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wes eca step by step: which documents your university must send

applicants for canadian immigration through express entry often need an educational credential assessment (eca) to verify their foreign education credentials. one of the designated organizations that provide ecas is world education services (wes). in this article, we will guide you through the wes eca process, including how to create a reference number, which documents you need to upload versus which your university must send directly, and how the final report reaches you and immigration, refugees and citizenship canada (ircc).

introduction to the wes eca process

the wes eca report compares your foreign education credentials to their canadian equivalent, which is necessary for express entry as it helps ircc assess your eligibility for permanent residence in canada. to get started, you need to create a wes account and obtain a reference number. this is typically done by going to the wes website and clicking on "apply now", then filling out the online application form and paying the required fee.

creating a wes reference number and required documents

to create a wes reference number, you follow a straightforward process: go to the wes website, click on "apply now", fill out the form, and pay the fee. once your application is submitted, you will receive a reference number. the documents required for wes eca include transcripts and diplomas, which must be sent directly by your university in a sealed envelope, and proof of name change if applicable, which you can upload yourself.

the specific documents required may vary depending on your country of education and the type of credential you are submitting. for instance, if you completed your education in india, you may need to provide additional documents. it's a good idea to check the wes website for the most up-to-date information on required documents, as requirements can change.

uploading documents and country-specific requirements

you can upload some documents, such as proof of name change, directly to your wes account. however, transcripts and diplomas must come from your university in a sealed envelope. following the instructions on the wes website carefully is key to ensuring your application is processed correctly. some countries have specific requirements, so it's worth checking the wes website for any country-specific documents you might need.

how the final report is processed and sent

once wes has all the required documents, they issue an eca report that compares your foreign education credentials to their canadian equivalent. this report is sent to you and ircc, helping them assess your eligibility for permanent residence in canada. the process can take some time, so it's essential to plan ahead and ensure all documents are sent promptly.

ensuring accuracy in your application

it's crucial that the information you provide to wes matches your express entry education claim. any discrepancies can delay your application or even lead to its rejection. if you're unsure about any part of the process, consulting the wes website or contacting their customer support can be helpful. accuracy is key, and taking the time to get everything right can make a significant difference in the outcome of your application.

understanding the importance of the wes eca in canadian immigration

the wes eca process is a critical step for many applicants. by following the steps outlined here, you can ensure your application is processed correctly, and you receive an accurate eca report. it's also a good idea to check the wes website regularly for updates on required documents and processing times. for more information on canadian immigration, you can visit the ircc website or consult with a regulated canadian immigration consultant (rcic).

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 21, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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