Credential Evaluation with IQAS

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. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designates IQAS to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for immigration purposes, including Express Entry. 

The service validates your degrees, diplomas, or certificates for Canadian immigration purposes, job applications, or admission. 

IQAS provides three types of services:

• General Assessment for employment, education, or licensure purposes

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for various immigration programs

• Educational Pre-Assessment (EPA); an advisory, information-only comparison for programmes you have not yet completed.

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 evaluation for your foreign educational credentials to be recognised if you apply for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry, seek admission, or go through other processes. Here are the key groups who benefit from using IQAS:

Immigration applicants (Express Entry & Provincial Nominee Programs)

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 receiving an Invitation 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 a school or program requires it, 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 helps bridge the gap between your education abroad and Canadian expectations. 

Recommended Reading 

Credential Evaluation with ECE(Educational Credential Evaluators)

Credentials IQAS does not assess

Before you apply, check that your credential is eligible. IQAS fees are non-refundable, even if you cancel your application, so submitting an ineligible credential means losing your application fee. IQAS will not assess:

• Anything below secondary / high school level (e.g., primary or elementary school)

• Non-academic credentials (e.g., Microsoft Excel training, workplace certifications)

• Professional qualifications (e.g., Chartered Accountant designation, CPA)

• Vocational or trades training (e.g., a diesel mechanics programme or plumbing apprenticeship)

• Credentials from institutions that are not recognised or accepted by IQAS

• Credentials that cannot be authenticated

• Credentials that do not include graduation or convocation confirmation

If you are a Physician or Specialist Physician applying to immigrate and intending to get a licence to practice in Canada, your credentials must be assessed by the Medical Council of Canada, not IQAS. On the other hand, if you are a Pharmacist intending to get a licence to practice in Canada, your credentials must be assessed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada, not IQAS.

Tip: Always check whether IQAS recognises your specific institution before applying. When you search for your institution in the IQAS portal, a warning will appear if recognition is uncertain.

How to apply for IQAS assessment

You can apply for credential evaluation with IQAS 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

IQAS assesses 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.

• Educational institutions that accept IQAS assessments

• Professional regulatory organisations that accept IQAS assessments.

Document preparation

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and the credentials you need assessed, gather all required documents. Ensure they are complete, original, and in good shape. Here are some documents you must submit 

• Academic transcripts.

• Academic certificates.

• Passport, identity pages, or alternative government-issued identification (if a passport is unavailable)

• Proof of name change (if applicable)

• For Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, upload a clear scan or photo of the PhD degree and the thesis cover page, if applicable.

• Document translations, if they are not in English or French.

Country-specific requirements might also include additional documents. If you are using the IQAS assessment for employment or licensing, you must provide all the necessary documents based on the requirements stated on the official website. 

Create an IQAS account

Visit the IQAS application portal and enter your details to create an account. This lets you access the IQAS full form, upload your documents, use helpful guides like the checklist, and receive process notifications. You can also pay 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 IQAS for immigration if your application is for employment, a 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. Fees often range from $130 to $260, depending on the type of assessment needed. You must also 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 you submit your application, IQAS will verify your 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, 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 mailing address and contact information

If you are unable to upload documents online, you can mail them to the IQAS mailing address:

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

9th Floor, 108 Street Building

9942 108 Street NW

Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J5

Canada

Include your IQAS reference number on the envelope. Always send documents via tracked or registered mail and keep your tracking number.

IQAS contact details:

• Phone (within Alberta): 780-427-2655

• Toll-free (within Alberta): 310-0000, then dial 780-427-2655

• Outside Alberta/Canada: +1 780-427-2655

• Contact form: available at alberta.ca/iqas-contact

Note: IQAS does not respond to status inquiries if your application is within the posted processing times. Use the online portal to track your application instead.

IQAS vs Other Credential Evaluation Services

Aside from IQAS, other designated organisations can help you get your foreign education credentials recognised in Canada. Let’s compare them side by side;

All processing times above are approximate and change frequently. Always check each service's official website for current figures before applying.

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IQAS processing time 2026

All IQAS assessment types: ECA for immigration, employment, education, and licensure, now take approximately 15 business days to process.

Two important details about how the clock works:

• The 15-business-day clock starts when your application reaches “In line for processing” status in the IQAS portal, not when you submit your documents.

• Courier and mail delivery time is NOT included in the processing time.

What happens if your application is marked “Pending”?

• Immigration ECA: the application is held for 6 months pending additional documents, after which it is reviewed for cancellation.

• Employment, education, or licensure assessments: the application is held for 5 business days pending additional documents, then reviewed for cancellation.

IQAS rush service (immigration and employment)

Rush processing is now available for ECA immigration applications as well as employment and licensure assessments:

• ECA immigration rush: 5-7 business days

• Basic assessment rush: 5-7 business days

• Educational Institution or Specialised assessment rush: 6-8 business days

• Rush fee: $250, plus the standard application, administration, and courier fees

Note: IQAS caps the number of daily rush ECA applications for immigration purposes. Once the daily limit is reached, it resets at 8:15 am Mountain Standard Time the following day. If you reach the limit, you can either wait until the next day or submit a regular (non-rush) application.

Rush processing is not guaranteed if the assessment requires extensive research or institutional verification, or if the application is incomplete. If IQAS cannot complete the rush assessment, the application is cancelled, and the rush service fee is not refunded.

Processing times for all assessment types are estimates. They might take longer depending on factors like additional document requests and application volumes. You can track the progress and get updates directly from your IQAS application portal account.

IQAS fees (2026)

In 2026, 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.

Educational Pre-Assessment (EPA) fee

• EPA fee: $200 (non-refundable), covering up to 3 programmes of study per application.

• Processing time: approximately 15 business days. No rush service is available.

• The EPA is for information purposes only and cannot be used for immigration, employment, further study, or professional licensing (see the dedicated EPA section below).

Additional information 

• The application fee is for one credential. 

• Each additional credential submitted costs $100. 

• 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. 

• The IQAS will not consider fee refund requests, as application fees cover processing costs regardless of the outcome. 

• If you are unsatisfied with your IQAS assessment report, you can submit a request for reassessment. All IQAS reassessment requests cost $200. The reassessment fee will be automatically refunded only if the reassessment changes the original assessment decision. IQAS will communicate its decision on your reassessment request within 30 business days of receiving it.

• 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.”

What is the IQAS Educational Pre-Assessment (EPA)?

The Educational Pre-Assessment (EPA) is a separate IQAS service for people currently enrolled in or planning to enrol in an educational programme outside Canada. It provides a general Canadian comparison of the programmes you list, based on information available at the time.

Key facts about the EPA:

• The EPA is advisory and for information purposes only; it is NOT a formal credential assessment

• It CANNOT be used for immigration, employment, professional licensing, or further study in Canada

• No educational documents are required; IQAS does not review any documents you submit

• Fee: $200 (non-refundable), covering up to 3 programmes of study

• Processing time: approximately 15 business days; no rush service is available

• IQAS delivers the EPA by email only.

• EPAs are not eligible for reassessment, and duplicate copies are not available.

EPA is useful for prospective students who want to understand how their future credential may compare to Canadian standards before completing a programme abroad. 

Translation requirements for IQAS applications 

When applying for IQAS credential evaluation, you must provide all documents in English. Translate any educational documents not in English or French before submission. 

For example, if your academic transcript is issued in Spain, you must translate it from Spanish into English for the IQAS assessment. For IQAS applications specifically:

• Translations must be in English or French.

• Translations do NOT need to be certified or notarised.

• Translations must be word-for-word (verbatim) translations of the original document.

• You must upload the translated documents to the IQAS application portal.

• If you submit translations with sealed institutional transcripts, include them inside the sealed envelope when you send it to IQAS in Canada.

If you're also using your documents for immigration through IRCC (for example, in your Express Entry profile), IRCC may require certified translations for some document types submitted directly to them, even if IQAS does not. The safest approach is to use certified translations, which cover both requirements at once.

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, with 24-hour turnaround available to meet tight deadlines.

Request a free quote to get certified translations for IQAS assessment documents. 

Recommended Reading 

Where Can You Find a Canadian Certified Translator?

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. 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 take approximately 15 business days once your application reaches “In line for processing” status, but gathering documents, arranging sealed transcripts, and completing translations can take much longer. Start months in advance to meet application or job deadlines. If you’re on a tight timeline, consider the rush service (5-7 business days for an additional $250), but remember the daily rush limit for immigration ECAs.

Follow document guidelines carefully

IQAS is strict about documentation, especially education documents and how you submit them. Here are some ways to avoid errors 

• Use the official checklist provided on the IQAS website.

• Send transcripts directly from your institution in a sealed envelope.

• Include word-for-word English or French translations if your documents are in another language (certified translations are not required by IQAS, but use them if your documents will also go to IRCC).

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. Remember that non-immigration applications are only held for 5 business days in “Pending” status.

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? Request a free quote to have Translayte translate your documents today.