Has Anyone Done Canada PR ECA Themselves?

Yes, it is possible to do an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for a Canada Permanent Resident (PR) visa by yourself, but it requires careful attention to detail and following the correct process. Many people do their own ECA, although some choose to hire professionals or use immigration consultants to help guide them through the process. Here's how you can handle it on your own:

Steps to Do Your Own ECA for Canada PR:

1. Choose an Approved ECA Organization:

o Canada requires you to get your educational credentials assessed by one of the designated organizations approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These include:

 World Education Services (WES)

 International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)

 Comparative Education Service (CES)

 IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)

 PEBC (Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada) (for pharmacy qualifications)

2. Check Your Eligibility:

o Before starting, ensure that your educational credentials are eligible for assessment. This typically includes degrees, diplomas, and certificates obtained from recognized institutions.

o Make sure the documents you submit are in the format requested by the assessing body (e.g., transcripts, degree certificates, translations, etc.).

3. Prepare and Submit Your Documents:

o You’ll need to provide clear and complete copies of your educational documents, such as:

 Degree certificates or diplomas

 Transcripts (officially sealed and signed, if required)

 Translations (if the documents are not in English or French)

o Some organizations may also require additional documents, such as proof of name changes (if applicable).

4. Request Your ECA:

o Create an account with the chosen ECA provider and follow their specific instructions to request an evaluation. You’ll typically need to fill out an online application form and pay a fee.

o The fee can vary depending on the organization you choose. It usually ranges from CAD 200 to CAD 300.

5. Wait for Your Assessment:

o After you submit your documents and payment, the ECA provider will evaluate your credentials.

o The process may take several weeks (typically 4-8 weeks, depending on the provider and your country of education). You can track the progress on the provider’s website if they offer an online tracking system.

6. Receive Your ECA Report:

o Once the assessment is complete, you will receive your ECA report. This report will indicate how your educational credentials compare to Canadian standards (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, etc.).

o The report is necessary when you apply for a Canada PR visa under the Express Entry system, as it contributes to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

7. Use the ECA for Express Entry Application:

o After receiving the ECA report, you can submit it as part of your Express Entry profile, which is the primary method for applying for Canadian permanent residency.

o Make sure to input the details correctly in your Express Entry profile and upload the report when requested.

Pros of Doing It Yourself:

• Cost-effective: You won’t need to pay extra fees for consultants or immigration lawyers.

• Full Control: You handle the process at your own pace, ensuring you’re fully informed of every step.

Challenges:

• Complexity: The process can be time-consuming and complex, especially if you’re unsure about the required documents or which organization to choose.

• Language Barriers: If your documents aren’t in English or French, you may need to get them officially translated, which adds to the time and cost.

Conclusion:

It is absolutely possible to complete your own ECA for a Canada PR application, and many people do so successfully. By following the guidelines provided by the ECA organization and IRCC, you can complete the process independently. However, if you're not sure about the documentation or encounter complications, you might consider seeking professional assistance to avoid delays or mistakes.