An Educational credential assessment (ECA) is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one. There are different types of ECAs. You need to get an ECA for immigration purposes.If you completed your education outside Canada, you need an assessment to:

  • be eligible as the principal applicant for Federal Skilled Workers Program (Express Entry), or
  • earn points for education you got outside Canada

You can also earn points for your spouse or common-law partner's education, if they are coming with you to Canada.

You don't need an assessment for a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate.

You must get your assessment from an organization or a professional body designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They will give you a report that tells you what your education is equal to in Canada.

Processing times and costs may vary by organization or professional body.

  • Medical Council of Canada: If your primary occupation is specialist physician (NOC 3111) or general practitioner/family physician (NOC 3112), the Medical Council of Canada must do an ECA for your primary medical diploma.
  • Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada:
    • Related NOC: Pharmacists (NOC 3131)
    • If you need a license to practice, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada must do your assessment.
    • For example, you would need a license if you were caring for patients in a:
      • community pharmacy
      • hospital pharmacy
      • long-term care facility
      • other practice settings
    • If you're in a position where you don't need a license, one of the other designated organizations can assess your credentials. For example, you may not need a license to work in the pharmaceutical industry or in a government job where you need a pharmacy degree for the job, but don't need a license to practice pharmacy.

How many points can be earned?

  • If you would like to check how many points you can earn as per your credential, you can use this table

Your report must:

  • be issued for immigration purposes by an organization or professional body designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  • be issued on or after the date IRCC designated the organization or professional body
  • not be more than 5 years old on the date you:
    • submit your Express Entry profile
    • apply for permanent residence