- WES charges CAD 264 (₹17,690) for ECA immigration assessments and CAD 248 (₹16,610) for document-by-document evaluations.
- Canadian universities require WES credential evaluation to convert international degrees into Canadian equivalents.
- WES ECA reports remain valid for five years from issue date, allowing students to reuse the same evaluation for multiple university applications without reapplication.
Studying or immigrating to Canada requires international students to get their academic credentials verified through an Educational Credential Assessment. World Education Services provides this verification by converting your foreign qualifications into Canadian equivalents, making it easier for universities and immigration authorities to understand your educational background.
In this blog, we will explain the WES evaluation for Canada, application process, fees, required documents, and alternative credential assessment services.
What Is WES?
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organisation that evaluates international educational qualifications for use in both the United States and Canada. WES provides credential evaluation services for the US and Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for Canada.
- It is a designated organisation approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian immigration and is widely accepted by US and Canadian universities, employers, and professional licensing bodies.
- WES assesses degrees and diplomas earned outside the US and Canada by verifying documents and comparing them with US and Canadian education standards, and then issues official evaluation reports used for study, work, and immigration purposes.
Types of WES Evaluations for Studying in Canada
WES offers different evaluation formats based on whether you need assessment for immigration, education, or employment purposes.
- Educational Credential Assessment: This evaluation is specifically designed for IRCC immigration programmes including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programmes, and the Atlantic Immigration Programme.
- Document-by-Document Evaluation: This assessment provides a general summary of your academic background without analysing individual courses.
- Course-by-Course Evaluation: This detailed assessment lists all courses completed at post-secondary level with semester credits and grade equivalents for each course.
WES Fees for Canadian University Applications
Effective January 2026, WES increased evaluation prices by 3 per cent due to inflation adjustments.
| Evaluation Type | Base Fee |
|---|---|
| ECA for IRCC (Immigration) | CAD 264 (₹17,690) |
| Document-by-Document | CAD 248 (₹16,610) |
| Course-by-Course | CAD 269 (₹18,020) |
Required Documents for WES Credential Evaluation in Canada
WES maintains strict submission requirements to verify document authenticity and prevent fraud.
- Academic Transcripts: Your institution must send complete official transcripts directly to WES showing all courses, grades, and credits awarded. Transcripts must arrive in sealed envelopes signed or stamped across the back flap, or sent electronically through approved digital services.
- Degree Certificates: Submit officially issued certificates or diplomas from your university. Some institutions can send these documents directly to WES, reducing the risk of delays or rejections due to improper handling.
- Translations: If your documents are not in English or French, you must provide certified word-for-word translations. WES uses these translations alongside original documents to conduct credential evaluation. Uncertified translations will not be accepted.
- Special Requirements for Indian Students: Indian Master’s degree holders must submit both Bachelor’s and Master’s credentials for evaluation, except for five specific programmes: Master of Education, Master of Engineering, Master of Philosophy, Master of Technology, and Master of Computer Applications. For these five exceptions, only the Master’s degree needs submission.
WES Application Process: Step-by-Step
Following the correct application procedure prevents delays and additional costs during your credential assessment.
- Create WES Account: Visit the WES website and select “ECA Application for IRCC” as your evaluation purpose. Complete your personal information including name, date of birth, and contact details.
- Submit Application and Payment: Provide details about your highest credential including institution name, degree type, and completion year. Pay the required fees using credit card, debit card, or Western Union online money transfer through the secure payment portal.
- Receive Reference Number: After payment submission, WES provides a unique reference number. Include this number on all documents, envelopes, and correspondence with WES to prevent processing delays.
- Arrange Document Delivery: Contact your educational institution to send official transcripts and certificates directly to WES. Check if your university uses approved digital platforms for electronic document submission or requires physical sealed envelopes.
- Monitor Application Status: Log into your WES account regularly to track document receipt, verification progress, and evaluation completion. WES sends email notifications at each processing stage including requests for additional documentation if required.
- Receive ECA Report: Once evaluation is complete, WES sends an electronic PDF copy to your account and forwards the official report directly to IRCC or your selected institutions. Physical copies arrive by standard or courier delivery based on your chosen shipping method.
WES Alternatives in Canada
IRCC designates five organisations to provide Educational Credential Assessments, each with different strengths and processing approaches.
| Service | Processing Time | Base Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| WES | 35 business days | CAD 264 (₹17,690) | Speed and simplicity for standard credentials |
| IQAS | 25 business days | CAD 260 (₹17,420) | Budget-conscious applicants and Alberta PNP |
| ICES | 8-12 weeks | CAD 200 (₹13,400) | Diploma-based or distance learning credentials |
| CES | 7-60 business days | CAD 269 (₹18,020) | Higher equivalency assessments and nursing licensing |
| ICAS | 20+ weeks | CAD 210 (₹14,070) | Complex or uncommon credentials |
Key Takeaways
WES simplifies Canadian university applications and immigration processes by translating international academic credentials into Canadian equivalents. The organisation is designated by IRCC to provide Educational Credential Assessments required for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programmes, and other permanent residence pathways. Processing takes 35 business days after document receipt with total timelines reaching 1-3 months including institutional response time.
Base fees start at CAD 264 (₹17,690) for ECA immigration assessments, with additional charges for courier delivery, extra reports, and taxes where applicable. WES reports remain valid for five years, allowing you to reuse the same assessment when submitting new Express Entry profiles. Alternative services like IQAS, ICES, CES, and ICAS offer different processing speeds, costs, and assessment approaches for specific credential types.
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FAQs
Can I upgrade from Document-by-Document to Course-by-Course evaluation?
Yes, you can upgrade directly from your WES account by paying the fee difference of CAD 115 (₹7,705) if your evaluation is still in progress.
Do I need IELTS for WES evaluation?
No, WES does not require English language tests as it only verifies academic credentials, not language proficiency.
Can my university send documents directly to WES electronically?
Yes, institutions using approved digital platforms like Digitary can email transcripts directly to WES for faster processing.
What happens if WES rejects my evaluation application?
WES cancels applications with fraudulent documents and informs both applicants and recipient institutions about the rejection without refunding fees.
How do I track my WES application status?
Log into your WES account dashboard for real-time status updates from document receipt through report generation and delivery.
Can I use my US WES evaluation for Canadian immigration?
No, evaluations created for US applications are not valid for Canada; you must order a separate Canadian ECA through WES Canada.
How many institutions can receive my WES report?
You can send your report to multiple institutions by ordering additional copies at CAD 35-58 (₹2,345-3,885) per recipient after evaluation completion.
Does WES evaluate trade qualifications for immigration?
No, WES does not assess occupational or trade qualifications; contact specialised bodies for skilled trades credential assessment.
Can I apply for Express Entry without a WES evaluation?
No, IRCC requires an ECA from designated organisations including WES to verify foreign credentials for Express Entry programme eligibility.
What is the difference between WES Basic and WES ICAP?
WES ICAP stores verified transcripts and evaluation reports for easy sending later, whilst WES Basic provides the standard evaluation without document storage.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
