Receiving an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a significant milestone, particularly for those applying for immigration, higher education, or professional licensing. However, what many individuals may not realize is that an ECA is not valid indefinitely. Most ECA reports are issued with a fixed validity period, typically lasting five years from the date of issuance. Once that period lapses, the report is considered expired and can no longer be used for certain official purposes—particularly immigration-related applications.
So, what happens if your ECA has expired? Is there a way to renew it? Can you still use it? Should you apply again from the beginning? This in-depth blog covers all the answers, outlining what your next steps should be and how you can ensure your expired ECA does not become a barrier to your future goals.
Understanding ECA Expiry
Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand why ECA reports expire:
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Policy and regulatory changes: Immigration and professional licensing systems frequently update their policies and requirements. Expiration ensures that evaluations remain aligned with current standards.
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Academic document updates: Sometimes, institutions revise their curriculum or degree structure, which may change how qualifications are assessed over time.
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Personal circumstances: Your name, identity documents, or academic credentials may have changed or been updated, requiring a fresh review for accuracy and verification.
Because of these factors, most authorities only accept ECAs that are within their validity period—commonly five years from the date of issue.
What Are the Consequences of an Expired ECA?
An expired ECA cannot be used for purposes such as:
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Submitting a new application under immigration streams like skilled worker or express entry
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Claiming points for education in a point-based selection system
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Applying to certain regulated professional bodies or licensing authorities
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Supporting a spousal or dependent application under programs that rely on the primary applicant’s educational qualifications
Even though your expired ECA still holds value as a personal reference or academic record, it no longer satisfies the documentation requirements for official use.
What You Can Do Next: Options After Your ECA Expires
If your ECA has expired, you generally have two main options:
1. Request a Re-Issuance or Revalidation (if supported by the evaluating authority)
Some credential assessment services allow previous applicants to request a re-issuance or renewal of their ECA report, especially if:
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Your documents are still on file
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Your educational qualifications remain unchanged
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Your identity details remain the same
This option is often quicker and less expensive than starting a new application from scratch. It may require:
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Logging into your original applicant portal
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Paying a renewal or re-issuance fee
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Confirming your intent to use the ECA for immigration or licensing purposes
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Updating any expired forms of ID, if necessary
If revalidation is approved, the assessing agency may issue a new version of the ECA with a fresh five-year validity period and a new issue date. This report can then be used for new applications or as an updated document in ongoing immigration processes.
2. Submit a New ECA Application
If revalidation or reissuance is not available—or if your academic documents were purged from the agency’s records—you may need to start over with a completely new ECA application. This includes:
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Resubmitting your transcripts, degree certificates, and translations (if applicable)
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Ensuring that official documents are sent directly from your university or institution
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Uploading identification documents
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Paying the standard ECA processing fee
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Waiting for the new report to be processed and issued
While this process may take more time and effort, it ensures that your new ECA is aligned with the latest standards and requirements. A new ECA report will also come with a new reference number and a new five-year validity period, giving you plenty of time to complete your plans.
Things to Consider Before Reapplying or Renewing
Before choosing between revalidation and reapplication, ask yourself the following:
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Do you need the ECA urgently? If you’re under a tight deadline—such as a visa window or a job offer deadline—you’ll want the quickest option available.
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Has your academic record changed? If you’ve completed a new degree, diploma, or certification since your last ECA, a full reapplication is the better route, as it will allow you to include your new credentials.
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Are your previous documents still valid? Check whether your transcripts and degree certificates are still recognized and accurate. Any updates or corrections will require a new evaluation.
Best Practices for Managing ECA Validity
If your ECA is still valid but approaching its expiration, here are a few best practices to consider:
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Keep digital and physical copies of the original report in a safe location.
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Use the report before the expiry date wherever possible to avoid delays in your application processes.
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Track expiration timelines carefully, especially if you are applying to programs that have specific documentation deadlines.
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Check with the evaluation authority about the availability of reissuance well before your ECA expires, as policies may vary.
What About Immigration Pools and Profiles?
If you had previously entered an immigration pool or submitted a profile using your ECA, and it has now expired, most systems will flag your application as ineligible once the ECA surpasses its validity date. You may need to:
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Update your profile with the new ECA reference number after reissuance or re-evaluation
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Re-enter the immigration pool if your profile was removed due to document expiration
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Recalculate your points or eligibility if additional qualifications or changes have occurred since the last evaluation
Maintaining an active and up-to-date ECA is essential for ensuring you remain eligible and competitive in selection-based programs.
Conclusion: Keep Your ECA Active and Relevant
An expired Educational Credential Assessment may feel like a setback, but it’s a challenge that can be overcome with the right steps. Whether you’re seeking to renew your ECA or preparing to reapply entirely, the key is to act promptly and stay informed.
Your ECA is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a gateway to global opportunities, whether in education, employment, immigration, or licensing. By keeping it current, you not only preserve your eligibility for key programs but also ensure that your hard-earned academic achievements continue to be recognized and rewarded.
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