IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service) is an Alberta-based government organization in Canada that evaluates international educational credentials. IQAS provides Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) to determine how international qualifications compare to Canadian standards. An ECA is required if you’re applying for Canadian immigration under programs like Express Entry.
– > Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): An ECA is necessary to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equivalent to a Canadian one. This is especially needed for immigration purposes, such as under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
– > Recognition for Employment: IQAS assessments can also help you when applying for jobs in Canada by showing employers how your foreign credentials compare to Canadian education standards.
– > Immigration Applicants: If you’re applying through Express Entry or any program that requires an ECA, IQAS is one of the authorized organizations by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
– > Individuals Seeking Employment in Alberta: IQAS can help job seekers by providing equivalency assessments that employers in Alberta recognize.
IQAS holds significant importance for individuals with international qualifications, as its evaluations are often required by Canadian educational institutions, employers, regulatory bodies, and immigration authorities. This assessment ensures accurate recognition of foreign credentials in Canada.
IQAS offers several types of evaluations, including:
– > General Evaluation: For personal use, such as employment or further education.
– > Immigration Evaluation: Specifically for individuals applying for Canadian immigration.
– > Academic Evaluation: For institutions requiring verification of foreign credentials.
The IQAS evaluation process typically takes around 12-14 weeks from the time they receive your complete application and documents. However, processing times may vary depending on demand and document verification.
To obtain an IQAS evaluation, individuals must create an account on the IQAS website, submit their educational documents (including transcripts and certificates), and pay the required fee. The processing time usually takes 12-14 weeks.
Application Process for IQAS
The steps to obtain an IQAS ECA are straightforward:
A. Gather Required Documents
You will need:
– > Degree Certificates and Diplomas: Originals or certified copies of your post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate.
– > Transcripts: Official transcripts of records from your educational institution, showing all courses and grades.
– > Identity Documents: A copy of your passport or national ID to verify your identity.
B. Create an Online Account
Visit the official IQAS website and create an account to begin your application. You will fill in details about your education and select the type of assessment required (usually for immigration or employment purposes).
C. Submit Documents
-> Educational Documents: You must submit copies of your credentials, which may need to be sent directly by the issuing educational institution.
– > Translations: If your documents are in a language other than English or French, you must provide certified translations.
D. Pay the Fees
The fee for an IQAS assessment is typically around CAD 200-220, depending on the service type (e.g., immigration, general). This does not include shipping or translation costs.
E. Processing Time
IQAS processing times can vary depending on the demand. Generally, it takes about 12-14 weeks to process an application, though this can be longer during peak periods. For immigration purposes, it’s important to apply well in advance of submitting your Express Entry profile.
4. Receiving Your Assessment
Once IQAS completes your assessment, they will send you an ECA report, detailing how your educational qualifications compare to Canadian ones. You can use this report for:
Immigration: Upload the ECA report when you create your Express Entry profile.
Employment: Use the report to demonstrate your qualifications to potential employers.
IQAS is a reliable option for obtaining an ECA, especially for those seeking Canadian immigration or employment in Alberta. While the process can take several months, it plays a crucial role in verifying your qualifications for Canadian residency and employment.
