Your Complete Guide to Applying for WES Assessment in Canada
World Education Services (WES) assists international students and professionals in getting their academic qualifications recognized in Canada. Whether you plan to study, work, or immigrate to Canada, a WES evaluation can help you get there.
With the right guidance, you can streamline your WES application and avoid unnecessary delays. The aim of this guide is to walk you through the entire WES assessment process, offering tips, tricks, and essential information.
Key Takeaways
WES Evaluation Is Crucial: Whether you’re applying for a job, school, or immigration, a WES evaluation helps Canadian institutions understand your academic credentials.
Choose the Right Evaluation: Select the document-by-document evaluation for immigration or employment and the course-by-course evaluation for academic admissions.
Double-Check Everything: Accuracy is key. Double-check all information and documents before submission to avoid delays.
Processing Time: Expect the evaluation to take 1 to 5 weeks, depending on document accuracy and completeness.
What is WES and Why Do You Need It?
Applicants to schools, jobs, or immigration programs in Canada must have their academic credentials evaluated to ensure they meet Canadian standards. WES can help here. By translating your academic history into a format that Canadian institutions understand, WES makes it easier for them to recognize your qualifications.
Why is WES Evaluation Important?
There are different education systems in different countries. A bachelor’s degree in one country may be considered something entirely different in another. WES ensures that your hard-earned qualifications are accurately reflected in the Canadian context. Those applying through programs like Express Entry, where education plays a significant role in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), should take this into account.
Types of WES Evaluation Reports
There are two types of evaluation reports offered by WES, each tailored to a specific need:
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Document-by-Document evaluation
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Best for: Immigration and employment purposes.
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What It Includes: An overview of your academic documents, confirming their authenticity and providing equivalency for each credential.
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Course-by-Course Evaluation
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Best For: Academic admissions.
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What It Includes: A detailed breakdown of your courses, grades, and credit hours, translating them into their Canadian equivalents.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your WES Certificate
There are several steps involved in getting your WES certificate. Make sure you don’t miss anything by following this guide.
1. Create Your WES Account
The first step in your WES journey is creating an account on the WES website. This account will be your portal for managing your application, tracking your documents, and receiving your evaluation results.
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Pro Tip: Use an email address you check regularly. All relevant notifications and updates from WES will be sent there.
2. Get your application number.
WES will assign you an application number once you create your account and fill in your details. Make sure you include this number on all correspondence with WES and documents.
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Pro Tip: Write down this number or save it in a secure place. It’s your key to the entire evaluation process.
3. Submit Your Documents
The next step is to gather all the necessary documents. You typically need your transcripts, degree certificates, and any other relevant academic records. Send these directly to WES in a sealed envelope.
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Pro Tip: Double-check the WES documentation requirements specific to your country before sending anything. If your documents aren’t submitted correctly, delays could occur.
4. Ensure Documents Are Attested and Translated
Documents must be attested by an authorized body and translated into English or French if they aren’t already. Translating documents in another language will require a certified translator.
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Pro Tip: Some institutions offer to send your documents directly to WES on your behalf. This can be more efficient and ensure compliance with WES standards.
5. Accuracy Check Before Submission
Take a moment to review all your information before submitting anything. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes, discrepancies, or missing details.
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Pro tip: Small errors can lead to substantial delays. careful review now can save you headaches later.
6. Submit Your Application Online
Submit your application to the WES website once everything is ready. Your application will be finalized here after you’ve paid your fees.
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Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your payment receipt and application confirmation for your records.
Documents Required for WES Evaluation
For most applications, particularly immigration applications, you only need to submit your highest degree. To avoid submitting unnecessary documents, you should check the specific requirements for your program or purpose.
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Key Documents Include:
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Transcripts
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Degree certificates
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Proof of identity (if required).
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Any additional documents specified by WES for your country
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WES Canada Fees
WES evaluations cost approximately $200, not including courier fees. If you choose expedited processing or additional copies of your evaluation report, the final amount may vary.
WES Evaluation Processing Time
WES typically takes 1 to 5 weeks to process an evaluation after receiving and reviewing all required documents. Processing time can vary depending on your submission’s completeness and accuracy.
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Pro Tip: Delays can happen if documents aren’t submitted correctly or additional information is needed. Make sure to follow all the instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
1. Is WES Evaluation Mandatory for Canada PR?
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Answer: Yes, if you’re applying through the Express Entry Program, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES or another designated organization is required to verify your education credentials. It’s not mandatory for other immigration programs, like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. How Do I Send My Credentials to WES Canada?
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Answer: You need to request your educational institution send your documents directly to WES in a sealed and attested envelope. If you have the documents yourself, you can send them, but they must be in a sealed envelope with the institution’s stamp and signature.
3. How Can I Track My WES Application?
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Answer: You can track the status of your documents and evaluation by logging into your WES account on their official website. Updates are typically provided once documents are received and reviewed.
Final Thoughts
Anyone wanting to move ahead with their Canadian dream, whether it’s through education, employment, or permanent residency, must apply for a WES evaluation. The following guide will assist you with the application process so that it goes smoothly and without hassle. You should take your time, check all the details, and use the resources provided by WES to make the most of your evaluation.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about applying for a WES assessment in Canada. Visit WES’s website for more information or to apply.
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