When planning an immigration journey, especially under skilled worker or family-based programs, organizing your documentation effectively is critical. One essential component of many immigration and professional credentialing processes is the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). If both you and your spouse need to have your educational credentials assessed, a common question arises: Can we apply together using a single application, or do we need to submit separate applications for each person?
While the idea of combining both evaluations into a single application may seem convenient, most credential assessment services have strict policies regarding how applications must be submitted and processed. This blog explores the ins and outs of applying for an ECA as a couple, guiding you through what is and isn’t possible, how the process works for both partners, and how to coordinate your submissions efficiently.
Understanding the Purpose of an ECA
An Educational Credential Assessment is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equivalent to a comparable qualification in another country’s educational system. The assessment is often required for:
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Immigration eligibility
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Employment in regulated professions
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Admission into higher education programs
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Credential recognition by licensing authorities
For immigration purposes, the ECA is especially important for the principal applicant, as it often contributes to the scoring of points in a selection-based system. However, in some cases, a spouse’s educational credentials can also contribute to the overall score, which is why couples often consider getting ECAs for both individuals.
Can You Apply Together on One ECA Application?
In almost all cases, each individual must submit a separate application for their Educational Credential Assessment. This is because:
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Each ECA is issued in the name of a single person. The report is personalized, tied to individual identity documents, and associated with one applicant’s academic credentials.
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Evaluation reports are unique to each set of educational records. Academic institutions, credentials, and documentation requirements vary by person—even among spouses.
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Identity verification is done separately. Evaluation services often require a copy of personal identification documents like a passport or national ID, which cannot be shared between individuals in one file.
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Processing and tracking are individualized. Each person receives a distinct reference number, account access, and status updates for their own evaluation.
Therefore, you and your spouse must each create your own account, submit your own documentation, and pay separate fees for the evaluation to be completed correctly and officially recognized.
Coordinating the Process as a Couple
Even though you can’t apply under a single application, couples can still manage their ECA process jointly. Here’s how to coordinate effectively:
1. Begin the Applications Simultaneously
Starting both applications around the same time ensures that your evaluations are processed in parallel, reducing the risk of one person’s documentation being delayed. This is particularly important if:
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You’re applying for immigration under a program with deadlines
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You need both ECAs ready for a joint application
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You want to include your spouse’s educational points to boost your eligibility
2. Organize Documents in Advance
Since both individuals will need to submit academic transcripts, degree certificates, and identification documents, organizing everything ahead of time can help avoid delays. Be sure to:
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Confirm the document requirements for each credential
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Have transcripts sent directly from each issuing institution
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Ensure names on academic records match your current legal identification or provide proof of name change if needed
3. Track Both Applications Closely
Once submitted, you should monitor the progress of each application through the respective evaluation service portals. Keep track of:
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Reference numbers
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Submission dates
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Document delivery confirmations
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Processing timelines
Staying on top of the status of both applications allows you to respond quickly if additional information is requested.
4. Submit Additional Copies Wisely
If you are submitting your ECAs for a shared purpose—such as immigration—you may need to provide copies of both assessments to the same organization. Plan ahead by:
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Ordering additional copies at the time of application, if needed
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Choosing the right format (digital or paper) based on the receiving authority’s requirements
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Coordinating report delivery to avoid mismatches in submission timing
When Should a Spouse Also Get an ECA?
Although the principal applicant typically must have an ECA, there are specific scenarios in which the spouse’s ECA can also be beneficial:
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Points-based Immigration Programs: Some immigration systems award additional points if the accompanying spouse also has a recognized foreign credential.
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Future Employment Plans: If your spouse intends to work in a regulated field or apply for professional licensure abroad, having an ECA in place can streamline the process.
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Further Studies: If your spouse plans to pursue further education, many institutions may request an ECA to evaluate foreign credentials.
Before starting, it’s helpful to review whether including your spouse’s educational qualifications will enhance your joint application or future opportunities.
Cost Considerations
Since each individual must submit a separate application, the total cost will include:
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Separate evaluation fees for each person
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Additional courier or mailing charges (if physical copies are ordered)
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Costs for extra copies, if needed by multiple institutions or government bodies
While this can add up, it’s often a worthwhile investment—especially if both credentials will play a role in the success of your application or future goals.
Planning Ahead: A Shared Goal with Individual Responsibility
Even though ECA applications are individual by design, couples can—and should—approach the process as a team. Planning together, organizing documents side by side, and submitting around the same time can help ensure both partners are equally prepared for whatever lies ahead—whether that’s immigration, employment, or education.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you manage the dual application process:
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Create separate accounts for each spouse on the credential evaluation platform
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Prepare and send official academic transcripts separately
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Submit valid identification documents for each applicant
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Track each application with its own reference number
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Order additional copies if needed for shared submissions
Conclusion: One Goal, Two Applications
Although it might seem more convenient to apply for both spouses under one ECA application, the reality is that each application is processed separately due to the personalized nature of credential assessment. Each ECA report is tailored to the individual, based on their educational history, academic documents, and identity.
The good news is that by working together, planning strategically, and staying organized, couples can navigate the ECA process efficiently. With separate but coordinated applications, you and your spouse can both be prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead—be it immigration, career advancement, or higher education.
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