As international education and immigration gain momentum, verifying your academic credentials through trusted agencies becomes more important than ever. One of the most widely accepted and recognized credential evaluation services in the world is World Education Services (WES). Whether you’re applying for permanent residency in Canada, admission to a U.S. university, or licensing with a professional board, a WES evaluation is often the first official step.
This guide provides a complete, step-by-step breakdown of how to register with WES, the types of evaluations available, which documents are required, and how to avoid common mistakes—ensuring your application gets processed smoothly and on time.
What Is WES?
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization that evaluates educational qualifications obtained outside the United States and Canada. A WES evaluation translates your academic achievements into U.S. or Canadian equivalents, helping universities, employers, licensing boards, and immigration authorities assess the validity and comparability of your education.
WES evaluations are widely accepted by:
-
Immigration authorities (e.g., IRCC for Canada Express Entry)
-
Universities and colleges in the U.S. and Canada
-
Regulatory licensing bodies
-
Employers for international job applications
-
Credential assessment services required for PR or work permits
Types of WES Evaluation Reports
Before starting the registration process, it’s crucial to understand the types of reports WES offers:
1. Document-by-Document Evaluation
-
Lists each credential and its U.S./Canadian equivalent
-
Includes name of institution, program, and dates
-
Ideal for job applications and immigration
-
Does not include GPA
2. Course-by-Course Evaluation
-
Lists all courses with grades, credit hours, and GPA equivalent
-
Required for higher education and licensing in certain professions
-
More detailed than the basic evaluation
For Canadian immigration purposes, most applicants require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Be sure to select this option if you’re applying through the Express Entry program.
Step-by-Step Guide to WES Registration
Let’s now walk through each step involved in registering for a WES credential evaluation:
Step 1: Create Your WES Account
-
Visit the WES official website.
-
Choose the country where you intend to use the report: United States or Canada.
-
Click on “Apply Now” or “Get Started” and register with a valid email address.
-
Enter your personal information, including full name, date of birth, and country of residence.
-
Set a strong password to complete account creation.
Once your account is created, you’ll be redirected to your WES dashboard.
Step 2: Select the Type of Evaluation
-
Choose the purpose of the evaluation:
-
Immigration
-
Education
-
Employment
-
Licensing or certification
-
-
For Canadian immigration, select “ECA Application for IRCC”.
-
For U.S. education or licensing, choose the Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course option as required.
Step 3: Add Your Academic Credentials
-
Add each academic credential individually:
-
Degree/Diploma title
-
Field of study
-
Name of university or board
-
Country of education
-
Start and end dates
-
-
Ensure that the information exactly matches your academic documents. Discrepancies may delay processing or lead to rejection.
After entering your credentials, WES will generate a unique WES reference number, which will be essential for all future communication and document submissions.
Step 4: Review Required Documents
Once credentials are entered, WES will show you a personalized document checklist based on your education system. Generally, for Indian applicants, WES requires:
-
Academic transcripts sent directly by the university (not by the applicant)
-
Degree certificate copies uploaded via the WES portal
-
ECA applicants must ensure documents are in sealed, signed, and stamped envelopes
You may also be required to upload a scanned copy of your passport’s bio-data page.
Step 5: Pay the Evaluation Fee
Before you can submit the application, you’ll need to pay the applicable WES fee. As of now, the approximate fees are:
-
ECA Report for Canada: CAD $240
-
Document-by-Document (U.S.): USD $107
-
Course-by-Course (U.S.): USD $160
Payment can be made through:
-
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
-
International debit cards
-
PayPal (in some regions)
You will also have the option to choose additional services like:
-
Courier delivery (for physical report copies)
-
Extra report copies for additional institutions
Step 6: Submit Your Documents
-
Transcripts from universities must be sent directly to WES in a sealed envelope with the university’s stamp and the WES reference number clearly written on the envelope.
-
If using a transcript facilitator, ensure they follow WES-compliant packaging.
-
Upload scanned documents (such as degree certificate) to your WES account.
-
Some institutions can now submit transcripts electronically through secure digital platforms recognized by WES.
Mailing address for WES Canada (example):
Mailing address for WES U.S.:
Make sure to check the correct address for your application region and type.
Step 7: Track Your Application Status
After submission:
-
Log in to your WES account regularly
-
Track updates like:
-
Documents received
-
Evaluation in progress
-
Report completed
-
Delivery dispatched
-
The entire process can take 7–35 business days, depending on how quickly your documents are received and verified.
Step 8: Receive Your Evaluation Report
Once completed:
-
WES will send your evaluation report via email in PDF format
-
If opted, hard copies will be delivered by courier or regular mail
-
You can also send your evaluation electronically to designated institutions or IRCC
ECA reports are valid for 5 years for Canadian immigration.
Tips for a Hassle-Free WES Application
-
Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport
-
Do not send original documents unless specifically asked
-
Write the WES reference number on every envelope sent
-
Avoid spelling errors in institution names or programs
-
Start early to meet university or visa application deadlines
-
Use a trusted transcript provider if you’re not able to visit the university in person
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Sending documents without writing the WES reference number on the envelope
-
Submitting photocopies instead of transcripts in sealed envelopes
-
Uploading scanned documents in low quality or unclear formats
-
Applying under the wrong category (e.g., choosing the U.S. when applying for Canada)
-
Entering incorrect academic details, leading to report delays or rejections
Final Thoughts
Registering for a WES evaluation may seem complex, but it becomes straightforward when approached step-by-step. From creating your account to submitting sealed transcripts and tracking your application, each stage is essential to ensure your education is recognized on a global scale.
Whether you’re moving for education, employment, or immigration, a WES evaluation opens the door to global opportunities by providing verified recognition of your academic credentials. With proper documentation, planning, and careful attention to detail, you can complete your WES registration smoothly and confidently.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
Trusted by leading global verification organizations, including WES, IQAS, PEBC, NDEB, NASBA, CAPR, NZQA, ICAS, NCESS, ICES, ECE, eduPASS, ACEI, GCEUS, Comparative Education Services, NNAS, NCA, SAQA, QMAS, FORAC, Australian Pharmacy Council, and more.
FACTS Transcripts – The preferred choice for university document verification worldwide. We ensure a hassle-free process for obtaining your transcripts.
