Daniel Osiomwanuri
This post is also available in:English /
Updated:
Jun 26, 2025
Published:
Jun 26, 2025
Are you planning to move to Canada for work, study, or career advancement? If you're a skilled professional, an international student, or seeking new employment opportunities, one of the essential steps in your immigration or employment is proving that your foreign qualifications are recognised in Canada. This is where the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) degree evaluation comes in.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about IQAS, translation requirements, and tips for submitting a successful application.
Table of Contents
What is IQAS?
IQAS, which stands for International Qualifications Assessment Service, is an Alberta government service provided in Canada. It assesses credentials obtained from educational institutions outside Canada and determines how they compare to Canadian standards.
IQAS is designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for immigration purposes, including Express Entry.
The service validates your degrees, diplomas, or certificates for Canada immigration purposes, job applications, or admission.
IQAS provides two types of assessments:
General Assessment for employment or education purposes
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for various immigration programs
Unlike other services like WES or CES, IQAS may be more useful for people whose educational qualifications are less commonly evaluated or whose WES evaluation in Canada returns less favourable results.
Who needs to use IQAS degree evaluation?
You need an IQAS for your foreign educational credentials to be recognised if you apply for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry, seeking admission, and other processes. Here are the key groups who benefit from using IQAS:
If you’re applying for permanent residence through Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove that your foreign education meets Canadian standards.
It also increases your chances of being invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.
International students seeking academic recognition
Some post-secondary institutions may request an assessment of your previous studies to determine if you meet their Canadian university application requirements. If required by a school or program, an IQAS credential evaluation can help verify and issue certificates that compare your educational record with Canadian standards.
Professionals seeking licensure or employment
If you’re a professional looking to enter the Canadian workforce, an IQAS assessment can help employers or certain regulatory bodies understand the value of your international qualifications. This is especially helpful if you're applying for jobs in non-regulated or regulated fields where the employer or licensing body accepts IQAS assessments for credential equivalency.
Anyone needing to verify foreign education in Canada
Even if you're not immigrating or studying immediately, an IQAS assessment may still be helpful in the verification process, for example, when:
Applying for jobs that require proof of education
Joining professional associations
Completing your personal or official records.
IQAS provides a way to bridge the gap between your education abroad and the expectations in Canada.
Applying for credential evaluation with IQAS can be done online. You’ll have to create an account on the IQAS portal, submit documents, and receive the assessment reports. Here’s what’s involved in each step:
Decide which credentials you want assessed
The IQAS assessment is for completed or awarded formal academic and technical educational credentials from recognised institutions outside Canada. So, if you have trade, vocational, or professional training certificates, you cannot use the IQAS credential evaluation services. Additionally, if you are seeking employment, education, or licensure, you might not need an IQAS unless it’s requested by your institution, employer, or professional body. You can check if you need a degree evaluation.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and the credentials you need assessed, you must gather all documents required. Ensure they are complete, original, and in good shape. Here are some documents you must submit
Visit the IQAS application portal and enter your details to create an account. Creating the account allows you to access the IQAS full form, upload your documents, get helpful guides like the checklist, and receive notifications on the process. You also complete payments for the IQAS fees through the account.
Submit your application
Once your account is created, fill out the IQAS request form with relevant information like:
Personal information (name, date of birth, gender, contact info)
Immigration or non-immigration purpose for the assessment
Educational history (list of all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, certificates, etc.)
Language of instruction at each institution
If applicable, your IRCC reference number (for Express Entry applicants)
Also, ensure that you choose the right type of IQAS assessment during the application process. For example, if you need the credential evaluation for Express Entry, select the IQAS assessment for immigration option. You cannot use the IQAS for immigration if the purpose of your application is for employment, license, or education. You can provide electronic transcripts or send copies directly from your institution. If you choose the latter, ensure the transcript is sent in a sealed envelope directly from the institution.
Pay IQAS fees
You must pay the credential evaluation fees required online. The fees often range from $130 to $260 for the application, depending on the type of assessment needed. You also have to pay administrative and courier fees. IQAS accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or a Debit card to pay application fees online.
Receive the IQAS assessment report
After submitting your application, the IQAS will verify the documents and provide an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) certificate. If you prefer an electronic copy, you can download the assessment report online through the IQAS application portal. However, the IQAS can also mail the certificate to you via courier services.
Link your ECA report number to your IRCC profile (For Express Entry applicants)
If you’re applying through Express Entry, IQAS will include a unique reference number on your report (starts with “IQAS Ref. No.”). You'll need to:
Enter this number in the Education section of your Express Entry profile
Make sure the name and credential information match what you’ve entered in your IRCC application.
IQAS also sends your report electronically to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you include your IRCC reference number during the application.
However, you must ensure everything is linked correctly and reflected in your Express Entry profile.
IQAS vs Other Credential Evaluation Services
Aside from IQAS, there are other designated organisations to help you get your foreign education credentials recognised in Canada. Let’s compare them side by side;
The IQAS processing time varies depending on the type of assessment you apply for. Here’s an overview
IQAS for immigration purposes
About 25 business days, if the application has an “In line for processing” status
If the application has a “Pending” status for additional documents, IQAS will hold it for 6 months, after which it will be reviewed for cancellation.
Courier and mail delivery is not included in the processing time
No rush services available
IQAS processing time for employment
About 20 business days, if the application has an 'In line for processing' status
IQAS will hold the application for 5 business days if it has a “Pending” status for additional documents, after which it will be reviewed for cancellation.
Rush services are available with the following wait times
Basic assessment rush processing time: 5 to 7 business days
Educational Institution Assessment rush processing time: 6 to 8 business days
Specialised Assessment rush processing time: 6 to 8 business days
Note: Processing times for both types of assessment are estimates. It might take longer depending on factors like requiring additional documents for your application and the number of applicants. You can track the progress and get updates directly from your IQAS application portal account.
IQAS fees (2025)
In 2025, the IQAS fees range from $130 to $260, depending on the purpose and type of evaluation required.
IQAS fees for Canadian immigration
Application fee: $260
Administration fee: $25
Courier fee: $25 for a Canadian address and $90 for an international address.
IQAS fees for license, employment, and education
Assessment for employment (Basic): $130
Assessment for admission to post-secondary education: $160
Assessment for professional licensure (specialised): $230
Administration fee: $25
Courier fee: $25 for a Canadian address and $90 for an international address.
Rush services: $250 plus application, administration, and courier fees.
Additional information
The application fee is for one credential.
Additional credentials submitted cost $100 per credential.
If two applicants apply from the same household, each applicant must submit a separate application. This means you pay separate application, administration, and courier fees.
Fee refund requests will not be considered, as application fees cover the cost of processing, regardless of the outcome.
If you are unsatisfied with your IQAS assessment report, you can submit a request for reassessment. All requests for IQAS reassessment cost $200.
Sometimes, the IQAS evaluates only your highest level of educational qualification. For example, if you have a Master's degree, you only need an assessment for that qualification.
Note: IQAS states, “One credential is defined as one educational program (fully completed) leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree and includes the submission of official degree, diploma, or certificate and the corresponding academic transcript or marks sheet.”
Translation requirements for IQAS applications
When applying for IQAS credential evaluation, you must provide all documents in English. Any educational documents not in English or French must be translated before submission.
For example, if your academic transcript is issued in Spain, you must translate it from Spanish into English for the IQAS assessment. Here are a few requirements;
You must upload the translated documents to the IQAS application portal.
If your documents are coming from your institution, they must be translated and the translation added to the sealed envelope when they are sent to IQAS in Canada.
The translations must be done by a professional translator/translation company that does not need to be certified in Canada.
The translations do not need to be certified or notarised.
You must provide a word-for-word translation of the original document.
Pro Tip: To get the best results, use a professional translator or translation company with a track record of 100% acceptance rates for IRCC and other official purposes. At Translayte, we offer professional translation services in Canada that meet IRCC, IQAS, and other credential evaluation authorities. However, if you need to submit documentation for immigration purposes in Canada, we also offer certified translation services for various documents. Translation rates start from $25 per page, and you can choose expedited delivery to meet tight deadlines.
Request a free quote to get certified translations for IQAS assessment documents.
Tips for a smooth International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) application process
A successful IQAS application requires careful planning and adhering to requirements. Here are common mistakes to avoid and actionable steps:
Choose the correct assessment type
IQAS offers different assessments to evaluate your credentials against Canadian educational standards. If you apply for immigration via Express Entry, use the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) certificate option. In contrast, if you are applying for employment, academic, or professional licensing in Canada, choose the general or specialised assessment options. Each path has unique requirements, so confirm before proceeding to avoid errors.
Start early
IQAS assessments can take several weeks, especially immigration-related ECAs, which take around 25 business days. Start the process months in advance to ensure you meet application or job deadlines.
Follow document guidelines carefully
IQAS is strict about documentation, especially education documents and how they are submitted. Here are some ways to avoid errors
Use the official checklist provided on the IQAS website.
Transcripts must be sent directly from your institution in a sealed envelope.
Include certified English translations if your documents are in another language.
Ensure name consistency across documents
Ensure the name on your application, passport, and educational documents matches. If you've had a name change (e.g., due to marriage), include a legal name change document or affidavit to explain the difference.
Track your application through the portal
After submitting your application, use the IQAS online portal to track status updates. You will be notified of any changes, such as a request for more documents or cancellation. Always respond promptly to requests for additional information to avoid delays.
Complete payment and keep receipts
Have a valid credit/debit card ready to pay IQAS fees. The application fee is non-refundable, so double-check all details before payment. After payment, you must save a copy of your confirmation and application number for future reference.
Do you need a certified translation for your IQAS application?
