What is the difference between ECA and WES?
What is the difference between ECA and WES?- Whenever we talk about going to Canada, we often encounter two terms – one is ECA, and the other is WES. Now, many people get confused about what these terms are. Are they the same? Are they different? How do they work? And what role do these terms play in the Canadian immigration process?
In today’s post, we’ll find answers to all these questions, unraveling the mysteries behind ECA and WES, and ensuring all your queries get resolved.
Let’s get started then!
What is ECA (Educational Credential Evaluation)?
Educational Credentials Evaluation (ECA) is a crucial step in the immigration process to Canada as per IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) law. It involves having your degrees, diplomas, and certificates reviewed by an independent organization. The purpose is to ensure that your qualifications meet the standards set by the Canadian education system.
The reason for this evaluation is to prevent any issues that may arise if a course that qualifies you for a job in your country is not recognized or accepted according to Canadian standards. (What is the difference between ECA and WES?)
What is WES (World Education Services)?
WES, or World Education Services, is an organization that provides ECA (Educational Credential Evaluation) services. Their main purpose is to evaluate and verify academic credentials obtained outside the United States and Canada.
When individuals with foreign educational qualifications apply for jobs, education, or immigration in the United States or Canada, they need to demonstrate the equivalence of their degrees and diplomas to the local educational standards. WES helps in this process by assessing and comparing international credentials to the educational systems in the U.S. and Canada.
WES evaluates academic documents, such as transcripts and diplomas, and provides a report that indicates the equivalent education level in the U.S. or Canada.
Users of the Report
This report is commonly used by employers, educational institutions, and immigration authorities to make informed decisions regarding the applicant’s qualifications. (What is the difference between ECA and WES?)
Why Do You Need a Credential Evaluation?
In our world, there are about 200 countries, each with its own rules for applying to and completing a course of study. Within these countries, there are many schools, colleges, and universities, and each place may have its own entry requirements, courses, credits, and grading systems, among other things.
When you finish a course in one country, it might not be considered the same educational level in another country. The credential evaluation process helps make sense of this by ‘standardizing’ your past studies. It gives a certification that shows how your studies from your home country compare to the standards in the new country.
How many days does WES take for ECA?
The processing time for obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES can vary. Typically, it takes around 45 to 60 days.
However, this timeframe may change based on factors such as the volume of applications, document verification complexities, and any additional services requested. (What is the difference between ECA and WES?) (How many days does WES take for ECA?)
How much is WES fees?
WES charges $248 for ECA which includes the following:
- ECA report provided to you online (PDF)
- ECA report accessible by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Official paper report (additional shipping and handling fees apply)
- Electronic storage of your report and verified transcripts for future use
Note: The charges are subject to change depending on various factors. Hence, it is advised to check the official website for updated fees.
Apart from WES, are there other organizations that offer ECA Services?
Yes, apart from WES, there are other bodies also who do this process:
| ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service of Canada) |
| ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service) |
| IQAS (International Qualification Assessment Service) |
| PEBC (Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada) |
| MCC (Medical Council of Canada) |
| BC (Bar Council) |
Choosing the Right Organization for the ECA Process is Crucial
Here, we’ve seen several organizations besides WES that process the ECA. Here, choosing the right organization for your ECA process is crucial because each organization has its limitations and functions.
It’s not like any organization will evaluate any degree. For instance, if we talk about medical professionals, only the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) evaluates medical degrees. Sending those degrees to any other organization may not yield valid results.
Similarly, for law degrees, it’s the Bar Council that evaluates them. If you send these degrees to another place, they might not be recognized, and you might face negative consequences.
That’s why it’s essential to select the right organization for evaluating your degree because if your degree is not evaluated properly, it could have adverse effects. (What is the difference between ECA and WES?)
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Negative Consequences of a Devalued Degree
- Limited Job Opportunities
Getting job opportunities can be tough because your degree has been devalued. This simply means that what you’re qualified for doesn’t match Canada’s standards.
- Job Mismatch
You might not get a job according to your qualifications; you might end up with a less valuable job. For example, if you’re a double graduate or you have a master’s degree and your degree is devalued, you might not get a job matching your master’s level; you might end up with a job that matches a postgraduate diploma.
- Compromised Earnings
Your pay scale might also decrease because if the job is at a lower level the pay scale will be less.
Your CRS score (Comprehensive Ranking System) will go down as well because your degree plays a significant role in it. The bigger the degree, the higher the CRS score. If your degree is devalued, your CRS score decreases, and your chances of becoming a Canadian immigrant also decrease. (What is the difference between ECA and WES?)
FAQs
Can the WES fee be refunded?
Once paid, WES does not refund the charges.
What are the fields that WES does not Evaluate?
WES does not evaluate studies in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha indigenous medical systems.
How long is ECA valid?
This report is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
Please share your feedback for the current post, and don’t forget to explore our other articles for additional information. Your insights are highly valued! (What is the difference between ECA and WES?)
Prepare Well!!
All the Best!!
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