When applying for immigration to Canada, individuals who claim points for education obtained outside of Canada are required to provide an Education Credential Assessment (ECA). This assessment is vital, as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that only an ECA will be accepted as proof of a foreign diploma’s equivalence to Canadian standards3.
Approved Agencies for ECA
There are several agencies in Canada that have been approved by IRCC to issue ECAs. Once an individual registers with one of these agencies, they will directly contact the respective school(s) to obtain the applicant’s transcripts and then compare the syllabus to courses offered by Canadian universities to make a determination. The certificate issued by the ECA agency represents the final assessment of the individual’s education as per Canadian standards3.
Evaluation of Technical and Trades Programs
While ECA agencies claim to evaluate education in technical and trades programs, it has been observed that individuals with qualifications such as TAFE programs in Australia or NVQs from the UK may receive credit only for high school graduation. In cases where trades or vocational training constitutes the highest level of education, the assessment may not equate to a post-secondary qualification3.
Variance in ECA Requirements
It is important to note that while IRCC mandates the necessity of an ECA, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) differs in its requirements. Unlike IRCC, BCPNP accepts a copy of a university diploma or trades certificate without an ECA, offering a cost-saving opportunity of $200 to $300 for applicants3.
Strategic Use of ECA in Immigration Programs
An interesting tactic for applicants is demonstrated in the case of combining the Express Entry (EE) with a BCPNP nomination. While EE may not require education points with a PNP nomination, applicants can claim no points for education in Express Entry without the need for an ECA, yet still receive points for education in the BCPNP by submitting a copy of their diploma. This strategic approach allows individuals to maximize their points effectively in both programs3.
Understanding the nuances of the ECA process and its implications in various immigration programs is crucial for individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada. By leveraging the appropriate assessment strategies, applicants can optimize their immigration prospects while minimizing unnecessary costs and efforts.