Immigrating to Canada is a dream for thousands of individuals around the world, whether it’s for better career opportunities, high-quality education, a safe living environment, or family reunification. However, one of the most crucial and initial steps for many prospective immigrants—especially those applying through skilled worker categories—is to get their academic credentials evaluated. This step ensures that Canadian authorities can understand and compare foreign educational qualifications to Canadian standards.
Among the recognized organizations offering this service is ICAS—International Credential Assessment Service of Canada. But the question arises: Are ICAS assessments acceptable for immigration to Canada? The answer to this question is both straightforward and nuanced, depending on the specific immigration pathway a person is applying under. In this blog, we will explore in depth the role of credential assessment in immigration, how ICAS fits into that picture, and what applicants should keep in mind while choosing their credential evaluation agency.
Understanding the Importance of Credential Evaluation in Immigration
Canada’s immigration system, particularly the Express Entry system and other economic immigration streams, requires applicants to demonstrate that their foreign educational qualifications are comparable to those offered in Canada. This helps ensure fairness and transparency in the assessment of candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
Credential evaluation serves several purposes:
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Verifies the authenticity of academic documents.
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Establishes the Canadian equivalency of foreign education.
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Helps determine if an applicant meets the minimum educational criteria for immigration programs.
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Plays a role in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score used in Express Entry, where additional points are awarded based on educational qualifications.
What Is an ICAS Assessment?
ICAS, or International Credential Assessment Service of Canada, is a Canada-based organization that evaluates academic documents issued outside of Canada. It provides credential assessment services for a wide variety of purposes, including employment, education, licensing, and immigration.
The ICAS assessment report typically includes:
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The name of the credential (degree, diploma, certificate, etc.).
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The country and institution from which it was awarded.
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The duration of study.
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The academic level in terms of Canadian equivalency.
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A statement about whether the credential is recognized or not.
Is ICAS Acceptable for Canadian Immigration?
Yes, ICAS is one of the organizations that is officially designated by Canadian immigration authorities to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for immigration purposes. This means ICAS assessments are fully accepted when applying for permanent residency through most economic immigration programs under the Express Entry system and certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
The Government of Canada has designated a handful of organizations for ECA services, and ICAS is one of them. However, to use an ICAS assessment for immigration purposes, the applicant must specifically request an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Immigration. ICAS offers different types of assessments for different needs, so it is critical to select the right type.
When Can You Use an ICAS Assessment for Immigration?
You can use an ICAS ECA in the following immigration scenarios:
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Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
One of the core eligibility criteria for FSWP is educational attainment. An ECA from ICAS can demonstrate that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equal to a completed Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational credential. -
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
While education is not a mandatory requirement under FSTP, having a recognized ECA may increase your CRS score, giving you a better chance at receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). -
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you completed your education outside Canada, an ECA can help increase your points in the CRS ranking system, even though CEC does not require one for eligibility. -
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Many provinces require or prefer candidates to have ECAs to assess the equivalency of their education, particularly for internationally educated professionals.
Important Considerations When Using ICAS for Immigration
Although ICAS is an acceptable option, here are some important points to keep in mind:
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Order the Correct Type of Report
Be sure to select the ECA for Immigration purposes. ICAS also offers assessments for employment and educational admission, but these are not accepted by immigration authorities. -
Include All Credentials You Wish to Be Assessed
If you have multiple degrees or diplomas, decide in advance which ones to submit. Some immigration programs only require the highest credential, but submitting more may sometimes help. -
Processing Times
ICAS processing times can vary depending on demand and the completeness of your documents. Plan ahead and apply early to avoid delays in your immigration process. -
Document Requirements
ICAS may require transcripts to be sent directly from your academic institution. Ensure you understand and fulfill all document requirements to avoid processing delays. -
Assessment Validity
An ECA report from ICAS is valid for five years from the date of issue. Ensure your report remains valid throughout your immigration process. -
Uploading Your ECA to Express Entry
Once your ICAS ECA is ready, you will receive a reference number. This must be included in your Express Entry profile. You will also upload a digital copy of the ECA report during the application stage.
ICAS vs. Other Assessment Bodies
While ICAS is a reliable and accepted agency, it is one among several designated credential evaluators in Canada. Some other popular organizations include:
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World Education Services (WES)
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Comparative Education Service (CES)
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International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
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International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
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Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – for medical professionals
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Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) – for pharmacists
Each of these agencies has slightly different processes, turnaround times, and document requirements. Applicants are free to choose the one that suits their individual timeline and needs. Some people opt for organizations like WES because of faster processing, while others prefer ICAS for its thorough evaluations and reliability.
