Best ECA for Canada Immigration: WES vs IQAS vs ICES vs CES
Let’s compare the ECA organizations to find the best ECA for Canada immigration.
But why it is needed?
If you are preparing for Canada PR, it is crucial to have your educational certificates assessed by an authorized organization. There are four main organizations—CES, WES, ICES, and IQAS.
You are interested in an express entry or other kinds of Canadian skill immigration. And you have a non-Canadian education.
You are required to obtain the equivalence of your non-Canadian education. And this document is called ECA or Educational credential assessment. You have to get it done by certain authorized bodies.
- ECAs are done for other purposes as well but you have to get an ECA for immigration purposes.
- An ECA is valid for a period of five years. If you update your education in between you can always have that added into your ECA.
Table of Content
How many points you can get with ECA for Canadian immigration?
ECA report is important because you cannot create your profile without it. And you will also be able to get points for your education based on your ECA report.
You can use the comparison table by the Government of Canada. It shows how many points you can earn under the:
- Comprehensive Ranking System
- Federal Skilled Worker Program factor points
How?
- Visit the link: Educational credential assessment (ECA) for Express Entry: What your report means
- Select a point system
A federal skilled worker program factor points
With a 100 point grid, you can get a maximum of 25 points for your education.
For example, if the organization evaluated your education. And reported it to be equivalent to a Master of Business Administration. You get 23 points.
Recommended: Federal skilled worker program: Step by step process
Comprehensive ranking system
Based on the CRS point system, you can earn a maximum of 140 points with your spouse and 150 without the spouse’s level of education.
For example, you will earn 126-135 points with a Master of Business Administration.
Quick Comparisons
WESv s IQAS vs ICAS vs CES
WES, IQAS, ICAS, and CES are all organizations that provide Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) services for individuals who want to immigrate to Canada.
The choice between these organizations depends on individual circumstances, such as the university and degree being evaluated, and the desired processing time.
WES is known for its strict evaluation and fast processing time of 1-3 months, while IQAS is known for being more generous in recognizing universities and degrees, but with a longer processing time of 5-10 months.
ICAS is also a well-regarded organization for ECA, and CES may be more generous in recognizing universities and degrees.
It’s important to consider the unique characteristics of each organization and how they align with individual circumstances
WES vs IQAS
WES is generally known for its strict evaluation and fast processing time of 1-3 months, while IQAS is known for being more generous in recognizing universities and degrees, but with a longer processing time of 5-10 months.
WES typically recognizes only elite universities when evaluating masters, while IQAS, ICES, and CES may recognize a wider range of universities and degrees.
WES vs CES
WES is known for its strict evaluation and fast processing time of 1-3 months, while CES is also known for a relatively faster processing time.
WES typically recognizes only elite universities when evaluating masters, while CES may be more generous in recognizing universities and degrees.
Therefore, the decision may depend on the specific university and degree being evaluated, as well as the desired processing time. It’s important to consider the unique characteristics of each organization and how they align with individual circumstances
IQAS vs ICAS
IQAS, the International Qualifications Assessment Service, is known for being more generous in recognizing universities and degrees, but with a longer processing time of 5-10 months.
On the other hand, ICAS, the International Credential Assessment Service, is also a well-regarded organization for ECA.
IQAS vs CES
IQAS is known for being more generous in recognizing universities and degrees, but with a longer processing time of 5-10 months.
CES may be more generous in recognizing universities and degrees, and it is often considered one of the cheapest options for ECA for Canada.
WES vs ICAS
WES is known for its fast processing time, typically 1-3 months, and is often recommended for its efficiency.
On the other hand, ICAS is also a well-regarded organization for ECA. While both organizations hold the same value and reputation according to the IRCC, WES is known for its faster processing time, making it a preferred choice for many.
WES vs ICES
WES is known for its fast processing time, typically 1-3 months, and is often recommended for its efficiency.
ICES, on the other hand, is also a well-regarded organization for ECA, but its processing time may be longer than WES.
Best Eca For Canada Immigration
WES and IQAS are the best Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Canada immigration depends on individual circumstances.
However, World Education Services (WES) is often recommended for individuals who are not doctors or pharmacists due to its efficient processing time.
WES is known for its strict evaluation and fast processing time of 1-3 month. On the other hand, International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) is known for being more generous in recognizing universities and degrees, but with a longer processing time of 5-10 months.
Cheapest Eca For Canada
The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) is one of the cheapest options for Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Canada. It has a processing fee of $200 CAD, with additional delivery costs.
However, it’s important to consider the processing times, as ICES is known for relatively long processing times, which may be a trade-off for the lower cost.
Other organizations such as World Education Services (WES) and International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) also have similar fees for ECA.
Fastest Eca For Canada Immigration
The fastest organization for Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Canada immigration is World Education Services (WES).
According to a Reddit user, WES is generally the fastest and most commonly used for ECAs, and it typically takes 14 business days for the soft copy and 8 weeks for the hard copy from the day all the documents are received
World Education Services (WES)
Here is the general information about WES.
- Name: World Education Services
- Website: http://www.wes.org/fswp
- Official processing time: 35 business days ( Can take up to 3 months)
- WES Fees: CA$ 220 for any number of credentials and 100 CAD for upgrade + Courier Charges
- Application process: Transcripts must be posted only by universities.
Minimum Required documents:
- Final or provisional award
- Official academic records (Marksheet/Transcript)
- Request form
Possible ECA outcomes
- Bachelors (3 years) Usually evaluated as Bachelors only
- MBA: all Indian Universities MBA are assessed as a Post Graduate Diploma of one year
- M.Tech/MCA/M.E/M.ED- Evaluated as Masters
- M.SC/M.Com/M.A- Evaluated as either a postgraduate diploma or Bachelors
- BDS/MDS- Evaluated as a professional degree
- B.Pharm/M.Pharm- Evaluated as Bachelors and PGD/Bachelors respectively
- B.Com/B.A followed by LLB- Evaluated as Professional degree
Benefits
- Fastest ECA organization
- Most reliable ECA organization
- Most popular ECA organization
Drawback
- The transcript should be sent by the university
- Recognize only selected universities
- Very strict evaluation
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Here is the general information about IQAS:
- Name: International Qualifications Assessment Service
- Website: https://www.alberta.ca/iqas-immigration.aspx
- Processing time: 23 weeks from the day all documents are received
- Application process: Transcript can be posted either by universities or applicants themselves
- IQAS Fess: 200 CAD for any number of credentials + Courier charges
Minimum Required documents:
- Passport(Scanned)
- Final award
- Official academic records(Marksheet/Transcript)
- Request form
Note that document requirements vary from country to country. Check the details on their website: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/iqas/eca-required-documents.pdf
Possible ECA outcomes
- Bachelors – Usually evaluated as Bachelors only
- MBA- All Indian universities MBA are assessed as Masters
- M.A/M.SC/M.Com – Evaluated as Masters
- M.Tech/MCA/M.E/M.Ed- Evaluated as Masters
- BDS/MDS- Evaluated as a professional degree
- B.Pharm/M.Pharm – Evaluated as Bachelors and PGD/Bachelors respectively
- B.Com/B.A followed by LLB- Evaluated as Professional degree
Benefits
- Recognize many universities
- Lenient Education evaluation
- The transcript can be sent by the applicant
Drawbacks
- Longest processing time compared to other ECA organizations
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
Here is the general information about ICES:
- Name: International Credential Evaluation Service
- Website: https://www.bcit.ca/ices/eca/
- Processing time: 20 weeks from the day all the documents are received
- Application process: Transcript must be posted or emailed to [email protected] only by universities
- ICES Fees: 200 CAD for each credential
Minimum Required documents:
- Passport(Scanned)
- Final award
- Official academic records(Marksheet/Transcript)
- Request form
Note that document requirements vary from country to country. Check the details on their website: https://www.bcit.ca/ices/country-specific-information/
Possible ECA outcomes
- Bachelors – Usually evaluated as Bachelors only
- MBA- All Indian universities MBA are assessed as Masters
- M.A/M.SC/M.Com – Evaluated as Masters
- M.Tech/MCA/M.E/M.Ed- Evaluated as Masters
- BDS/MDS- Evaluated as a professional degree
- B.Pharm/M.Pharm – Evaluated as Bachelors and PGD/Bachelors respectively
Benefits
- Recognize many universities
- Lenient Education evaluation
- High Chances of getting Master’s equivalent
Drawbacks
- Longer processing time
- The transcript can be sent only by university
- Pay fee for each credential
Comparative Education Service (CES)
Here is the general information about CES:
- Name: Comparative Education Service
- Website: http://www.learn.utoronto.ca/ces
- Processing time: 90 days from the day all the documents are received
- Application process: Transcript can be posted by the applicants
- CES Fees: 210 CAD for each credential + Courier charges/ Order for softcopy or free of cost for pickup at university of Toronto office option
Minimum Required documents:
- Passport(Scanned)
- Final award
- Official academic records(Marksheet/Transcript)
- Request form
Note that document requirements vary from country to country. Check the details on their website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/comparative-education-service/apply-now/new-applicants/country-document-requirements#academic-document-tool
Possible ECA outcomes
- Bachelors – Usually evaluated as Bachelors only
- MBA- All Indian universities MBA are assessed as Masters
- M.A/M.SC/M.Com – Evaluated as Masters
- M.Tech/MCA/M.E/M.Ed- Evaluated as either a postgraduate diploma or Bachelors
- BDS/MDS- Evaluated as a professional degree
- B.Pharm/M.Pharm – Evaluated as Bachelors and PGD/Bachelors respectively
Benefits
- Accept many universities
- Lenient Education evaluation
- Transcript can be posted by the applicants
Drawbacks
- M.Tech/MCA/M.E/M.Ed- Evaluated as either post graduate diploma or Bachelors
- Pay fee for each credential
Best ECA for Canada Immigration
Well, if you’re applying for skilled immigration, more specifically for express entry you are allocated points for your education. The points you get are going to be based on your ECA report.
Higher your ECA = More points you get
Check how much points you can get with for your education here
Based on the application process
Before 2020, all of these organizations were following the same process.
A candidate was supposed to collect all the transcripts from their respective universities. Put all the transcripts collectively in an envelope. And sent to the respective ECA organization.
But now the process has changed specifically for WES.
According to WES, a candidate cannot send their own transcripts instead they will have to ask their universities. And the university will only send the transcript to the WES organization. The same goes for ICES.
WES and ICES will not accept your transcripts if you send them by yourself. This is the change in the process and this is only for WES.
For the IQAS or CES, the process to remain the same you can collect all your transcripts and send them to the organization.
If you know that your university is not really entertaining in sending these transcripts directly to WES or ICES then I think you should go ahead with the other organizations.
Based on the processing time
As stated earlier, WES has the shortest processing time, making it the fastest ECA organization. On the other hand, IQAS has the longest processing time.
But the processing time of any ECA organization is not fixed. There can be delays for various reasons.
- WES: 1-3 months
- ICES: 5-8 months
- IQAS: 5-10 months
- CES: 3-5 months
Based on processing Fee
The processing fee won’t affect your decision if you only have one degree for evaluation. But the case will be different with two or more degrees.
For example
- With WES and IQAS, you have to pay a one-time fee for any number of credentials.
- But with ICES and CES, you need to pay separately for each credential.
Based on your degree or university
The fourth important point is how will you know that if your university is recognized by this particular organization.
None of these organizations have mentioned a list of universities that they recognize when they do your credential assessment. If you ask them they will not give you a direct answer.
As per my knowledge, WES is quite strict in giving credentials to your degrees.
- WES recognizes typically only elite universities when they have to recognize masters.
- On the other hand, IQAS, ICES, and CES are quite generous. And they might recognize your university and might recognize your degree also. And accordingly, give you the assessment. It’s just that the processing time is a little longer.
- It is necessary to check the ECA organization to check the eligibility and requirements for your country, university, and degree.
- WES requirements: https://applications.wes.org/required-documents
- CES requirements: https://learn.utoronto.ca/comparative-education-service/apply-now/new-applicants/country-document-requirements#academic-document-tool
- ICES requirements: https://www.bcit.ca/ices/country-specific-information/
- ICAS requirements: https://www.icascanada.ca/new/main-application.aspx/documents.aspx
- IQAS: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/iqas/eca-required-documents.pdf
Which ECA organization you should choose?
As you know ECA plays an important role when you are applying for Canada. It is because the credentials will determine your points for PR. And if you get recognition as a master’s degree that is the more point you get.
Pro tip: get in touch with your alumni group. They will let you know what are the credentials for your university and your particular degree.
ECA for Bachelors degree
If you have only a bachelor’s degree for credential assessment then go ahead with the WES organization. It is because WES recognize all bachelor’s degree. And you will get the credentials accordingly. The processing time is also less.
ECA for the MBA
- It is a well-known fact the WES, recognizes only high ranking universities around the world. If you have done MBA from a less ranking university, WES will evaluate you as a Post Graduate Diploma of one year.
- In most cases, IQAS, CES, and ICES will recognize MBA and evaluate it as a Master’s degree.
ECA for M.Tech/MCA/M.E/M.ED
- M.Tech/MCA/M.E/M.ED will be evaluated as a Master’s degree by WES, ICES, and IQAS.
- Here is the exception, CES will evaluate M.Tech/MCA/M.E/M.Ed as either a postgraduate diploma or Bachelors
ECA for M.SC/M.Com/M.A
- WES will recognize M.SC/M.Com/M.A as either a postgraduate diploma or bachelor’s degree.
- On the other IQAS, ICES and CES will recognize M.SC/M.Com/M.A as a Master’s degree.
ECA for the Master's degree (3 years or more)
- If you have done your masters which is more than three years. It is a good thing. Canada considers a master’s degree which is more than three years of education.
- If you have done a master’s which is more than three years then WES will surely recognize your university. And give you credentials for that.
Conslusion
Most of the people who are about to start their immigration journey to Canada ask this question
Which is the best ECA organization for Canada immigration?
There is no straight answer for this because each of the organizations has got its own specifications like their fees, their time, and their procedure.
And the answer also depends on your educational qualification. You can go through every detail and compare WES vs IQAS vs ICES vs CES. With that, you will be able to decide the best ECA organization for your immigration.
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Very nicely summarized, Only one point more to be added – For any number of credentials: Candidate should do bachelor and master credentials to be on safe side. As WES mandates it for india but is optional with IQAS if you are confident about your masters.
What about CES and ICES? Do they do ECA only for master degree without seeing bachelor degree as they take payment for each credentials?
I have done dual degree btech-mtech of 5 years which organization should i choose?
WES is generally the fastest and most commonly used but it is widely known for its strict evaluation. If you have done a dual degree from a reputed university then go for WES. You can create an account in WES and fill in the details. You can check your university name while filling the form for degree evaluation. If it shows your university/college name, then it considers your transcripts, otherwise do not send your transcript to WES.
I have done Msc Chemisty which CEs is good for transfer for masters
I have done two years masters of arts from India from which eca body I can gets my masters approved either through ices or wes
Thank you for your comment. It depends on your university. Of course, WES is on top of the list but beware of its strict evaluation. If you have done a master’s from a reputed university then go for WES. Suggested action: Create an account on WES and fill in the details. Check your university name while filling the form for degree evaluation. If it shows your university/college name, then it considers your transcripts, otherwise do not send your transcript to WES.
I have done GNM nurshing diploma 3 years course ..i sent it to wes but unfortunately its rejected … Can you please provide second agency which i can apply for assessment nd give a possible result.
Hi . i am also gnm student and wanna evaluation . Could you please help me how u got your evaluation
WES is best because it is giving importance to the quality of education and the institutions…There are so many universities giving.masters education.which are not worthy to say
Hi, I have done my 3 year Bachelor degree transcripts from WES and it was evaluated as Bachelor degree for canada pr, but now I have also completed my MBA in HRM which is of two years from GITAM University, should i do my ECA from WES or IQAS please advise,
Hi Denzil,
Any update after this?
Which is the best ECA body to do the assessment for Para medical diploma like diploma in laboratory technology?
I have done an integrated M.Sc. (5yr course), will CES recognize it as masters? which verification should I take?
Hi, I’m planning to get my ECA done. I have an MBA degree(distance) from Bharatiyar university.so which body I need to choose to get my equivalency as masters. Plz help me out. Thanks
Sir, which should i with to get maximum points, i have done BE Mechanical (admission direct to 2nd year)
Because of 3 year polytechnic diploma done from state board of technical education haryana, so which one can give better points for the diploma
Thanks
I have done my Master ( correspondence or distance ) from Indira gandhi national open university from India.. So could you please explain me which Organization will accept my master as a equivalent of Master and lineant.
Please and Thanks in advance.
Very pathetic organization which has no idea on what the quality of education is in other countries.
Prospective students and immigrants from India who have done their MBA/PGDM from India, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT USE WES for Education Evaluation. For MBA the only people they would provide Masters for MBA is the below as per policy on Feb, 2022.
WES has updated its policy specific to master’s degrees in business administration and postgraduate diplomas awarded in India. WES recognizes business study in India as equivalent to a master’s degree in Canada a) when the student has completed a three (3) year MBA or b) when the credential is awarded by Indian Institutes of Technology or Indian Institutes of Management.
This will lead you to lose 7 critical points in IRCC just because WES has no idea of XLRI, SP Jain, NITIE, MDI etc and how difficult it is to get into those colleges.
Hi Sandy,
Had you got ECA from any alternate evaluation body?
Is there anyone who got masters equivalency for degrees BCA and MCA from PANJAB UNIVERSITY CHANDIGARH through CES ? Also how long this procedure takes through CES ? Please reply!
I have applied for ECA through WES and got masters equivalency for degree MCA (3 years) from Panjab University Chandigarh. On WES report my date of birth is wrong. I have contacted back to WES to upgrade my WES repot with correct date of birth but they are refusing to do.
Is there any solution here?
I have a 4 bachelor degree from an institution in Cyprus ( American College).
I applied for WES evaluation and got “Bachelor’s degree from a non-recognized institution”.
I used the same degree to apply for Msc in Canada couple of years back and got admission.
Please which other evaluation service do I use so I don’t waste money again like I did with WES.
which degree do you want to send for evaluation? Can you specify the degree and your institute
I want to evaluate the bachelor degree. It is a 4 year Bsc (computer science from America College, Nicosia, Cyprus. I sent to WES for evaluation already but got the “Bachelor’s degree from a non-recognized institution” . I want to try another evaluation service but not sure which would recognize my Bsc . I’m afraid to lose money like i did with WES. Please help.
Hello,
While applying for IQAS this message is popping up.
“Conditional Institution Status If you apply to IQAS with credentials from this institution, they may or may not be assessed. There are specific conditions regarding recognition of this institution and its programs, and there are validity and/or verification measures that will affect whether or not IQAS can issue an assessment.”
“One or more of your credentials are associated with an institution that may not be recognized or accepted by IQAS:
Bachelor of Commerce
MSc in Health Economics
View the credential record for more details.”
Should i still go ahead with IQAS for my credentials? I do not want to go ahead with WES boz it won’t give master’s equivalent.
I hold a Master Mariner (Foreign Going) Licence issued by Director General of Shipping under Ministry of Ports,Shipping & waterways.(This is basically a trade certificate in specialised field/merchant navy)
This Certificate Entitles me to serve as Captain on ships registered with foreign shipping companies.
Would anyone have any idea how to get this Licence certified by ECA.
I own MBA as highest awarded degree (18 Years education called in Pakistan), course length was 1.5 Years after Bachelors of 4 Years.
WES has evaluated my MBA as Bachelors 3 years and they’re not even paying attention to my queries afterwards. Should I move my new application to another ECA? Like CES or IQAS? What are the suggestions so I can get my evaluation correctly (or generously) to be a Masters.