Getting Chinese Degrees Assessed for Express Entry
Applicants with Chinese degrees who want to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry need to have their credentials assessed by a designated organization. This process, known as Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), determines the Canadian equivalent of their degree and is used to earn points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
introduction to eca for chinese degrees
For most Express Entry applicants, including those with Chinese degrees, the ECA is a required step. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the ECA to verify the authenticity and validity of foreign degrees. The ECA report indicates the Canadian equivalent of the applicant's degree, which is necessary for calculating their CRS score. This report is essentially a translation of the applicant's degree into Canadian terms, making it easier for IRCC to assess their qualifications.
choosing a designated eca organization
Several organizations are designated to assess Chinese degrees, including Comparative Education Service (CES), International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES), and World Education Services (WES). When selecting an organization, applicants should ensure it is recognized by IRCC and has experience with Chinese degrees. This can make a significant difference in the assessment process, as some organizations may be more familiar with the nuances of the Chinese education system.
chesicc/cdgdc verification step for chinese transcripts
Chinese transcripts often require an additional verification step, involving the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC) or the China Degree and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC). This step confirms the authenticity of the degree and the institution that issued it. Applicants should check with their chosen ECA organization to see if this verification step is required. In some cases, this step can add several weeks to the overall assessment process, so it's essential to plan ahead.
handling degrees from institutions with name-change or romanization issues
Some Chinese institutions have undergone name changes or have different romanizations, which can cause issues during the ECA process. Applicants with degrees from these institutions should be prepared to provide additional documentation, such as proof of the institution's name change or a letter explaining the romanization used. It's a good idea to check with the ECA organization beforehand to see if they have specific requirements or guidelines for handling these situations. For example, some organizations may require a notarized copy of the institution's name-change document, while others may accept a simple letter from the institution.
what to expect from the eca process
The ECA process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the organization and the complexity of the assessment. Applicants should expect to pay a fee, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Once the assessment is complete, the ECA organization will provide a report indicating the Canadian equivalent of the applicant's degree. This report is a critical document, as it will be used to calculate the applicant's CRS score.
how to use the eca report for express entry
The ECA report is a necessary document for Express Entry applicants, as it provides the information needed to calculate their CRS score. Applicants should upload their ECA report to their Express Entry profile and ensure it is valid for at least five years from the date of issue. They can also use the CRS Score Calculator to estimate their score and see how their ECA report will affect their ranking. Additionally, applicants can visit the IRCC website or consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for more information on the ECA process and Express Entry.
Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.