When preparing for an immigration journey or pursuing opportunities abroad, it’s common for both partners in a relationship—such as spouses or common-law partners—to require Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs). Whether you’re aiming to maximize your points for an immigration program, prove your qualifications for employment, or meet academic requirements, having both spouses evaluated can strengthen your overall application.
A question that frequently arises is: Can both of us apply for our ECAs together in a single application, or do we need to submit separate ones?
This blog will explore the process in detail, clarify whether joint ECA applications are possible, and provide essential guidance on how spouses should navigate their ECA submissions for the most efficient and strategic results.
Understanding the Purpose of an ECA
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an official evaluation of your academic qualifications obtained outside of the destination country. Its purpose is to determine the equivalency of your educational credentials in comparison to local standards. This assessment is critical for:
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Immigration points calculation
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Employment or professional licensing
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Academic admission for further studies
For immigration programs that use a points-based system, ECAs can be particularly valuable in maximizing points under the education category—not only for the principal applicant but also for their accompanying spouse or partner.
Can You Apply Together as a Couple for an ECA?
The short answer is no—each individual must apply for their own ECA separately. Educational Credential Assessments are individual reports that evaluate one person’s academic credentials. Even if you are applying for immigration or a job together, your academic histories are unique, and the documentation, verification, and evaluation process must be conducted on a per-person basis.
There is currently no consolidated “joint ECA application” where both spouses can be assessed under a single file. Each person needs to create their own profile or application with the credential evaluation agency and follow the respective submission procedures.
Why Separate Applications Are Required
There are several reasons why separate ECA applications are necessary:
1. Individual Credentials Are Assessed Independently
Each person’s education differs in terms of:
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Institutions attended
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Degrees earned
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Duration and structure of programs
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Academic transcripts and grading systems
Credential evaluators must assess these details independently to determine equivalency.
2. Official Reports Are Issued in the Applicant’s Name
Each ECA report is:
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Tied to a single person’s name
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Assigned a unique reference number
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Valid only for the documents submitted by that individual
You cannot use someone else’s ECA for immigration, employment, or licensing purposes—even if that person is your legal spouse.
3. Verification Is Conducted Institution by Institution
Documents must be sent from the issuing institutions directly to the credential evaluation agency. These are specific to each applicant, and combining multiple academic records under one application would cause confusion or errors in processing.
What You Can Do Together: Coordinated ECA Planning
Although you and your spouse must submit separate ECA applications, there are ways you can coordinate the process for convenience and efficiency:
1. Apply Around the Same Time
Starting both applications around the same time helps ensure that your reports are ready together. This can be useful when submitting your documents for immigration, as you’ll have everything organized within a similar timeline.
2. Send Documents Together (If Allowed)
Some credential agencies allow you to send documents from both spouses in a single courier package—provided each set is properly labeled and includes separate application reference numbers. Always check the specific policy of the agency you’re using.
3. Use a Shared Courier or Delivery Service
You can reduce costs and logistical issues by using the same courier service or postal tracking system, especially when sending academic records from your home country.
4. Use a Joint Email for Updates
If allowed by the credential evaluation agency, you may provide the same email address for updates, so both of you can stay informed on the progress of your respective applications.
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