IRCC has designated a new professional body to issue ECAs for architects

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has designated a new professional body to issue educational credential assessments (ECAs) for architects interested in immigrating to Canada via key immigration programs, such as, federal Express Entry System. To qualify for economic permanent residence programs, applicants must prove their foreign degrees, diplomas, or certificates are authentic and equivalent to Canadian credentials. This can be done by obtaining an ECA from an IRCC-designated multi-purpose ECA organization or professional body.

CACB is new Professional Body for issuance of ECA to Architects

Starting May 20, 2024, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) has been authorized by the Minister to issue ECAs for applicants whose primary or intended occupation is listed as “Architect” (NOC 21200) in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The CACB will evaluate how foreign educational credentials compare to Canadian standards necessary for practicing architecture. These ECAs are also recognized as part of the licensing process for architects.

Note: If your primary occupation is “Architect” (NOC 21200) and you already have an ECA from another designated organization issued before October 31, 2024, IRCC will continue to accept it as long as it remains valid.

Why IRCC require ECA Reports?

The IRCC use Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports to:

• authenticate an applicant’s foreign credential
• determine the equivalent completed Canadian credential

The reports aim to allocate immigration selection points or determine program eligibility.

Key ECA Service Providers

The IRCC has designated both multipurpose assessment organizations and professional bodies to evaluate foreign credentials. Multipurpose assessment organizations authenticate and assess foreign educational credentials for a broad spectrum of regulated and non-regulated occupations. The designated organizations are: 

• Comparative Education Service (CES), University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• International Credential Evaluation Service
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
• World Education Services (WES)

Professional bodies verify and evaluate foreign educational credentials to determine their equivalence to Canadian credentials required for practicing in their respective regulated occupations. They are also acknowledged as part of the licensing process. The designated professional bodies include:

• Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
• Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)

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To confirm the latest Canada immigration updates or to apply for immigration to Canada through a registered and trusted Immigration Advisor, you may contact Visas Avenue on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or e-mail us at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar