Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Express Entry — what IRCC publish

What the ECA does

The report verifies your foreign degree, diploma or certificate is authentic and determines what it is equal to in Canada (for example, a Canadian Bachelor's degree or Master's degree).

What the ECA does not guarantee

An ECA does not guarantee you will get a job in your field, at a certain level, or that you will receive a licence to practise in a regulated profession. If you plan to work in a regulated occupation (such as engineering, nursing or teaching), you must obtain your licence separately from the provincial or territorial regulatory body.

Principal applicant

You must have an ECA to be eligible for Express Entry if your highest credential was obtained outside Canada.

Spouse or common-law partner

You can earn additional CRS points for your spouse or common-law partner's education if they are accompanying you to Canada and their education was completed outside Canada.

Canadian credentials

You do not need an ECA for a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate.

Before you receive an ITA

Make sure your ECA will remain valid for the time you expect to be in the Express Entry pool. If your assessment will expire before you can apply, contact the organisation that issued it. They may be able to re-issue it, depending on the type of ECA and the organisation.

After you receive an ITA

Make sure your ECA will still be valid when you plan to submit your application. You typically have 60 days from the ITA date to submit your application.

Two or more credentials

To get points for having two or more credentials, you need an assessment for each one. To receive full points for more than one credential, at least one of the credentials must be for three or more years of study. The order that you complete your credentials does not affect points.

Secondary education

If your post-secondary credential is not equal to a Canadian credential, you could get your secondary credential (high school) assessed. This would earn you points for completing secondary school.

Common requirements

Most designated organisations require certified copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificates. Some organisations may request that documents be sent directly from your institution or verified through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Not an IRCC requirement

IRCC does not specify that South African credentials must be verified by SAQA. If an ECA organisation requests SAQA verification, that is the organisation's own requirement, not IRCC policy. Check the specific requirements of the designated organisation you choose before beginning your application.

Express Entry profile

Go to the Study and languages form in your profile. Fill in all the fields in the Education history section with your credential. Use the credential for your highest degree, diploma or certificate. Click Save and add.

Multiple credentials

If you have more than one credential, your first entry will appear in the Education history table below the Save and add button. Repeat the process for all your remaining educational credentials. You cannot submit more than one educational credential in the same field.

canada.ca — Express Entry documents

canada.ca — Designated organisations and professional bodies