Educational Credential Assessments for Foreign-Trained Architects: IRCC Announces Changes

What is an Educational Credential Assessment?

An educational credential assessment (ECA) is a framework used to assess if your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equal to a Canadian one. If you want your foreign education to be eligible for Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, you will need to get an ECA. 

There are different types of ECA, including an ECA for immigration purposes for Express Entry. This is the type of ECA that is impacted by the IRCC announcement for architects. 

Changes for Foreign-Trained Architects

CACB will become a designated organization for issuing ECAs for Architects starting May 20th, 2024. If an ECA report was issued for an Architect by another designated organization prior to May 2oth, 2024, it will remain valid until October 31, 2024. At this time, the applicant must apply for a new ECA report from the CACB.

CACB also administers the ‘Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program’. This program facilitates the registration process for internationally-trained architects who want to work as licensed architects in Canada. 

It is important to remember that receiving an ECA does not mean you are licensed to practice in a regulated profession in Canada. It is just one step in the process. Architects are regulated by the provincial or territorial government in Canada, so you will need to check with your planned destination to see what you will be required to do to get licensed in Canada. 

We are waiting for further information and announcements from CACB about its ECA program and will update this post in due course.