If you’re aiming to study, work, or immigrate to Canada, understanding how your international academic credentials compare to Canadian standards is key. One trusted provider for this is ICAS, and FACTS Transcript ensures your ICAS process is streamlined and reliable.
What Is ICAS?
ICAS, short for the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada, is a credential evaluation service operated by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). It’s designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to issue Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports—official documents that verify how your foreign credentials align with Canadian educational levels.
ICAS produces assessment reports for secondary school, post-secondary, and technical education, helping institutions and authorities in Canada understand international academic qualifications .
Types of ICAS Assessment Reports
ICAS offers multiple report types tailored for different purposes:
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General Assessment Report
A document-by-document evaluation indicating how your credential compares to Canadian educational levels—commonly used by employers . -
Secondary School Comprehensive Assessment Report
Offers in-depth conversion of senior-secondary (Punjab 12th-grade equivalent) studies into Canadian terms, complete with course-by-course comparison and credit values—ideal for post-secondary admission purposes . -
Post-secondary Comprehensive Assessment Report
A detailed report that includes course listings, mapped grades, and credit equivalencies for your university-level education . -
Combined Secondary & Postsecondary Comprehensive Report
Merges elements of the secondary and post-secondary comprehensive evaluations, providing a full academic equivalency package . -
ECA (Immigration) Assessment Package
A specialized evaluation accepted by IRCC for immigration purposes. This includes secure electronic access, multiple report copies, and verification needed for Express Entry applications.
Why ICAS Is Widely Used
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Recognized by IRCC—This makes ICAS reports valid for immigration programs, including Express Entry.
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Trusted by Academic & Professional Institutions—Many colleges, employers, and regulatory bodies across Canada rely on ICAS assessments for admission and licensing evaluations .
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High Standards and Experience—ICOS runs on a solid foundation, backed by BCIT’s dedicated team and adherence to quality protocols through its membership in the Canadian credential evaluation alliance .
⏱ Processing Times & Considerations
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ECA for Immigration: Approximately 20 weeks from the time ICAS receives complete documentation
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General and Secondary Reports: Typically take 8–10 weeks ; combined or post-secondary evaluative reports may extend to around 25 weeks.
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No rush services available, so early application and accurate submission of documents are essential for timely processing.
How FACTS Transcript Simplifies Your ICAS Journey
| Step | How FACTS Transcript Helps You |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | Guidance on which academic certificates, mark sheets, and translations are needed |
| Correct Submission | Ensures documents are attested, sealed, and sent in line with ICAS specifications |
| Report Type Recommendation | Helps you choose between General, Comprehensive, or ECA depending on your needs |
| Submission Tracking | Updates you at every stage—from application to report delivery |
| Compliance & Accuracy | Minimizes delays or denial risks by ensuring all requirements are met |
Final Takeaway
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ICAS is a trusted, IRCC-recognized evaluator of international credentials, offering a range of report options—from general reviews to immigration-specific packages.
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Processing durations range from several weeks to a few months depending on your chosen assessment type.
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With FACTS Transcript, your ICAS assessment is handled efficiently, correctly, and transparently—so you can stay focused on your plans to study, work, or live in Canada with confidence.
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.
