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Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check your eligibility

Express EntryGet readyStep 3 of 12

Blocked$200 to $300 · 1 to 8 weeks · RequiredYou are here

3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Waiting on: Check your eligibility

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The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 3 of 12 · RequiredClose

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepGet your education assessed: Express Entrycanada.ca · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

If you studied outside Canada and want points for it, you need an Educational Credential Assessment: a report from an IRCC-designated organization saying what your degree or diploma is worth in Canada. You order it yourself. The organization usually needs transcripts sent straight from your school.

Why it's required: Without it, education outside Canada earns no points in your CRS score, and Express Entry won't accept the profile as complete.

Approximate cost$200 to $300 CADPer assessment, plus courier and translation.

Approximate time1 to 8 weeksMostly waiting for your school to send transcripts.

Valid for5 yearsFrom the date on the report.

Who issues itWES · ICAS · CES · IQAS · ICESDesignated organizations. Regulated professions use their own body.

Documents you'll need

Your degree, diploma or certificate (original or certified copy)
Official transcripts, usually sent by your institution directly to the organization
Certified translation into English or French if the documents are in another language
Passport or national identity document
Payment by credit card, and sometimes a courier account

Before this step

Not startedCheck your eligibility

Finishing this unlocks: Calculate your CRS score