How to Obtain Canadian Credential Recognition? WES and Other Institutions

For individuals aiming to study in Canada, practice a licensed profession, or apply for immigration, one of the most crucial steps they encounter is having their diplomas and academic documents recognized by Canada. A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree earned in Turkey through years of hard work and dedication may have strong academic value, but it will not necessarily be automatically recognized as equivalent in Canada. The primary reason is that each country’s education system operates with its own standards, content, and evaluation criteria.

This is where the credential recognition process comes into play. It determines the official Canadian equivalent of your education obtained in Turkey. Employers, universities, and immigration officers in Canada use this equivalency report as a primary document when evaluating your applications. This report is known as an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and is issued by certain authorized institutions recognized in Canada.

At C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada, since 2008, we have supported hundreds of clients from Turkey throughout the credential recognition process. Acknowledging that credential recognition is not just a piece of paper but a cornerstone of your academic, professional, and immigration journey in Canada, we plan the process meticulously and manage every step (from preparing documents to tracking applications) together with our clients. Let’s now review this process step-by-step.

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Why Is Credential Recognition Necessary?

Your diploma may have earned you professional status, academic prestige, and career opportunities in Turkey. However, because Canada has a different educational structure and evaluation system, the exact level your diploma corresponds to must be officially determined. Canadian institutions and authorities focus not only on the existence of your diploma but also on its equivalency within the Canadian education system.

For this reason, credential recognition is indispensable for the steps you will take in your new life in Canada. It plays a decisive role particularly in the following three areas:

Immigration Applications

Under Canada’s skilled immigration system especially for those applying through programs under Express Entry providing credential recognition is mandatory. Without an ECA report, the system will not even consider your application. In addition, credential recognition directly affects your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score, which is crucial for immigration ranking. For example, there can be a difference of dozens of points between a candidate who only holds equivalency for a bachelor’s degree and one who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degree equivalencies. This difference can determine whether or not you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for immigration.

Higher Education Applications

For those planning to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in Canada, credential recognition is the first step of the application process. Canadian universities require international applicants to document how their previous education compares to Canadian standards. The ECA report serves as the most important document that confirms your academic eligibility and strengthens your university applications.

Licensed Professions

In Canada, regulated professions such as engineering, architecture, teaching, and pharmacy require registration with the relevant professional associations. These bodies will not process your registration without credential recognition. Therefore, an ECA report is necessary not only for immigration purposes but also to practice your profession.

In short, credential recognition is not just a document it is the foundation for building a sustainable, legal, and reputable life in Canada.

What Is WES and How to Apply?

While there are several authorized institutions that provide credential recognition, the most preferred by applicants from Turkey is World Education Services (WES). (Other IRCC-approved organizations such as IQAS, ICES, and CES are also valid.) WES is recognized and approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and has successfully processed credential evaluations for thousands of international applicants over the years.

The WES application process involves several key steps that require attention and planning:

1. Creating an Account: Visit the official WES website and create a user account. You will use this account to apply, track your documents, and view your final report. Once registered, the system assigns you a unique Reference Number, which will be used on all documents and communications.

2. Selecting the Report Type: WES offers different types of reports for different purposes. If applying for immigration, you must select “ECA Application for IRCC.” This ensures that a copy of your report is sent directly to the IRCC.

3. Payment of Fees: A fee must be paid for your application to be processed. This can be paid securely by credit card via your WES account. The fee includes both the evaluation service and document delivery costs.

4. Sending the Documents: This is one of the most critical stages. Some documents must be sent directly by your university, while others must be sent by you. We will cover these details in the next section.

5. Tracking the Process: Once all documents have been sent, you can track the status of your application via your WES account. The system will regularly update whether your documents have been received and whether the evaluation has started.

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Preparing and Translating Documents

For a successful WES application, documents must be prepared in the correct format, submitted on time, and without omissions. Key points to consider include:

Transcript (Academic Record):This must be prepared by your university’s Registrar’s Office, placed in a sealed and official envelope, stamped and signed, and sent directly to WES. If the envelope passes through your hands, it becomes invalid. The university must send it directly to WES’s office in Canada.

Diploma Copy:You must send a readable copy of your diploma or temporary graduation certificate directly to WES by mail. Include the Academic Records Request Form downloaded from your WES account, which contains your Reference Number.

Translation Requirements:Some universities issue documents in English. If your documents are prepared in both Turkish and English, no additional translation is required. However, if they are only in Turkish, they must be translated into English by a sworn translator, and the translations must be sent along with the original documents.

Which Educational Institutions Are Recognized by WES?

One of the most common questions when starting the credential recognition process is whether your university is recognized by WES. The evaluation process applies only to institutions listed in WES’s database. Therefore, it is essential to check whether your school meets these criteria before you begin.

Generally, most state and foundation universities in Turkey recognized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) are included in WES’s system. However, this is not a guarantee for every institution or program. Some private universities or distance education programs may require special evaluation.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can use WES’s online Free Degree Equivalency Tool. By entering your country, university name, and program, you can check whether your education is recognized by WES, saving time and money and ensuring a smoother process.

How Long Does Credential Recognition Take?

WES clearly states that the evaluation period begins only after all required documents have been received in complete and correct form. This highlights the importance of avoiding errors during document submission.

Once all documents are in order, the average processing time is 35 to 45 business days. However, factors such as document volume, holiday periods, internal approvals, and the speed at which your university sends documents may cause delays.

In some cases—especially if universities are slow to send documents or envelopes do not meet format requirements—the application may be put on hold, potentially extending the process by several months. Therefore, we recommend starting your credential recognition application at least 3–4 months in advance of your intended immigration, study, or employment timeline.

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How Does Credential Recognition Affect Immigration and Education?

Obtaining an ECA report is not merely an administrative formality it is a strategic advantage that shapes your academic and professional life in Canada. The benefits vary depending on your purpose:

In Immigration Applications: Increases CRS points in the Express Entry system. A candidate with both bachelor’s and master’s degree equivalencies can score 30–50 points more than a candidate with only a bachelor’s equivalency.

In Higher Education Applications: Strengthens your application by demonstrating academic compatibility. Admissions committees use ECA reports to assess the equivalency of prior education.

In Licensed Professions: Mandatory for registration in regulated professions such as engineering, teaching, architecture, and pharmacy, enabling you to officially begin working in Canada.

Turning Your Academic Background into a Strong Foundation in Canada

For anyone seeking to study, obtain permanent residency, or continue their profession in Canada, credential recognition is both the starting point and a key factor in ensuring success. This process ensures that your years of effort and knowledge are accurately represented and valued within the Canadian system.

Small mistakes such as incorrect document preparation, translation errors, or submission issues can cause significant delays or cancellations. That’s why managing this process with the support of experienced consultants can make it safer and more efficient in the long run.

At C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada, we treat credential recognition not just as document preparation, but as part of a strategic plan directly tied to your Canadian goals. We guide you not only in preparing the documents but also in integrating them into your immigration application, academic path, or professional journey.

If you want your academic and professional background to be recognized in Canada and aim to complete this process quickly, securely, and effectively, you can contact us. Together, we can determine the best steps for you and lay a strong foundation for your life in Canada.

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