International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
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International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) is a trusted organization that evaluates educational credentials earned outside of Canada. On this page, we will explore the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and more about ICES, as it plays a crucial role in recognizing and evaluating international qualifications.
What is the International Credential Evaluation Service?
The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) evaluates the educational credentials of individuals who completed their education outside Canada. They provide detailed reports comparing qualifications to the Canadian education system, helping individuals and organizations understand equivalency and authenticity.
What are the uses of International Credential Evaluation Service?
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) serves a crucial purpose in facilitating the recognition and comparability of educational credentials obtained outside of Canada. The primary uses of ICES Canada are as follows:
- Immigration: ICES plays a vital role in the immigration process, providing the mandatory Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for applicants. It helps immigration authorities evaluate foreign credentials and ensure equivalency to Canadian standards.
- Educational Institutions: Canadian educational institutions use ICES reports to assess international students' qualifications for admissions, credit transfers, and program placements.
- Professional Licensing Bodies: ICES reports support individuals seeking professional licensure by providing comprehensive assessments of their credentials, and helping licensing bodies determine eligibility.
- Employment: ICES reports aid employers and agencies in evaluating the educational qualifications of foreign-trained individuals, ensuring alignment with job requirements.
- Government Services: ICES evaluation reports may be required by government agencies for various purposes, such as determining eligibility for certain programs or benefits that rely on educational qualifications.
- Personal and Career Development: ICES evaluations are valuable for individuals assessing their foreign educational credentials in the Canadian context for personal and career development. They offer a comprehensive evaluation, helping individuals understand equivalency and plan educational or career paths.
Types of International Credential Evaluation Service
The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) offers different types of evaluations to cater to various needs. The three main types of ICES evaluations are:
1. Basic Evaluation
ICES offers a simplified assessment of educational credentials, verifying their authenticity and providing general information on the level, field, and completion date. It is useful for personal reference, career planning, or supporting employment purposes.
2. Comprehensive Evaluation
ICES provides a detailed assessment, thoroughly evaluating educational credentials, including grades and courses completed. The report offers an in-depth equivalency analysis based on Canadian educational standards. It is commonly used for admissions, credit transfers, or professional licensing.
3. Immigration Evaluation (ECA)
The Immigration Evaluation, or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), is required by IRCC for immigration to Canada. It assesses foreign educational credentials, providing an equivalency assessment to Canadian standards. It helps immigration authorities determine the authenticity and comparability of qualifications for immigration purposes.
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Documents Required for International Credential Evaluation Service
The specific documents required for an international credential evaluation service may vary depending on the service and the purpose of the evaluation. However, in general, the following documents are commonly required:
- Official academic transcripts: These are official records of your academic achievements, including courses taken, grades received, and degrees earned. They should be issued by the educational institution you attended.
- Degree certificates: These are official documents that confirm the completion of a degree program. They should be issued by the educational institution and indicate the type of degree earned (e.g., bachelor's, master's, etc)
- Course descriptions or syllabi: Some evaluation services may require detailed course descriptions for each course you have taken. These documents provide information about, and assessment methods of each course.
- English translations: If your original documents are not in English, you may need to provide certified translations. These translations should accurately reflect the content of the original documents.
- Identification documents: You would need to provide a copy of your passport or other identification documents to verify your identity.
- Application form: Most evaluation services will require you to complete an application form, providing your personal information, educational background, and the of the evaluation.
How to Apply for International Credential Evaluation Service?
To apply for an international credential evaluation service, you can follow these general steps:
- Research evaluation services: Start by researching different evaluation services to find one that meets your needs. Look for services that are recognized and accepted by the institution or organization you are applying to.
- Gather required documents: Review the list of required documents for the evaluation service you have chosen. Collect all the documents such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, course, and identification documents.
- Complete the form: Fill out the application form provided by the evaluation service. Provide accurate and complete information about your educational background, personal details, and the purpose of the evaluation.
- Pay the application fee: To apply for evaluation services you would need to pay the application fee. Pay the fee using the accepted payment methods specified by the service. Keep a record of the payment for future reference.
- Submit the application: Send your completed form, along with all the required documents and the application fee, to the evaluation service. Follow the instructions provided by the service for submitting the application, whether it is through mail, email, or an online portal.
- Track the progress: After submitting your application, you may receive a confirmation or reference number. Use this number to track the progress of your evaluation. Some services provide online portals where you can check the status of your application.
- Wait for evaluation: Wait for the time depending on the service and the complexity of your credentials. wait for the evaluation report to be completed.
- Receive the evaluation report: Once the evaluation is complete, you will receive a report from the This report will provide an assessment of your credentials, including the equivalency of your degrees and grades in the country where you are applying.
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) Evaluation Fees
The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) evaluation fees can vary depending on the type of evaluation and the speed of service. Here is a breakdown of ICES fees as per different types of evaluations:
- Basic Report: The fee for a Basic report from ICES is $128 CAD per credential. It includes two hard copy evaluation report copies with regular mail postage, but it's not trackable. Each credential incurs a separate fee of $128 CAD.
- Comprehensive Report: The fee for a Comprehensive report from ICES is $230 CAD per credential. It includes two hard copy evaluation report copies with regular mail postage, but it's not trackable. Each credential incurs a separate fee of $230 CAD.
- Upgrade from Basic to Comprehensive: Upgrading from Basic to Comprehensive report costs $153 CAD per credential. It includes two hard copy evaluation report copies with regular mail postage.
- Canceled Application Administration Fee: In the event of a canceled application, a minimum fee of $75 CAD will be charged as an administration fee.
- Courier Delivery: To receive your original documents and/or the final Basic or Comprehensive report, you have the option to choose between regular mail or courier service. ICES offers courier delivery for an additional cost once the evaluation is complete. The courier delivery fees are as follows:
- Domestic Courier within Canada: $26.00 CAD
- US and International Courier: $75.00 CAD
ICES Processing Time
ICES evaluation timelines begin once all required items, including the application form, payment, identification, and mandatory documents, are received. Delivery time for the final report is not included in the processing times.
For a Basic Evaluation Assessment, the estimated processing time is approximately 4 weeks from the date when all required documents are received.
For a Comprehensive Evaluation Assessment, the estimated processing time is around 7 weeks from the date when all required documents are received.
Please keep in mind that these timelines serve as estimates and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each evaluation request.
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FAQs on ICES Canada
Q 1: When does my ICES assessment process start?
The processing time for your ICES assessment begins once ICES receives your completed application, required documents (original or official), and full payment of fees.
Q 2: Can I retrieve my official documents after submission?
No, any official documents received directly from your institution become the property of ICES and will not be returned to the client.
Q 3: How long does it take to receive a refund?
For clients who applied online, refunds typically take approximately 4 weeks to be credited back to your credit card. For clients expecting a refund by mail, or via cheque, it may take 4-8 weeks.
Q 4: I already have a previous ICES evaluation. Can I upgrade it to an ECA?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade a previous ICES evaluation to an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). The fee for this upgrade is $150 CAD per credential, and the processing time is the same as that of a new ECA application.
Q 5: How do I determine the type of ICES evaluation I need?
If you do not require a list of your courses, a Basic Evaluation will suffice. However, if the recipient requires details such as your courses, grades, and credits, a Comprehensive Evaluation is more appropriate.
Q 6: I don't have all the necessary documents. Can ICES still complete my evaluation?
In rare cases, ICES may be able to complete an evaluation based on photocopies or incomplete documents. However, this depends on what has been submitted and the specific requirements of the organization you are applying to.
Q 7: What is the distinction between regular mail and courier service?
Regular mail service is provided by the local postal service at no additional charge, but it is not trackable. On the other hand, courier service is available for a fee ($26 domestic and $75 international) and offers tracking capabilities.
Q 8: What happens if my documents are damaged during transit?
ICES cannot be held responsible for any damage sustained by documents during transit caused by factors such as weather, postal services, or courier companies. This applies to both incoming and outgoing documents.
Q 9: Will ICES notify me by email when my documents are received?
No, for clients who applied online, status updates will be provided through the online dashboard. Clients who applied by mail will not have access to an online status update.
Q 10: Can I pay online if I choose to send my ICES application and documents by mail?
No, the payment must be made using the same method as the application submission. If you choose to apply by mail, the payment must be included in the application package.
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