How is WES important for Canadian PR?

WES (World Education Services) plays a crucial role in obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through various economic immigration programs, particularly Express Entry. Here are the key reasons for its significance:

Importance of WES for Canadian PR

1. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

WES conducts an ECA, which assesses your international education and informs Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of its equivalence to Canadian educational standards.

2. Requirement for Eligibility

For applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, an ECA is necessary for eligibility—without it, you cannot qualify.

3. Essential for CRS Points

Within the Express Entry framework, which includes programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you earn Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points based on your educational qualifications.

Full points are awarded only if your foreign education is validated through an ECA from WES.

4. Recognized by IRCC

WES is one of the organizations designated by IRCC to provide ECAs. Other recognized entities include CES, IQAS, ICES, and MCC (for medical professionals), but WES is the most frequently utilized.

Process Overview (Basic Steps)

1. Establish an account with WES.
2. Submit your academic records, typically including transcripts and certificates.
3. WES will evaluate your documents and generate an ECA report.
4. Input the ECA reference number into your Express Entry profile.

Important Tips:

• The ECA is valid for five years, so it is advisable to complete this step early, even if you are not applying immediately.
• Act promptly—WES processing times can range from several weeks to months, particularly if there are delays in receiving transcripts.
• Ensure that your educational institution sends the documents directly to WES; otherwise, your application may be rejected.