This blog will discuss the process of Canadian immigration through an ECA. To begin with, most newcomers arriving in Canada will need to demonstrate proof of their educational level. This means that it is equivalent within the Canadian immigration system in order to show their eligibility. Therefore, an ECA acts as a medium to justify a candidate’s educational achievements. However, Educational Credential Assessments don’t merely exist to prove one’s immigration eligibility.
Understanding an ECA
An Educational Credential Assessment is a document that evaluates a new immigrant’s educational background. In short, an ECA examines carefully whether the educational credentials of a student are equivalent to Canadian standards. Newcomers can obtain their ECAs through IRCC-designated organizations that evaluate foreign educational credentials.
Multiple organizations offer numerous types of ECAs, including the following:
- For professional licensing and certificates;
- Employment;
- Education; and
- Immigration purposes
Therefore, opting for the right ECA becomes all the more vital.
Canadian immigration through an ECA – Understanding what the ECA includes in immigration
Although distinct service providers will have certain variations, an ECA will typically involve information related to Canadian immigration:
- Your educational background verification.
- The credentials must hold equivalence to the Canadian standards of education.
- The assessed credentials must have the identification and descriptions.
- Your credential’s name and year.
- The entry and program length requirements.
- An institution’s status and name of issuance.
- A credential’s specialization.
The influence of an ECA on a candidate’s probability of immigration
Other than demonstrating an immigration program or pathway’s eligibility, an ECA is an impactful method to enhance your chances of immigration. Furthermore, education falls under the category of the Canadian immigration system, and ECAs are the primary tool through which IRCC examines education.
For instance, while analyzing the CRS scoring grid, it is evident that the higher a candidate’s educational background, the higher his score under the Canadian immigration system.
Hence, the credential assessment might enhance your immigration possibility of obtaining an ITA under the Express Entry system. This will happen by strengthening the overall score.
Evaluation of multiple credentials
Several immigration programs only ask the candidates to evaluate their highest educational credentials to determine their program’s eligibility. However, the Comprehensive Ranking System might offer rewards for additional education if it can be evaluated. For instance, the scoring grid indicates that possessing two or more certificates, degrees, and diplomas will help them earn at least 128 points. This applies to single applicants with one program of a minimum length of three years. This indicates an extra 8 points within the Comprehensive Ranking System compared to those with a bachelor’s degree or over three years. This can reflect the distinction between acquiring an invitation to apply and not getting an invitation in an Express Entry draw.
Obtaining the various types of ECAs
Depending on their circumstances, seeking different types of ECAs might benefit a candidate.
For instance, a candidate might demand an ECA to prove that they qualify for a program and also obtain one for a technical degree or professional certification for a job. Both might get evaluated and could even help them with immigration. Furthermore, as an example, someone with a one-year college degree and a professional certification in a skilled trade might decide to evaluate both using distinct ECAs. Even though their professional certification might not provide additional points, having an ECA could boost their probability of finding work in Canada.
Being in a bridging program implies aiming to obtain a Canadian credential in a regulated job. You can fast-track this process using your previous education and professional credentials. This not only boosts your chances of acquiring a job in the country but also helps you get expedited certification in a licensed profession. Overall, it opens avenues for you to apply under different streams of the Provincial Nominee Program based on your circumstances. PNPs are a way for provincial or territorial governments to nominate new immigrants to move to their jurisdictions. Nominations often depend upon candidates’ educational, professional, or human capital attributes.
Conclusion
Educational Credential Assessment provides a comparative analysis of academic qualifications; ECAs help immigrants understand how their education translates in the Canadian job market and educational system. This process aids in determining eligibility for immigration programs, professional certification, and employment opportunities. A thorough ECA can empower immigrants with the necessary documentation to navigate Canada’s diverse pathways to success.
If you wish to know more about ECA and Canadian immigration, connect with our immigration experts at MakeHomeCanada. Our considerable experience in the immigration field can help you. You may write to us [email protected]
