Your educational background plays a crucial role in your Canadian Express Entry journey. It contributes significantly to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, influencing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). But navigating the intricacies of recognized degrees and assessments can be confusing. Let’s break it down:
Recognized Degrees:
Express Entry only considers foreign educational credentials evaluated by designated organizations (DOs) as valid for points calculation. These DOs assess your foreign degree’s equivalent level in the Canadian education system. Recognized degrees include:
- Bachelor’s degrees (three+ years): Award 120 CRS points.
- Master’s degrees (two+ years after Bachelor’s): Award 120 points.
- Doctorate degrees (four+ years after Bachelor’s): Award 130 points.
- Diplomas or certificates equivalent to the above (evaluated by a DO): Varying points based on equivalence.
Important notes:
- Canadian degrees don’t require assessment.
- Professional degrees in specific fields (medicine, law, etc.) can earn equivalent points to Master’s degrees with DO evaluation.
- Partial studies: Incomplete degrees may receive partial points based on DO evaluation.
Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs):
To claim points for your foreign education, you need an ECA report from a designated organization. Choose from:
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- World Education Services
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service – British Columbia Institute of Technology
ECA process:
- Choose a DO: Consider processing time, cost, and specialization.
- Gather documents: Transcripts, diplomas, course descriptions, etc.
- Submit your application and fee to the DO.
- Receive your ECA report: It will state your degree’s Canadian equivalent and credit hours.
- Upload the report and reference number to your Express Entry profile.
Additional factors:
- Language of instruction: Degrees taught in English or French (official Canadian languages) receive bonus points.
- Field of study: Certain in-demand fields may attract higher points.
- Relevance to your work experience: Demonstrating alignment between your education and work strengthens your application.
Remember:
- Accurate representation of your education is crucial.
- Choose a legitimate DO for your ECA to be accepted by IRCC.
- Start the ECA process early as it can take several weeks.
By understanding recognized degrees and assessments, you can ensure your educational qualifications contribute their full potential to your Express Entry journey.