Applying for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a significant step toward immigration, professional licensing, or academic advancement abroad. However, circumstances sometimes change. Whether it’s due to changes in your immigration plans, a decision to apply through a different evaluating body, or unexpected life events, you might find yourself needing to cancel your ECA application.
In such a situation, the first question most applicants ask is: “Will I receive a refund if I cancel my ECA application?”
The answer is not always straightforward. Refund policies vary based on the evaluation service provider and how far your application has progressed in their process. This blog provides a detailed look at what typically happens when you cancel an ECA application, what you can expect in terms of refunds, and how to make informed decisions to avoid financial loss.
Understanding ECA Application Fees: Non-Refundable vs. Refundable Components
When you apply for an Educational Credential Assessment, you typically pay several fees upfront, including:
-
Application Processing Fee
-
Courier or Shipping Fees (for delivery of physical copies)
-
Document Authentication or Verification Charges
-
Additional Copy Fees (if requested)
It’s important to understand that most ECA application processing fees are non-refundable. These fees cover administrative tasks such as:
-
Opening your application
-
Reviewing your submitted documents
-
Communicating with your educational institution(s)
-
Initializing your applicant file in the evaluation system
Even if you cancel the application shortly after submitting it, the evaluating body may have already begun processing your documents or allocated resources to your case, which is why they generally do not offer full refunds.
Common Refund Scenarios: What You Might Be Eligible For
Although full refunds are rare, partial refunds may be granted in specific circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of typical scenarios and the likelihood of receiving a refund:
1. Application Cancelled Before Any Document Processing Begins
If you submit your cancellation request immediately after payment—before any documentation is received or reviewed—some evaluating services may consider refunding a portion of your fee. However:
-
A small administrative fee may still be deducted.
-
Courier or additional service fees may be refunded if they have not yet been incurred.
It’s critical to act quickly and contact customer support as soon as possible if you change your mind shortly after submitting your application.
2. Application Cancelled After Documents Are Received
Once your documents arrive and processing begins, the evaluating body typically begins reviewing your credentials, checking authenticity, and verifying institutional records. At this stage:
-
Refunds are unlikely, as substantial work has already been carried out.
-
Your cancellation request may still be accepted, but the payment will usually not be returned.
Some agencies may agree to withhold final report issuance at your request, but the fee will not be refunded, as the service was rendered in part.
3. Application Rejected Due to Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
If your ECA application is canceled or closed by the evaluation service due to problems such as:
-
Unofficial documents
-
Incomplete submissions
-
Missing third-party verification
Then, refunds are typically not issued. Evaluation bodies often state clearly in their policies that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all documents meet the required standards before submitting.
4. Change of Purpose or Decision to Use a Different Evaluating Body
Sometimes, applicants apply through one credential service but later decide to go with another one for strategic or personal reasons. In this situation:
-
A refund is almost always not granted, especially if the application is already active or processing.
-
You may request that the file be closed, but you will not receive a refund for the original payment.
What If You’ve Paid for Additional Services?
If you’ve purchased services such as:
-
Extra copies of the report
-
International courier delivery
-
Duplicate reports sent to third parties
Then, depending on whether those services have already been rendered, you may be eligible for a partial refund. For example:
-
If a courier was scheduled but not yet dispatched, you might be refunded for that portion.
-
If additional copies haven’t been printed or mailed, cancellation may result in a service refund.
Again, this depends heavily on timing, internal policy, and whether a cancellation request reaches the agency before fulfillment of those services.
How to Cancel an ECA Application
If you decide to cancel, take the following steps:
-
Log in to your online applicant portal (if available) and check the status of your application.
-
Contact the credential assessment service directly via email or phone.
-
Clearly explain your reason for cancellation and ask about refund eligibility.
-
Request written confirmation of the cancellation and any applicable refund decision.
Make sure to document all correspondence and keep a copy of your original payment receipt and transaction ID for reference.
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.
