New designated educational credential assessment organization for architects

Ottawa, April 15, 2024— 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.

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 a Canadian credential needed to practice architecture. ECAs are also recognized as a step in the licensing process for architects.

More detailed information on ECAs, including how and when to get an ECA from the CACB, will be available online. This information will help people make an informed decision when choosing an ECA organization.