those with the highest rankings are [...]

Consultation icon

Book a Conslutation

One of our Representatives will
assist you with your matter. Book Now!
Click here

Call us icon

Call us for
more Information

+1-416-477-2545
Toll Free: 1-877-820-7121
Click here

Write Us (Online Form)

Complete our form and one of our
Representatives will contact you.
Click here

Akrami & Associates logo element small

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Akrami & Associates logo element

There is always a way