Alberta is one of Canada’s most desirable provinces for newcomers, offering high employment opportunities, a relatively low cost of living, and a variety of immigration streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
One key requirement for many Alberta immigration streams, especially under the Alberta Express Entry Stream, is the submission of an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)—a process that verifies whether your foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
If you’re applying under AAIP or through Express Entry while intending to settle in Alberta, IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service) is one of the five IRCC-designated organizations authorized to issue ECAs. This guide explains everything you need to know about IQAS’s requirements, process, and how it ties into Alberta’s provincial nomination.
What is IQAS and Why Is It Important?
IQAS is a credential evaluation service managed by the Government of Alberta. It assesses international educational credentials and compares them to Canadian standards, providing an official report that can be used for:
- Immigration purposes
- Employment
- Further education
For Alberta PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) applicants, an IQAS ECA is a crucial document that proves the value of your international degree in Canadian terms.
IQAS and the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program includes several streams targeting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates. While not all streams require an ECA, having one strengthens your profile, especially if you’re applying through Express Entry-aligned programs.
Streams That May Require an ECA:
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Alberta Opportunity Stream (if education is foreign)
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
When Should You Use IQAS for Alberta Nomination?
IQAS is especially helpful for applicants who:
- Intend to live and work in Alberta
- Have completed education outside of Canada
- Need an ECA for Express Entry profile creation
- Want to apply for AAIP nomination and are already residing in Alberta
Although other services like WES or ICES are also IRCC-approved, IQAS may offer regional processing insights and potentially smoother communication if you are already in Alberta.
Step-by-Step Guide to the IQAS Assessment Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Assessment Type
IQAS provides assessments for:
- Immigration Purposes (ECA)
- Employment, Licensing, or Education
You must choose the “IQAS ECA for Immigration” when applying for AAIP or Express Entry.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
IQAS has specific document requirements based on the country where you obtained your credentials. In general, you will need:
- Government-issued ID (e.g., passport)
- Final degree certificate or diploma
- Official academic transcripts
These must either be:
- Sent directly by your educational institution, or
- Verified through a notary or authorized body in your country and submitted in a sealed envelope.
🔗 IQAS Country-Specific Requirements
Step 3: Translate Documents (If Not in English or French)
All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. IQAS only accepts:
- Translations completed by certified translators in Canada, or
- Official institutional translations with a verification stamp/seal
Make sure your translations include original language documents, as translations alone will not be assessed.
Step 4: Submit an Online Application
You must apply through the IQAS online portal.
Here’s what the online application will require:
- Personal information and contact details
- Purpose of assessment (select “Immigration to Canada”)
- List of credentials
- Payment of processing fee
Step 5: Pay the Assessment Fee
As of the latest update, the IQAS ECA processing fee is:
- CAD $200 per application
- Plus CAD $15 per additional copy (optional)
- Shipping fees vary depending on domestic or international delivery
IQAS accepts credit cards and some debit cards for online payments.
Step 6: Mail Your Documents
Once you’ve completed the online application, you’ll be instructed to mail your documents to the IQAS office:
Mailing Address:
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Government of Alberta
9942 108 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J5
Canada
Use a reliable courier with tracking to avoid delays. Be sure to include your IQAS reference number.
How Long Does IQAS Take?
IQAS processing times vary depending on demand, document quality, and country of origin. On average:
- ECA for Immigration: 12–20 weeks from the date IQAS receives all required documents.
You can track your application through the IQAS online account, but IQAS does not provide updates by phone.
IQAS Assessment Results
Once your documents have been reviewed, IQAS will issue an ECA report that includes:
- Your name
- Canadian equivalency of your credential
- Institution and program name
- Report number (used in Express Entry)
You will receive both:
- A paper report (shipped to your address)
- A PDF version via your account
IQAS will also send your report directly to IRCC, which you can use in your Express Entry or AAIP application.
Using IQAS ECA for Express Entry and Alberta Nomination
Once you receive your IQAS ECA, you can:
- Create or update your Express Entry profile
- Enter your ECA number and date of issue
- Indicate your educational level equivalency in CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score calculations
Having a Canadian equivalency of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD will add significant points to your CRS score.
If Alberta issues a Notification of Interest (NOI) based on your Express Entry profile, you can then apply for the AAIP stream with your IQAS ECA included.
Special Considerations for IQAS and AAIP
1. Document Consistency
Ensure the name on your IQAS application, passport, and Express Entry profile matches exactly. Any discrepancy could delay your application or lead to rejection.
2. Validity Period
IQAS ECAs are valid for 5 years. If you apply for Express Entry during this period, you do not need a new report.
3. Incomplete Credential Issues
If you only submit partial education or non-recognized institutions, IQAS may:
- Issue a partial report
- Decline to assess
- Require further documentation
Always check whether your school is recognized in your home country.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending transcripts yourself instead of your school → invalid
- Missing translations → delays or rejection
- Wrong purpose of assessment (must select “immigration”)
- Not checking country-specific requirements
- Submitting fake or altered documents → permanent ban from IQAS and IRCC
IQAS vs. Other ECA Providers
IQAS is one of five IRCC-approved credential evaluators. Others include:
- WES (World Education Services)
- ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service)
- CES (Comparative Education Service)
- MCC (Medical Council of Canada) — for physicians only
- PEBC (Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada) — for pharmacists only
Why Choose IQAS?
- Alberta-based; more localized service
- Good fit if you plan to stay in Alberta
- Government-run (not-for-profit)
However, if you need faster service or your occupation is regulated, WES or another organization may be better suited.
🔗 Designated Organizations for ECA
IQAS and Professional Licensing in Alberta
While IQAS is typically used for immigration purposes, it may also help when applying for regulated professions in Alberta, such as:
- Engineering
- Education
- Accounting
- Healthcare professions (non-physician)
Some professional licensing bodies may accept the IQAS report to begin credential comparison before entering licensing programs.
FAQs About IQAS for Alberta Immigration
1. Can I use IQAS if I already live outside Canada?
Yes. IQAS accepts applications from around the world and ships internationally.
2. Can I expedite my application?
No. IQAS does not offer expedited services. Planning ahead is crucial.
3. Is a WES report acceptable for AAIP?
Yes, any IRCC-approved ECA provider is accepted, but if you plan to live in Alberta, IQAS may be the most convenient.
4. Will IQAS assess vocational or technical diplomas?
Yes, if the institution is government-recognized. However, not all such diplomas equate to post-secondary Canadian education.
Final Thoughts: Is IQAS Right for You?
If you’re serious about immigrating to Alberta and need to prove your educational qualifications, IQAS is a reliable, regionally appropriate choice. While processing times can be long, the service is trusted and recognized both provincially and nationally.
To maximize your chances of a successful Alberta PNP application:
- Start your IQAS application early
- Follow document instructions to the letter
- Use your ECA to build a strong Express Entry profile
For those aiming to build a new life in Alberta, IQAS could be your first major step toward Canadian permanent residency.
Helpful Links Recap
- 🔗 IQAS for Immigration
- 🔗 IQAS Country-Specific Requirements
- 🔗 Apply to IQAS Online
- 🔗 Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
- 🔗 IRCC Designated ECA Organizations
