In addition to the mandatory Express Entry educational credential assessment, PNP programs are starting to request for educational credential equivalency in non-Express Entry application processes. Since 2022, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has been among Canada’s leading immigration pathways. The success of the program is projected to continue.
Some factors that influence a CRS score cannot be changed. For instance, age, which a candidate obviously cannot change, is factored into a CRS score. However, a candidate can influence some areas that are factored into a CRS score, such as education. To provide details about their international education, a candidate can obtain an educational credential assessment (ECA).
An ECA can be acquired from an IRCC-designated provider such as World Education Services (WES).
When a candidate creates an Express Entry profile, they will also be able to identify any specific provinces and territories they are interested in moving to. Doing so will indicate to the chosen regional governments that a candidate has an interest in obtaining permanent residence in that province or territory.
Provinces and territories operating a PNP will occasionally review Express Entry profiles and offer nominations for potential immigration to that region.
In both cases, an ECA from WES will result in a higher CRS score and make an Express Entry candidate more appealing to provinces and territories, thereby increasing their chances of obtaining a PNP nomination.
For some PNP streams, an ECA must be obtained to meet the minimum requirements. For instance, if a candidate’s academic credentials were all earned in another country, the candidate will need to obtain an ECA to meet the required minimum entry criteria for an invitation to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
