Applying for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is an important step for individuals who wish to immigrate, study, or work abroad. However, circumstances can change. You may decide to pursue a different immigration pathway, delay your plans, or apply through a different credential assessment organization. Whatever the reason, if you’ve already submitted your ECA application but are now considering cancellation, a common question arises: Will I get a refund?
The answer is not always straightforward. The possibility of receiving a refund depends on multiple factors, including the status of your application, the policies of the credential assessment body you applied through, and how far along your documents are in the processing pipeline. This comprehensive blog will walk you through everything you need to know about ECA cancellations and potential refunds.
Understanding the Nature of ECA Applications
An Educational Credential Assessment is a professional evaluation of your academic documents from outside the country where you intend to immigrate or work. This process involves:
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Receiving and verifying your original academic documents
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Comparing your foreign credentials to the local academic standard
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Issuing an official report used for immigration, employment, or licensing
Because the process involves expert review, document handling, institutional communication, and administrative work, some parts of the service may be non-refundable once initiated.
Common Reasons for Cancelling an ECA Application
People cancel their ECA applications for various reasons, including:
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A change in immigration or career plans
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Duplicate or multiple applications filed accidentally
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A decision to use a different evaluation service
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Delays in document submission or academic record issues
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Receiving an opportunity that makes the ECA unnecessary
Understanding your reason for cancellation helps determine how you should proceed and whether you’re eligible for a refund.
Will You Get a Refund? Key Factors That Influence the Outcome
1. Timing of Your Cancellation
Most credential evaluation services have tiered refund policies based on how far your application has progressed. You are more likely to receive a partial or full refund if:
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Your request for cancellation is made immediately after payment and before any review has started.
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The agency has not received your documents yet or your file has not been assigned to an evaluator.
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Your file has not entered the verification or assessment stage.
Once the review has begun, most services consider the core work as “in progress,” which reduces or eliminates refund eligibility.
2. Whether Documents Have Been Submitted or Processed
If your academic documents have been submitted and reviewed, most organizations will not issue a refund. This is because administrative and evaluation work has already commenced. Even if the report hasn’t been issued yet, partial processing may still be counted as work rendered.
In cases where documents are submitted but found to be non-compliant or unverifiable, some agencies may allow you to cancel the application but still retain a portion of the fee for services already performed.
3. The Evaluation Body’s Official Refund Policy
Each credential assessment authority has its own cancellation and refund rules. While some may issue partial refunds, others may consider all application fees non-refundable after payment is made. Review the terms and conditions you agreed to at the time of application to understand your rights and obligations.
Look specifically for clauses related to:
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Withdrawal before document submission
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Refund eligibility after processing begins
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Administrative fees that may be retained
Steps to Follow If You Want to Cancel Your ECA Application
If you’re sure that you want to cancel your ECA request, take the following steps:
1. Contact the Evaluation Agency Promptly
Send a formal cancellation request through the appropriate customer service channel (email, support form, or online account). Clearly mention:
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Your full name
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Application reference number
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Reason for cancellation
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Request for a refund, if applicable
The sooner you initiate the cancellation, the higher your chances of securing a refund—especially if no processing has started.
2. Check the Refund Policy in Detail
Visit the official website or check your application receipt for links to refund policies. These often outline:
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Timeframes for eligibility
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Conditions under which refunds are granted
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Amount that may be retained for administrative processing
3. Wait for Confirmation
Once your cancellation request is received, the agency will usually respond with:
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A confirmation of cancellation
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Notification of whether your documents will be returned
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Details about your refund amount (if any) and processing timeline
Keep all communications for your records, especially if you plan to pursue a refund or file a dispute later.
How Much Refund Can You Expect?
Here’s a general guide based on common industry practices. Keep in mind that this can vary between credential evaluation services:
| Stage of Application | Refund Possibility |
|---|---|
| Payment made, but no documents sent | Likely eligible for partial or full refund |
| Documents received, but no processing | Partial refund may be possible |
| Evaluation has started | Usually non-refundable |
| Evaluation completed | Refunds generally not issued |
| Administrative fees | Often non-refundable regardless of stage |
What Happens to Your Documents After Cancellation?
Depending on the policies of the credential assessment organization, your documents may be:
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Returned to you (if you provided originals)
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Retained in their archive (especially if received in sealed envelopes)
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Discarded securely (in accordance with privacy guidelines)
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