Step 3: Apply Online

Before you begin your online application, you should be prepared.

Online application checklist

Please note: each applicant must apply individually using a unique email address.  You cannot apply as a family or couple.

Go through our simple checklist to make sure you are ready to apply:

1. Know which credentials you want evaluated.
2. Have colour copies of documents ready in PDF format (5MB maximum size per file). To begin the application, a PDF copy will only act as a placeholder until the official document can be delivered directly from your educational institution or educational authority.
   Please have these PDF files prepared before application:
   1. Colour scans of identification
   2. Colour scans of academic records or transcripts (this PDF will act as a placeholder until the official document arrives)
   3. Colour scans of certificates, degrees or diplomas (this PDF will act as a placeholder until the official document arrives)
   4. Translations of the above documents if they are not in English
3. Have your credit card ready. Online applications accept payment by credit card only (Visa, Mastercard or American Express). Debit cards are not accepted for payment. You will be charged the applicable Service Fees. Don’t have a credit card? Apply by mail.

Processing time & application status

ECA processing times will depend on the current volume of applications.

ICES is only able to provide estimates of processing times. Please note that these processing times only begin once we have received your official documents and full payment.

Once an online application has been submitted, all future status updates will be provided on your online account. That is what should be checked if you would like to know whether or not your documents have been received. You can find out more information on our application status page.

Updating a general evaluation to a ECA application

If you have already completed an online application for a general evaluation, you may apply for an updated report online. This option is available in the ECA application online portal.

When applying for the updated ECA report, please be sure to include a colour photocopy of current, government issued photo identification containing your legal name and date of birth (eg. passport, national identification card, or driver’s license).

ECAs must be based on official documents sent directly from your institution to our office.

Final delivery of your ECA report

Once your ECA report is completed by ICES, it will be issued as an electronic copy, hard copy, or both, depending on what you have selected. If the electronic option was selected, a QR code will be added to your dashboard at the time of completion to access the final report. If a hard copy was selected, it will be sent by regular mail or by courier as per your selection. Regular mail does not require payment however, it also does not provide any tracking options. For an additional cost, ICES provides a courier delivery service that includes a tracking number.

ICES is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. It is your responsibility to keep ICES informed if your contact information or mailing address changes. Please contact ICES immediately in the event of an address change.

Courier deliveries cannot be made to post office box numbers. If your only address is a post office box, we will default to regular mail for the delivery of your assessment.