New designated educational credential assessment organization for architects

Ottawa, May 22, 2024—Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has designated 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) has been designated by the Minister to issue ECAs for applicants who have identified the National Occupational Classification (NOC) of “Architect” (NOC 21200) as their primary, or intended 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.

Note: If your primary occupation is “Architect” (NOC 21200) and you already have an ECA that was issued by another designated organization before October 31, 2024, we will continue to accept it if it is still valid.

More detailed information on ECAs, including how and when to get an ECA from the CACB, is now available online:

• Educational Credential Assessment – Service Providers – Canada.ca
• Atlantic Immigration Program: How to get an educational credential assessment – Canada.ca
• Educational credential assessment (ECA) for Express Entry: How to get one for Express Entry – Canada.ca
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: How to get an educational credential assessment – Canada.ca

This information will help people make an informed decision when choosing an ECA organization.