Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): getting your foreign studies recognized to immigrate to Canada

If you earned your degree outside Canada and are aiming for Express Entry, you’ll usually need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This assessment shows the Canadian equivalent of your foreign credential.

What is an ECA and why does it matter?

• It confirms your foreign credential is valid and equal to a Canadian one (secondary or post-secondary).
• The education points in your Express Entry profile depend on it.
• It is required for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program and may be requested in other streams.

When do you need it?

• If your studies were completed outside Canada and you want them to count in Express Entry.
• If your studies were completed in Canada, no ECA is needed for that Canadian credential.

How to start

1. Choose an IRCC-designated organization to issue ECAs (the list is on the official canada.ca page).
2. Ask your university or institution to send required documents directly to the organization, if needed.
3. Wait for your ECA report, then use its number and date when creating your Express Entry profile.

Practical tips

• Start early: the assessment can take several weeks depending on the organization and country of study.
• Check the report’s validity when you apply (each organization has its own rules).
• Remember you can handle most steps yourself; to set up your account safely, see how to create a secure IRCC account, and to understand the process, how Express Entry works step by step.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Information dated July 18, 2026: always verify on canada.ca, the only official source.