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Part of IQAS for immigration

Assessment for immigration – How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for an IQAS assessment for immigration purposes.

Processing time

ECA assessments take about 25 business days

Employment and Education assessments take about 20 business days

All processing times start once an application is at the “In line for processing status” in the IQAS portal. Read more about processing time.

Assessment types and certificates

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) assessments do not list the language of instruction.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) certificate

The ECA certificate indicates:

  • the degree, diploma or certificate received
  • the name of the institution that issued your credential
  • the country of education
  • the year when the credential was awarded or conferred
  • the length of the program
  • a general statement about how your education compares to education in Canada

Download the sample ECA certificate

Requirements for certain professions

  • Physicians

    If you are applying to immigrate as a Physician or Specialist Physician and intend to get a licence to practice in Canada, your qualifications must be assessed by the Medical Council of Canada.

  • Pharmacists

    If you are applying to immigrate as a Pharmacist and intend to get a licence to practice in Canada, your qualifications must be assessed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada.

  • Architects

    If you are applying to immigrate as an Architect and intend to get a licence to practice in Canada, your qualifications must be assessed by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).

  • Regulated professions

    In Canada, some occupations are regulated and have legal requirements. To work in these occupations, you must register with the appropriate professional regulatory organization. A few examples of regulated occupations in Canada are Engineering, Accounting, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Law, Dentistry, Midwifery and Nursing.

    An ECA issued by IQAS is for Canadian immigration purposes. To work in a regulated occupation, you need to apply to and be assessed by the appropriate professional regulatory organization in the province or territory that you will settle in.

How to apply

Step 1. Decide which credentials you want assessed

Credentials IQAS can assess

IQAS assesses completed or awarded formal academic and technical educational credentials from recognized institutions.

  • An ECA will not be issued if your credentials cannot be authenticated or are from an educational institution or program that is not recognized. IQAS will let you know that your application has been cancelled.
  • An ECA may not result in an outcome you want for an Express Entry application. Your credentials are compared to Canadian education standards, which can be different from those in the country where you were educated.

Find out about how IQAS completes assessments.

Credentials you need assessed

For an ECA, only your highest completed or awarded educational credential needs to be assessed. To understand how points are assigned for education and make an informed decision, visit the Government of Canada website. IQAS does not provide any advice on which credentials you should submit for an assessment.

Step 2. Gather your documents

  • Applicants must follow the document process outlined below and ensure their application package is complete. An incomplete application package will impact processing time and can result in cancellation of the application.
  • The following documents must be uploaded in the IQAS application portal using a clear and legible scan or digital photo:
    • passport, identity pages or alternative government-issued identification (if passport is unavailable)
    • proof of name change (if applicable)
      • needed only if your current name is different than the name on the educational documents
      • can be a photocopy of a marriage certificate, record of landing, passport, etc.
      • does not need to be a certified or notarized copy
    • the awarded educational credential you want assessed (example: Bachelor’s degree)
  • When submitting your online application, upload all required documents in the ‘Document Checklist’ section. Name your uploads clearly and ensure you match the upload to the applicable document on the checklist. If you do not upload a required document, you will be contacted when the application is reviewed.
  • For Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, upload a clear scan or photo of the PhD degree and cover page of the thesis if applicable

  • Educational documents

    For information on providing specific educational documents, carefully review Country-Specific Document Requirements:

    • If your country is listed, provide the documents indicated based on the credentials you want assessed.
    • If your country is not listed, provide the documents as described in Step 3 below.

  • Translations

    Translations are required for all non-English educational documents.

    • Translations for uploaded documents must be also uploaded in the IQAS application portal.
    • Translations for transcripts/mark sheets directly from the institution must be included when the document package is sent.
    • Translations need to be completed by a qualified professional translator who does not need to be certified in Canada.
    • Translations do not need to be certified or notarized.
    • Translations must be a word-for-word translation of the original document

Step 3. Provide original or verifiable transcripts

Official transcripts or mark sheets must be provided for all credentials you are asking to be assessed. Follow instructions specific to your country provided in the Country-Specific Document Requirements because not all the methods below are available for all countries.

Transcripts can be provided using one of the following methods:

  • Electronic transcripts

    You can use this method if your responsible issuing authority:

    • issues electronic transcripts
    • makes transcripts available online and shareable through secure websites
    • offers access to direct electronic verification of your transcripts or studies

    Refer to detailed instructions in the Country-Specific Document Requirements.

  • Transcripts mailed by an Issuing Authority

    If your responsible issuing authority can mail or courier original transcripts, you and the issuing authority must use the Request of Academic Records Form to prepare and send your original transcripts directly to IQAS. Refer to detailed instructions in the Country-Specific Document Requirements.

    • Transcripts sent by mail or courier must be attested, dated and placed in a sealed envelope that is stamped with the institution’s official seal across the back flap.

  • Transcripts mailed by an Applicant

    If your issuing authority cannot mail or courier transcripts directly, you may mail or courier the sealed envelope with your official transcripts to IQAS. Refer to detailed instructions in the Country-Specific Document Requirements.

    • The transcripts must be attested, dated and placed in a sealed envelope that is stamped with the institution’s official seal across the back flap. You cannot open the envelope. You must ensure your file number is clearly marked/identified with your transcript or we may not be able to assess the application.

    Mailing address:

    International Qualifications Assessment Service
    C/O Service Alberta Mailroom – Commerce Place
    10155 102 Street
    Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    T5J 4G8

Step 4. Apply using the online application and pay fees

Application fees

  • $260

This application fee is for one credential. Each additional credential submitted with the application costs $100 per credential.

One credential is defined as one educational program (fully completed) leading to a certificate, diploma or degree and includes the submission of official degree, diploma or certificate and the corresponding academic transcript or marks sheet.

Courier fees

  • $25 for a Canadian address.
  • $90 for an international address.

Fees for more than one applicant

Each applicant must apply separately and pay separate application and courier fees, even if applicants reside at the same household.

Refunds

There are no refunds for application and courier fees. The application fee covers the cost of processing your application and is required whether an assessment certificate is issued or not.

Submit the application

  1. Complete and submit the online application using the IQAS application portal. IQAS offers different assessments. You must select ‘Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)’ on the ‘Confirm your reason for assessment’ page as assessments for employment, education or licensure cannot be used to apply for immigration to Canada. Be sure you request the correct assessment and submit the correct fees as all IQAS fees are non-refundable.
  2. Make sure your application is complete. Follow the instructions in Steps 2 and 3 above.
  3. While filling in the online form, you will be asked to pay the application fees.
    • Payment options include:
      • Visa, MasterCard
      • American Express
      • Debit
    • ECA application and courier fees are non-refundable.
  4. Do not use an international P.O. Box number as part of your mailing address, because couriers will not deliver to that type of address.
  5. After you submit your online application, you will receive an email from IQAS:
    • with your file number (you need this number for your Request of Academic Records form) and a final PDF version of your application
    • containing your payment receipt
  6. Print the payment receipt for your records.

You do not need to print, sign and send your paper application form to IQAS. Applicants sign their form electronically as part of submitting the application.

Start your online application

After you apply

Your ECA is valid for Express Entry purposes for 5 years from the date it was issued.

  • Delivery address

    If your mailing address is in Canada, IQAS will mail your documents to a Canada Post Office near you. You will receive a Delivery Notice Card from Canada Post letting you know that your package is available for pick up. Canada Post keeps packages for 15 business days. You will need to collect your package on time and show proper identification. If you do not pick up your package, IQAS will not resend it. You will need to apply for a duplicate copy of the certificate.

    If your mailing address is outside of Canada, your package will be delivered directly to your address.

  • Change address or cancel your application

    If your address changes before an assessment is completed, you must update your profile information in the IQAS application portal:

    To update your mailing address

    • After you log in to the IQAS application portal, click on ‘Update mailing address’ on the portal main page.
    • The contact information that IQAS currently has for you is provided. To update your address and phone number, replace the existing information with your new information. Do not delete any information that is still correct.
    • Click on ‘Update’ button.

    Changes to your contact information will be reflected in your profile in the IQAS application portal.

    Cancelling your application

    You may also submit a request to cancel your application in the IQAS application portal. Once you have submitted a request to cancel your application, it cannot be reactivated. Application and courier fees are non-refundable.

    Applications that are at the following statuses in the IQAS application portal cannot be cancelled:

    • Assessing
    • On-Hold
    • Final Review
    • Mailed

    To cancel your application:

    1. After you log into the IQAS application portal, click on ‘Request to Cancel Application’ on the portal main page.
    2. Fill in the required fields and provide the reason for cancelation.
    3. Click on ‘Submit’ button.

  • Request a name change

    If you need to update your name on the assessment certificate, you must submit a request in the IQAS application portal.

    To request a name change:

    • Log in to the IQAS application portal and click on ‘Request Name Change’ on the portal main page.
    • Enter your new legal name in the fields provided. You must provide official proof of your new name by uploading the supporting document and selecting the type of supporting document from the drop-down menu.
    • Click on ‘Submit’ button.

    IQAS will review your request for a name change and notify you by email after the review is completed. You can track the status of your request by clicking ‘Check Status or View Application’ on the portal main page and clicking ‘Request History’ tab.

  • If IQAS needs more information

    If IQAS needs any additional documents or information, you will be contacted by email, phone or mail. Emails from IQAS will always come from a @gov.ab.ca account.

    IQAS reserves the right to require original documents to verify your identity or education at any time after applying, and those documents will be returned to you after the assessment is completed.

  • If IQAS cannot complete your assessment

    Your application will be cancelled if IQAS cannot complete an assessment. IQAS will let you know if your application has been cancelled.

  • View certificate

    If IQAS has reviewed your credentials and issued an assessment, you may also view, download and print the scanned copy of your certificate in the IQAS application portal. This feature is only accessible once an application is at 'Mailed' status.

    To view your certificate:

    1. Log in to the IQAS application portal.
    2. Click on 'Check Status or View Application' button on the portal main page.
    3. On the 'Application History' tab, click on 'View Certificate' button which is under the blue 'Actions' dropdown.
      • You can also click on 'View Status Details' button under the 'Actions' drop down and download your certificate from 'View Status Details' section.

    Make sure your browser’s pop-up function is turned off and settings allow for pop ups.

  • Request a duplicate certificate

    Duplicate certificates are only issued for a previously completed assessment. Each copy costs $30, plus a $5 courier fee per mailing address. For information on ordering a duplicate certificate, refer to: IQAS – Order duplicate certificates.

    To request an additional copy of your IQAS certificate, log in to the IQAS application portal:

Reassessment process

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your assessment, you may submit a request for reassessment. All requests for reassessment cost $200.

For more information, see IQAS reassessment process.

Processing time

What affects processing time

  • Processing time starts when all required documents are provided to IQAS and your application is at the 'In line for processing' status in the IQAS application portal.
  • If your application is at the ‘Pending’ status for additional documents in the IQAS application portal, IQAS will hold the application for 6 months after which it will be reviewed for cancellation.
  • On average, an assessment takes about 25 business days to process once an application is at the ‘In line for processing status’ in the IQAS application portal. Note, processing times are estimates and not guaranteed. They may change based on the number of applications received. IQAS receives a high volume of applications.
  • Assessment of applications that require extensive research take longer than the average processing time.
  • IQAS does not expedite ECA applications. Applications are processed in the order they are received once all required documents are provided to IQAS.
  • Courier or mail delivery time is not included in the processing time.

Status updates on your application

You can track delivery of your mail to IQAS through your courier. Allow time after your courier delivery for IQAS to update your file status in the IQAS application portal.

Monitor the status of your application in the IQAS application portal:

You will see the following statuses in the portal:

StatusWhat it means
DraftFill out and submit application
Payment pendingYour online payment was not successful, or you did not make a payment
SubmittedYou completed an online application and made online payment
PendingIQAS is waiting for transcripts/other documents, or delivered transcripts/documents were not processed yet
In line for processingAll documents needed to start your assessment have been received
AssessingYour credentials are being assessed
On-HoldYour assessment cannot be completed until IQAS receives and logs additional documents, confirmation from educational institution etc.
Final ReviewYour credential(s) have been assessed and assessment is undergoing final quality review
MailedYour assessment was mailed to you and an electronic copy is available in the IQAS application portal
Cancellation pendingYou requested a cancellation and it is waiting to be processed
CancelledYour application was cancelled following your request or because an assessment could not be completed

Contact

Connect with the International Qualifications Assessment Service:

Go to the Contact IQAS page

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