A Comprehensive Guide on WES Evaluation

Every international student knows the challenges and the rigorous application process that come with pursuing higher education abroad.

The aspirants of Canada and the United States, however, have a swift evaluator, making it easy for them to equate their studies to the education system of the United States. 

World Education Services (WES) provides credential evaluation for individuals from around the world seeking to pursue further studies in the United States.

The evaluation report provided by them is noteworthy and accepted in institutes in Canada and the United States.

What is WES Evaluation?

A WES evaluation represents an academic credential evaluation conducted by World Education Services. This non-profit organisation assesses credentials for international students and immigrants wishing to study or work in the United States and Canada.

It makes your academic credentials, such as degrees, diplomas, and transcripts, understandable and acceptable to employers, educational institutions, and immigration authorities by translating them into their equivalents in the US or Canada.

Types of WES Evaluation

Three main evaluation types, each catering to different needs:

• Document-by-Document: Provides a summary of each credential (degree, diploma, etc.), which is helpful for job requirements or immigration purposes.
• Course-by-Course: Includes detailed course-level information, such as credits earned and GPA equivalency, and is recommended for graduate admissions.

WES Processing Time

The processing time begins only after all required documents are received, verified, and accepted. 

According to WES:

• Credential evaluations typically take seven business days to complete once documentation and payment are verified for both U.S. and Canadian assessments.
• Processing may take longer if additional steps are needed, such as document verification or communication with issuing institutions.

Who is eligible for WES?

If any of the following apply to you, you can apply for a credential evaluation:

• You are an international student planning to study in the United States or Canada, and your university requires a Course-by-Course or ECA assessment, depending on the destination.
• You are a skilled professional or immigrant applying through programs like Express Entry, where an educational credential assessment is necessary for verification.
• You have completed at least one post-secondary program and can submit the required documents, such as official transcripts and degree certificates from recognised institutions.

Is WES evaluation compulsory in Canada?

Most Canadian colleges will not require a WES ECA (Educational Credential Assessment). However, certain universities may require. It is usually advised that students complete their ECA. In addition, if you are trying for a Canada PR through Express Entry, you will need an ECA.

Documents Required for WES Credential Evaluation

You must submit a set of academic and identity documents. A list of frequently Essential documents is provided below:

• Degree Certificate: A copy of the certificate, either provisional or final, attesting to your academic program’s completion.
• Academic Transcripts/Mark Sheets: Issued over all academic years by your institution or university. Typically, these documents need to be submitted in a sealed envelope and sent directly to WES.
• Certified English or French Translation: If your documents are issued in another language, you must provide a certified translation as per WES guidelines.

Note. In some cases, the WES Academic Records Request Form must be completed and submitted to your academic institution.

All academic records must be sent in sealed, signed envelopes directly from your institution to WES. You can preview the list of documents here: WES Required Documents.

How do I get my credentials evaluated by WES?

1. Go to the WES website:

Begin by visiting www.wes.org, the official website of World Education Services.

This page contains comprehensive information regarding the credential evaluation procedure, such as the available evaluation kinds, necessary paperwork, costs, and processing time

2. Create Account:

You must first register for an account on the WES website to begin the application process.

This account will serve as your primary point of contact for submitting papers, tracking the progress of your assessment, and receiving updates from WES throughout the process.

3. Choose Your Evaluation Type:

WES offers a range of evaluation options, including Course-by-Course and Document-by-Document, for IRCC Canada. 

Choose the assessment kind that best meets your needs, whether for academic admission in the USA or immigration/education in Canada.

This ensures the evaluation meets the requirements of your chosen institution or authority.

4. Collect Required Papers:

Review the list of papers and required documents for WES evaluation, corresponding to the type you selected.

Official transcripts, degree diplomas, and other academic records from your schools are usually included in this.

5. Document Submission:

After obtaining the necessary paperwork, upload it to your WES account using the given procedures.

For initial assessment, WES accepts electronic copies of papers; however, later in the process, you may need to submit physical copies for verification.

6. Pay the Evaluation cost:

There is an assessment evaluation cost associated with each kind of evaluation that WES does, commonly referred to as the WES evaluation fee.

Make a secure credit or debit card payment through the official website to cover the required amount.

Make sure you go over the fee schedule and WES’s payment options..

7. Follow Application Status:

Using your online dashboard, you can track the progress of your evaluation after submitting your application and payment.

WES will keep you informed about the status of your review and forward any further paperwork or data that may be required.

8. Obtain Evaluation Report:

Following the completion of the evaluation procedure, WES will provide an evaluation report outlining how well your international qualifications translate into the US or Canadian educational systems.

As requested, the report can also be delivered directly to immigration authorities or educational institutions.

It will be sent to you electronically via your secure account portal.

Utilise the WES website.

The WES website is an effective tool to help students determine how they want their evaluation to be processed, whether it’s for academic admission in the United States, immigration, or education in Canada. 

Not only can students apply on the website, but they can also view their degree options in the United States through the Degree Equivalency Tool.

For a more thorough assessment, they can also use the iGPA Calculator, which allows students to see what their results might look like before starting the WES credential evaluation process.

Tips to Keep In Mind:

Read and study the process as much as you can before applying. Some of the tips that might come in handy are

Research and adhere to the application deadlines of your target institutions or immigration programs.

• Verify and gather all required documents specified by both WES and your intended institutions.
• Request additional official transcripts from all previous educational institutions attended to expedite the processing.
• Opt for rush processing if you have urgent deadlines to meet, for a quicker evaluation turnaround.
• Provide certified translations for non-English academic documents, following evaluation service guidelines.
• Maintain regular communication with WES and respond promptly to any inquiries or requests for information.
• Keep track of your application status by logging into your WES Dashboard regularly.
• Review all entered information for accuracy before submitting your application to avoid delays in your WES evaluation process.
• Consider using the International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) by WES for streamlined graduate admissions, especially if applying to the USA or immigrating to Canada.
• If applying to multiple institutions, budget and allocate time for additional evaluations accordingly.

Conclusion

To explore academic or professional opportunities in the United States or Canada, international students are often required to undergo a World Education Services (WES) evaluation and must first take a WES examination. It lends legitimacy to your international academic qualifications and makes it easier for you to enter universities, the workforce, and immigration procedures by offering a standardised assessment.

With a WES evaluation, take advantage of the chance to clearly and firmly demonstrate your credentials and give yourself the confidence you need to follow your aspirations. With WES at your side, take the first step toward opening up a world of opportunities and achieving your goals right now.

Begin Your WES Application Today

Frequently Asked Questions