The Canadian government is changing the rules for international architects to settle in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will designate a new professional body to issue educational credential assessments (ECAs) for architects interested in immigrating to Canada.
An Educational credential assessment (ECA) is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one. There are different types of ECAs. You need to get an ECA for immigration purposes.
As part of the eligibility criteria for economic permanent residence programs, applicants must demonstrate that their foreign degrees, diplomas or certificates are authentic and equivalent to Canadian credentials. Applicants can do this by obtaining an ECA from an IRCC-designated multi-purpose ECA organization or professional body.
As of May 20, 2024, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) will be designated by the Minister to issue ECAs for applicants who have identified the National Occupational Classification (NOC) of Architects (code 21200) as their primary occupation.
ECAs issued by the CACB will determine how foreign educational credentials compare to Canadian credentials needed to practice architecture. ECAs are also recognized as a step in the licensing process for architects.
You must include your ECA report and the reference number in your Express Entry profile. Your ECA report may help when you’re looking for a job. But, it doesn’t guarantee that you will get a job in your field, or at a certain level and that you will get a license to practice in a regulated profession (job).
You will need to have your credentials assessed if you immigrate to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker or come to Canada to work in a certain profession or trade and even for studying in Canada.