WES vs ICES vs IQAS: Which is Best ECA for Canada PR From India?

Immigrating to Canada is a dream for many skilled professionals around the world particularly those from India. If you’re planning to apply for Permanent Residency (PR), educational purposes and Express Entry, one of the most important steps is getting your foreign educational credentials evaluated is choosing a ECA for Canada PR. This process is called an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

But there are multiple ECA organizations like World Education Services (WES), International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) and International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS). You will be confused. Which one should you choose? And how can services like Evas Global help you through this?

In this blog, you will understand everything you need to know about ECA for Canada PR, eligibility and processing times to acceptance, pros and cons so it will help you to make a good choice. Let’s take a look at it!

What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

An Educational Credential Assessment is an evaluation used to verify your foreign educational credentials (like degree, diploma, or certificate) are equivalent to Canadian education standards. Without this assessment, you won’t earn education points under Canada’s Express Entry points system and your PR application could be ineligible.

Every ECA report valid for immigration has a 5 year validity period and IRCC only accepts reports from approved organizations.

WES vs ICES vs IQAS Comparison: ECA For Canada PR

1. WES (World Education Services)

WES is a most popular ECA option for Canada PR mainly because of its speed, very high demand and straightforward documentation process. Designated by IRCC and accepted across all express entry streams. fast processing, easy online tracking system and clear application portal. The report is widely recognized by employers, universities and regulatory bodies.

WES ECA reports usually take around 35 -45 working days after all documents are received.

Pros of WES

Fastest average turnaround time
User-friendly portal and transparent process
Usually first choice for Indian applicants
Easy to prepare documents once requirements are understood

Cons of WES

Strict documentation guidelines any mistake can lead to delays or rejection
Can sometimes downgrade certain programs ( three-year degrees vs Canadian equivalents)
Slightly higher fee compared to others

Graduates with standard degrees (Bachelors, Masters) from well-recognized institutions, who want a fast and reliable ECA for Canada PR and Express Entry.

2. ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service)

ICES is another ECA option, run by the British Columbia Institute of Technology. It’s also designated by IRCC and widely used across immigration streams. ICES offers a balanced evaluation method that’s often considered more detailed, especially for technical, diploma or polytechnic credentials that WES might downgrade or complicate.

Recognized by IRCC for Express Entry good for credential combinations that are less straightforward. Sometimes considered more flexible with practical or vocational education.

Pros of ICES

Slightly more lenient than WES for some credentials
Strong evaluation for diploma or vocational fields
Clear report structure

Cons of ICES

Processing time can be longer than WES.
Not as internationally recognized as WES outside Canada
Support may be limited during peak immigration seasons

Applicants with diploma, polytechnic, or technical credentials and those who want an evaluation that may better reflect practical or vocational education experiences.

3. IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)

IQAS is Alberta’s government run ECA service and another IRCC approved option. IQAS is often chosen by applicants whose credentials may be rejected by WES, especially distance education degrees, open university programs or unconventional qualifications. Recognized for Express Entry and employers mainly in Canada. Fairly transparent evaluation process.

Pros of IQAS

More lenient for non-traditional or lower-profile degrees
Advisory and clear on equivalency
Usually slightly cheaper than WES

Cons of IQAS

Processing time is often the longest.
Not as widely recognized internationally
Support and feedback can be slower

Applicants who have concerns about WES rejecting or downgrading their credentials especially open/university degrees or less conventional programs.

Tips to Choose the Best ECA For Canada PR

Here’s some tips to choose ECA for Canada PR.

Standard Bachelor’s/Master’s degree go with WES for fast processing and widespread acceptance.
Diploma, technical or polytechnic qualifications ICES may produce evaluations that better reflect your education.
Distance education or non-traditional certificates consider IQAS if WES might reject your credentials.
If time is critical you may better choose WES. It is generally the faster option but actual timelines can vary.

Whichever ECA you choose, ensure that your documents, certificates, mark sheets and transcripts are accurate and complete.

How Evas Global Helps In ECA For Canada PR?

Organizations like Evas Global offer ECA support especially for applicants who find the credential evaluation process complex or time consuming. They assist with:

Document collection & verification
Preparing and submitting applications to WES / ICES / IQAS
Ensuring transcripts are sent correctly in a sealed envelope.
Personalized guidance to avoid delays and mistakes.
Follow-ups to reduce processing frustrations.

Their services aim to simplify your ECA journey and reduce stress especially if you’re unfamiliar with international document requirements.

Conclusion

The key is understanding your credentials, your goals and the strengths of each ECA body. WES stands out for speed and global acceptance, ICES works well for practical and diploma credentials,IQAS is helpful for distance or complex education histories. And if you need professional support, navigating this process from documentation to submission services like Evas Global can be a trusted partner. Whichever path you take, make sure your ECA report is accurate and ECA for Canada PR valid and submitted on time because your Canada PR journey often depends upon that.

FAQ’S

1. What is an ECA for Canada PR?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a report that verifies whether your foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards. It is required for most applicants under Canada’s Express Entry.

2. Which ECA is best for Canada PR: WES, ICES, or IQAS?

The best ECA depends on your education type, country of study and processing time preferences. World Education Services (WES) is usually the fastest, International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) may be suitable for certain academic backgrounds, International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is often preferred for complex or specialized degrees.

3. Is WES faster than ICES and IQAS?

Yes, WES has shorter processing times compared to ICES and IQAS. Timelines may vary depending on document verification and application volume.

4. Is IQAS better than WES?

IQAS may be better for applicants whose degrees are not easily recognized by WES. However, WES is generally preferred for its faster processing and simpler documentation process.

6. Can I use ICES for Express Entry?

Yes, ICES is approved for Canada PR and Express Entry. It provides valid ECA reports accepted by IRCC.

7. How long is an ECA valid for Canada PR?

An ECA report is valid for 5 years from the date of issue for Express Entry applications.

8. What is the cost of WES, ICES, and IQAS?

Fees may vary excluding courier and additional service charges.

9. Which ECA is best for Indian applicants?

Many Indian applicants prefer WES due to faster processing and streamlined verification with Indian universities. However, IQAS may sometimes provide different equivalency results depending on the degree.