If you’ve previously obtained a credential evaluation from ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service), you may now be wondering whether that evaluation can be updated to meet Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) requirements. This situation is common among individuals who initially pursued an evaluation for employment, education, or professional licensing, and later decide to apply for immigration to countries like Canada where an ECA is specifically required by immigration authorities.
The good news is that in many cases, it is possible to upgrade a general ICES report to an ECA. However, the process involves several important considerations and steps, and it’s essential to understand how ECA reports differ from general credential evaluations. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how you can transition your previous ICES evaluation to an ECA, what documentation is required, and what benefits this upgrade provides.
Understanding the Difference Between a General Evaluation and an ECA
An ICES report typically falls into one of two categories:
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General Credential Evaluation: Used for academic admission, employment, or licensing purposes within Canada or other countries. It outlines how your international education compares to Canadian standards but may not meet the specific requirements of immigration authorities.
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Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Designed specifically for immigration purposes. This report confirms that your foreign education is comparable to a completed credential in Canada. It includes additional verifications and is tailored to the documentation requirements of immigration programs.
While both types of assessments involve the evaluation of foreign academic records, the format, depth of verification, and intended use of an ECA make it a separate and more specialized report.
Why an ECA Is Necessary for Immigration
Immigration programs, particularly points-based systems like Canada’s Express Entry, require an official ECA from an approved evaluation authority. The ECA is used to:
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Determine eligibility for immigration streams
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Allocate education-related points toward your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
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Confirm your educational level according to Canadian standards
A general credential report, even if issued by the same authority, does not automatically meet these requirements. Therefore, it must be converted or re-issued specifically as an ECA.
Can a Previous ICES Report Be Upgraded to an ECA?
Yes, if you previously obtained a general evaluation from ICES, you may not need to start from scratch. ICES offers a process through which you can request an upgrade to an ECA, provided your prior evaluation was completed within a certain time frame (usually within the last five years) and all necessary documentation remains valid and accessible.
However, it’s important to note:
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Your original file must be complete and meet ECA documentation standards.
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ICES must still be approved by the immigration authority for ECA issuance at the time of your request.
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Additional fees may apply for reissuing or upgrading the report.
Steps to Upgrade Your ICES Evaluation to an ECA
If you’re considering upgrading your existing ICES evaluation, here’s a step-by-step outline of how to go about it:
1. Check the Validity of Your Previous Report
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Determine when your initial evaluation was completed.
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Most ECA reports are valid for five years. If your original evaluation is older than that, you may be required to submit a new application instead of an upgrade.
2. Ensure You Submitted the Correct Documents Initially
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ECA applications require official transcripts and degree certificates to be sent directly from the issuing institution in sealed envelopes.
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If your previous evaluation was based on photocopies or personal submissions, you may need to resubmit documents according to ECA standards.
3. Contact ICES or Access Their Online System
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Use their official platform to submit a request to convert your previous evaluation into an ECA.
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If your file is still active, the process may be relatively simple. If your file is archived, you may need to initiate a file reactivation or new application.
4. Pay the Required Fees
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Upgrading to an ECA involves additional processing. Be prepared to pay a fee for the new report or for any document updates needed.
5. Receive Your ECA Report
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Once processed, you will receive an official ECA report designed specifically for immigration purposes.
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You can then submit this report along with your immigration application to verify your educational qualifications.
Advantages of Upgrading Instead of Reapplying
There are several advantages to upgrading your previous ICES evaluation to an ECA rather than starting over:
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Faster Processing Time: Since ICES already has your file, the process may take less time than a brand-new application.
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Cost Efficiency: In many cases, upgrading your report costs less than submitting a completely new application.
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Avoiding Duplication: You don’t need to gather and send all documents again if they were already submitted according to ECA requirements.
However, if your previous file does not meet ECA criteria (e.g., missing direct institutional submissions), starting over might be required.
Important Considerations
Before beginning the upgrade process, keep these points in mind:
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ECA Purpose Must Be Specified: When requesting an upgrade, clearly indicate that you need the ECA for immigration purposes so that the correct format is applied.
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Only Certain Credential Types May Be Assessed: Not all types of education (e.g., short courses, professional training) may be eligible for an ECA.
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ECA Format and Number: Your final ECA report will include a unique number that must be submitted in your immigration application.
Final Thoughts: Leverage What You Already Have
If you’ve already gone through the effort of obtaining a general credential evaluation through ICES, you’re not starting from zero. By upgrading your existing report to an ECA, you can maximize the value of your previous application and expedite your immigration or international career plans.
Upgrading your evaluation is a smart and strategic move—one that saves time, reduces administrative burdens, and leverages documentation that has already been reviewed. Take action today by checking the eligibility of your past ICES report and initiating the upgrade process to ensure your credentials continue to work for you across borders and opportunities.
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