If you’re applying for PR in Canada through Express Entry, WES will likely be on your checklist. The process is straightforward. However, one small mistake can delay your application by months or cost you extra money.
So, in this guide, you’ll learn what WES is, what documents you need, how much it costs, and how to do it right the first time.
What Is WES, and Do You Actually Need It?
World Education Services (WES) provides an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). In simple terms, it confirms that your foreign degree matches a Canadian credential.
You need WES if you:
Apply through Express Entry (FSWP, CEC)
Want to claim education points for yourself or your spouse
Apply under a PNP that requires an ECA
On the other hand, you do NOT need WES if you:
Studied in Canada
Apply through a pathway that does not give education points
In most cases, skilled worker applicants must complete WES before submitting an Express Entry profile.
Choosing the Right WES Product (The #1 Mistake)
This is where most people make mistakes.
WES offers different types of evaluations. However, if you choose the wrong one, your report will not work for immigration, and you will have to pay again.
For PR, you need:
ECA for IRCC (Document-by-Document)
Not:
Education evaluations
Employment reports
In addition, Course-by-Course reports are only useful for licensing or further studies, not for Express Entry.
Want the full walkthrough? Watch our step-by-step WES video on the MPM YouTube channel: How To Apply for WES (Step by Step Guide 2026)
Documents You Need
In most cases, you only need two documents:
Degree certificate → you upload it
Official transcripts → your university sends them directly to WES
Important rules:
Only your highest completed degree is required
You usually don’t need Grade 10 or 12 documents
If your documents are not in English or French, you must provide a certified translation
Your transcripts must include all subjects, even failed ones
Because every institution is different, always check your requirements using the WES Required Documents tool.
Step-by-Step WES Application Process
Step 1: Create your account
Go to wes.org, choose Canada, and select ECA for IRCC.
Step 2: Enter your education details
Make sure your name matches your passport exactly. Otherwise, WES may reject your application.
Step 3: Pay the fee
The base fee is about $240 CAD + tax. In addition, you may pay for courier delivery, extra copies, or university fees.
Step 4: Request your transcripts
Download the Academic Records Request Form and send it to your university.
Step 5: Send transcripts to WES
Your university must send them directly. They can use:
A sealed envelope (do not open it)
Digital platforms like Parchment, Digitary, or MyCreds
Step 6: Track your application
Use your reference number to check your status. Once WES receives all documents, processing takes about 20 to 35 business days.
How Much Does WES Cost?
Base fee: ~$240 CAD + tax
Extra costs: courier, translations, transcript fees
To save money, choose standard delivery.
To move faster, use digital delivery options.
Most importantly, people pay twice because they:
Choose the wrong product
Send documents incorrectly
Let their account expire after 180 days
How Long Does WES Take? (Realistic Timeline)
In total, the process takes about 1 to 3 months.
Once WES receives your documents, it usually takes 20 to 35 business days to process them.
However, delays often happen because:
Universities take too long
Names don’t match across documents
Some regions have slower processing systems
To avoid delays, send correct documents the first time and use digital delivery when possible.
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
Avoid these common errors:
Sending transcripts yourself instead of through your university
Forgetting to include your WES reference number
Using a different name from your passport
Opening a sealed transcript envelope
Choosing the wrong WES product
Letting your account expire
Even one mistake can delay your PR by months.
Special Cases: Quick Answers
Multiple degrees: include all in one application
Online education: accepted if the institution is recognized
Name change: add your previous name to your WES account
Failed subjects: must appear on transcripts
Closed institutions: you still need official records
After You Get Your ECA
Your WES report includes:
Canadian equivalency
Reference number
Credential summary
Then, you enter this information into your Express Entry profile.
Your ECA stays valid for 5 years.
WES vs. Other ECA Providers
WES is the most common option for Express Entry. However, you can also consider:
IQAS
CES
ICAS
In some cases, these options may give better results depending on your degree.
Also, regulated professions (like doctors or pharmacists) require different assessments, such as MCC or PEBC.
Final Thoughts
Applying for WES is not difficult. However, small mistakes can cost you time and money.
So, take your time, follow each step carefully, and double-check everything before submitting.
If you are navigating Express Entry and want personalized guidance on your PR journey, feel free to book a discovery call with our team to see if MPM is the right fit for you.
Are You Learning French for PR or Government Opportunities in Canada?
If you’re planning to learn French for PR or government opportunities in Canada and want personalized guidance, feel free to book a discovery call with our team to see if the MPM French Community is the right fit for you.
TL;DR
- What is WES? World Education Services provides an ECA to verify foreign degrees for Canadian immigration.
- Who needs it? Anyone applying through Express Entry who wants to claim education points.
- Which product? ECA for IRCC, Document-by-Document. Nothing else.
- How long? 20 to 35 business days once all documents are received. Total: 1 to 3 months.
- How much? Approximately $240 CAD + HST, plus potential transcript and courier fees.
- How long is it valid? 5 years.
Biggest mistake? Choosing the wrong WES product or sending transcripts yourself.
