If you’re planning to use your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration, employment, education, or professional licensing, its validity is an important factor you cannot overlook. Like all official documents, ECAs come with an expiration date, typically five years from the date of issue. If your ECA has expired, you’re likely wondering: What now? Do you need to start over? Can you renew it? Will previous documentation still be valid?
The good news is that you have options. This comprehensive blog explores what to do if your ECA has expired, what your next steps should be, and how to make the most of the work you’ve already done.
What Is the Validity Period of an ECA?
An Educational Credential Assessment is an official evaluation of your international academic credentials in comparison to the educational standards of the country in which you’re applying. Most immigration programs, especially in countries like Canada, require this document as proof that your foreign education is equivalent to a local qualification.
An ECA is typically valid for five years from the date it was issued. After this period, immigration authorities will not accept it for new applications, and you will need to obtain an updated version if you want to continue using it for your goals.
Why Do ECAs Expire?
The five-year validity period is set to ensure that:
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The report reflects current education equivalencies and standards
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Documentation and institutional status remain up to date
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The issuing agency’s verification remains recent and relevant
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Fraud or outdated evaluations are minimized in critical processes such as immigration or licensing
Even though your educational background hasn’t changed, the system in which it’s being evaluated might have.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do If Your ECA Has Expired
If your ECA has expired, you typically don’t need to start the entire process from scratch. Most evaluating agencies allow you to request a re-issue, renewal, or re-evaluation of your existing file, depending on their policies. Here’s how you can proceed:
1. Check the Original Issuing Agency’s Policies
Different evaluation authorities have different procedures when it comes to expired ECAs. Start by visiting their official website or contacting their support team. Some important questions to ask include:
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Is it possible to renew or re-issue my expired ECA?
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How long is my file kept on record?
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What documents will need to be resubmitted, if any?
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Are there reduced fees for renewal compared to a new application?
If your file was completed within the last few years, chances are high that you can reactivate it without submitting all documents again.
2. Request a Renewal or Re-Issue
Many credential evaluation services allow applicants to request a renewed ECA report using their previously submitted credentials. In most cases, this means:
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You will not need to resend your academic documents if they were sent directly from the institution and still meet documentation standards.
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The process may be faster than a new application.
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You will receive a new ECA report with an updated validity period (typically five years from the new issue date).
Note: Some agencies may use the term “duplicate report” or “re-issuance,” so clarify that you’re seeking an ECA valid for current immigration or professional use.
3. Prepare to Pay the Associated Fees
While reissuing an expired ECA is generally less expensive than applying anew, most agencies charge a fee for this service. The cost may vary based on:
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The number of credentials you evaluated
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The speed of processing
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Whether documents need to be revalidated
Always confirm the current pricing with the agency to avoid unexpected costs.
4. Submit Additional Documents If Required
If your previous application did not meet all the standards now required for ECAs (such as missing official transcripts directly sent from your institution), the agency may ask you to complete these gaps before issuing a new ECA. This might also be the case if:
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The institution that issued your credentials is no longer recognized
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Your documents were incomplete or in a non-accepted format at the time
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New regulations have been introduced since your last report
Having copies of your earlier communications and submission receipts can help expedite the verification process.
5. Receive and Use Your Updated ECA
Once your request is processed, the agency will issue a new Educational Credential Assessment report. This document can then be used for:
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Immigration programs (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, etc.)
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Job applications
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Licensing boards
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University admissions
The new report will typically state the same credential comparison as before (unless there has been a change in standards), but with a new issue date and validity window.
When You May Need to Reapply from Scratch
While many applicants can renew or reissue their ECA, in some circumstances, starting a new application is the only option:
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Your original report was issued over five years ago and your file has been archived or deleted.
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You’ve obtained additional qualifications since your original assessment and want them included.
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The agency’s policies or requirements have changed substantially since your initial evaluation.
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You submitted your original ECA under a different report type not valid for immigration (e.g., general or academic only).
If you fall into one of these categories, you’ll need to begin the ECA process from the start, including re-submitting all required documents.
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