Choose an ECA by its immigration purpose and the applicable designated provider instructions. An assessment ordered for university admission should not automatically be treated as the report required for an immigration profile.
Define the immigration program before ordering
IRCC describes an ECA as an assessment of a foreign educational credential's validity and Canadian equivalency. For Express Entry it specifies an immigration-purpose assessment from a designated organisation or professional body. The page also explains that an ECA does not guarantee a job or professional licence. Read IRCC: Educational credential assessment.
Your working sheet
The following is an editorial organisation tool, not an official application checklist. Copy the rows that help and fill them with your own verified records.
| Check | What to record |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Write the Canadian route and the report type requested |
| Provider | Check IRCC's current designated body guidance including any profession-specific instructions |
| Delivery | Record who must send transcripts and how the final report and reference number are supplied |
A practical example
For example, a graduate already has an academic assessment used for admission. Their next task is to ask the designated provider whether it is the correct immigration-purpose report or can be re-issued appropriately. They should not enter an unrelated report number simply because it contains a Canadian equivalency.
Before the next step
Read the provider's document instructions before asking the institution to send records. Keep the assessment connected to the original award and the intended application. Research licensing separately if the planned occupation is regulated.
Continue with the guide library or save the next task in the moving planner. Official requirements can change; the source above was checked on 17 October 2026.