For many internationally educated professionals aiming to settle and work in Canada, the recognition of foreign qualifications is a crucial part of the journey. The International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) plays a pivotal role in this process. ICAS is a recognized authority in evaluating educational credentials obtained outside Canada and is often used for immigration purposes, employment, further education, and professional licensing. Navigating the ICAS process can be complex, especially when seeking professional designation recognition. This article explores everything an applicant needs to know—from application steps and document submission to the use of ICAS reports by regulatory bodies—offering clarity and guidance for internationally trained professionals seeking to establish themselves in Canada’s professional landscape.
What Is ICAS of Canada?
The International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS) is a designated organization that assesses academic credentials obtained outside of Canada and compares them to Canadian educational standards. ICAS provides several types of credential assessment reports, including the General Assessment Report, Secondary School Report, Postsecondary Education Report, and the Comprehensive Assessment Report. ICAS is one of the organizations designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) required for immigration through programs like the Express Entry system. For professionals seeking licensure in Canada, an ICAS report can also be a required step for regulatory bodies to recognize academic qualifications. More information can be found on the official ICAS website.
Why Choose ICAS for Credential Recognition?
ICAS is widely recognized by Canadian academic institutions, employers, and professional regulatory organizations. While other credential assessment agencies exist—such as World Education Services (WES), Comparative Education Service (CES), and International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)—ICAS offers comprehensive evaluations that can be especially useful for professions requiring detailed course-by-course analysis. Professionals in fields such as teaching, engineering, accounting, and architecture may benefit from using ICAS because of its credibility among provincial regulatory bodies. ICAS is also known for its thorough evaluation processes, which help ensure that foreign qualifications are fairly and accurately compared to Canadian standards.
ICAS Assessment Types Relevant for Professionals
ICAS provides various types of assessment reports, but for professional designation purposes, two are most commonly used:
- Comprehensive Assessment Report: This is a course-by-course analysis of postsecondary credentials and is typically required by professional licensing bodies. It includes details on courses completed, grades, and Canadian equivalencies.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Immigration: This report is used by IRCC to assess eligibility for immigration under programs like Express Entry. Although it may not be detailed enough for professional licensing, it is a prerequisite for many immigration pathways.
Individuals seeking professional designation may need to obtain both types of assessments—first to immigrate and then to get licensed in their profession.
ICAS and Professional Licensing Bodies
In Canada, many professions are regulated by provincial regulatory bodies that set standards for practice and licensure. These organizations often require internationally educated applicants to submit foreign credential assessments from ICAS or another recognized service. Examples of such professions include:
- Teaching: Provincial teacher certification boards, such as the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), may require a comprehensive ICAS report.
- Engineering: Some provincial engineering regulators (e.g., Professional Engineers Ontario) accept ICAS assessments as part of the licensure application.
- Accounting: Designations like CPA may consider ICAS reports in evaluating academic credentials.
- Healthcare: While many healthcare professions have their own credential evaluation systems, some allied health roles still utilize ICAS evaluations.
Applicants should consult the regulatory body of their profession to confirm whether ICAS is accepted and which type of report is required.
Step-by-Step Guide to the ICAS Application Process
Step 1: Identify the Purpose of the Assessment
Before starting, determine whether the assessment is for immigration, employment, education, or professional licensing. This will determine the type of report you need. For professional designation, the Comprehensive Assessment Report is usually required. For immigration, you will need the ECA Report.
Step 2: Create an Online Account
Go to the ICAS online portal and create a user profile. Provide accurate personal details, select your purpose for assessment, and specify the type of report you need. ICAS offers options to add multiple purposes in one application for an additional fee.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You’ll need to gather academic credentials, including:
- Degree or diploma certificates
- Official academic transcripts
- Any professional licenses or registration certificates (if relevant)
- Certified translations for documents not in English or French
ICAS requires that documents be sent directly from the issuing institution or examination authority, not from the applicant, to ensure authenticity. Applicants should check the ICAS document requirements page for country-specific submission rules.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
ICAS assessment fees vary depending on the report type. As of now, the Comprehensive Report costs approximately CAD 220, while the ECA Report for immigration purposes costs CAD 150. There may be additional fees for extra copies, rush service, courier delivery, or evaluation of more than one credential. Applicants can pay online using a credit card.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing times can vary. On average, ICAS takes 12–20 weeks to complete a comprehensive assessment, depending on document verification and institutional response times. For immigration ECAs, processing time is generally shorter—6–8 weeks. Applicants can check their application status by logging into their ICAS portal account. During processing, ICAS may request additional information or clarification, so applicants should monitor their emails regularly.
Step 6: Receive the Final Report
Once completed, ICAS sends the report to the applicant and any designated recipients (e.g., IRCC or regulatory bodies). The report outlines the Canadian equivalency of the foreign credential, courses completed, grades, and overall academic standing. This document can then be submitted as part of professional licensing or immigration applications.
Tips for a Smooth ICAS Application Experience
- Start Early: Because of long processing times, it’s best to initiate the application well in advance, especially if required for licensing exams or immigration deadlines.
- Follow Country-Specific Guidelines: ICAS has detailed country-by-country instructions on how documents must be submitted. Follow these precisely to avoid delays.
- Use Courier Delivery: Sending documents via tracked courier services ensures faster and more secure delivery.
- Maintain Consistent Communication: Respond promptly to requests from ICAS for additional documentation or clarification.
- Keep Copies: Always keep personal copies of all academic documents and translations.
- Verify Acceptance by Regulatory Body: Before selecting ICAS, confirm that your professional licensing board accepts its assessments.
ICAS ECA for Immigration and Express Entry
For immigration purposes, ICAS is designated by IRCC to provide ECA reports. The ECA is mandatory for the principal applicant in Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and can contribute to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The ECA is valid for five years from the date of issue and must show that the foreign credential is equivalent to a completed Canadian secondary or postsecondary credential. Applicants should select IRCC as a recipient during the ICAS application to ensure that the ECA is sent directly for immigration processing. More information is available on the IRCC ECA requirements page.
Renewing or Updating an ICAS Report
ICAS reports are valid indefinitely for most professional purposes but must be updated if additional credentials are obtained or if required by a licensing body. For immigration, ECAs have a five-year validity and can be updated upon request. Applicants can log in to their ICAS account and apply for an update or additional copies of their report. Additional credentials can also be added to an existing assessment for a supplementary fee.
ICAS vs. Other Credential Assessment Agencies
While ICAS is widely recognized, there are other options depending on the purpose of the assessment:
- World Education Services (WES): Known for fast processing, especially for immigration
- Comparative Education Service (CES): University of Toronto-affiliated and popular among academic institutions
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS): Alberta-based, used for employment and immigration
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES): BC-based, accepted by provincial institutions
Applicants should consider processing times, report types offered, and the specific requirements of their destination institution or regulator when choosing an agency.
ICAS and Foreign-Trained Teachers
Teachers trained outside Canada often require an ICAS Comprehensive Report when applying for certification with provincial bodies like the Ontario College of Teachers or the British Columbia Teacher Regulation Branch. These regulators evaluate whether the candidate’s academic background meets Canadian teaching standards. ICAS provides a detailed analysis of teacher training programs, course content, and practicum experience. Candidates may also need to complete additional exams or professional development before receiving full certification to teach in Canada.
ICAS for Engineering and Technical Professions
In engineering, foreign-trained professionals often apply for licensure through provincial regulators like Engineers Canada or Professional Engineers Ontario. ICAS assessments are used to evaluate academic equivalency, while work experience and language proficiency are reviewed separately. Some engineering technologists and technicians may apply through bodies like the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), which also accept ICAS assessments. Foreign-trained engineers may be required to complete additional coursework or exams before licensure.
Limitations of ICAS Assessments
ICAS evaluates academic credentials but does not assess work experience, professional skills, or job readiness. A favorable assessment does not guarantee employment or automatic professional recognition. Regulatory bodies may still require:
- Proof of practical experience
- Licensing exams or interviews
- Language testing (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Bridging programs or internships
Applicants should view the ICAS report as one component of a broader professional recognition process and prepare for additional requirements accordingly.
Conclusion
The ICAS credential assessment process is a critical step for internationally trained professionals who wish to immigrate to Canada, obtain licensure, or pursue academic or professional opportunities. While the process involves careful preparation and patience, understanding how ICAS works can help applicants avoid delays and ensure their qualifications are fairly recognized. Whether applying for immigration through Express Entry, seeking professional designation in teaching, engineering, or accounting, or planning to further one’s education, ICAS provides a trusted, comprehensive evaluation service that opens the door to a range of Canadian opportunities. With proper documentation, adherence to ICAS guidelines, and alignment with regulatory body expectations, internationally educated professionals can navigate the credential recognition journey successfully and build fulfilling careers in Canada.
