Credential Recognition Tracker

Credential recognition in Canada is not one process, it is several running in parallel with different organizations, fees, and timelines. An Educational Credential Assessment from WES, IQAS, ICES, CES, or ICAS compares your education for immigration. A provincial regulator decides whether you may practise. An employer decides whether to hire you. People lose months because a transcript was sent to the wrong body or a deadline passed while they waited on another step. This tracker keeps every thread in one table.

What this template is for

A draft built around the details you need

Use this to track each credential assessment, regulator application, exam, and bridging step, with its reference number, cost, and next action.

Requirements are set by each regulator and vary by province and profession. An ECA compares education for immigration purposes and does not grant a licence or a protected title. Confirm requirements with the regulator for your occupation and province.

How to use it

  1. Confirm whether your occupation is regulated in the province where you want to work. If it is, the regulator matters more than the ECA.
  2. Add a row for every organization you are dealing with.
  3. Record the reference number, submitted date, cost, and expected timeline for each.
  4. Keep a next action and a follow-up date on every open row.

Make your own

Fill in your details, then download a PDF or an editable Word file.

StepOrganizationReference numberSubmittedStatusCostExpected byNext action
  • Your name is required.
  • Occupation is required.

Common questions

Is an ECA the same as a licence?

No, and confusing the two costs newcomers the most time. An ECA compares your education to a Canadian level for immigration purposes. A licence to practise comes from a provincial regulator with its own exams, language, and practice requirements.

Which ECA organization should I use?

Any IRCC-designated organization works for immigration: WES, IQAS, ICES, CES, or ICAS. Physicians and pharmacists use profession-specific bodies. Some regulators prefer a particular assessor, so check with the regulator before paying, not after.

How do I know if my occupation is regulated?

It varies by province — the same job can be regulated in one and open in another. Start with the provincial regulator directory for your occupation and confirm whether the licence is required to work or only to use the title.

How long does the whole process take?

An ECA is often a few months, mostly waiting on transcripts from your original institution. Full licensing in a regulated profession commonly runs one to three years including exams and supervised practice. Start the transcript request before you land if you can.

Can I work while the process runs?

Often yes, in a related unregulated role. Many regulators also have provisional, associate, or supervised categories that let you work under conditions while completing requirements. Ask the regulator directly which interim category applies to you.

How this template is maintained

Last reviewed
Reviewed by
Thomas TremblayFounder and editor, Canooq

Sources

See also

Practical pathways

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