MM2C Podcast by Ben Alagnam

SEARCH the Related FSW Canada Topics HERE!

25 June 2013

Credential Assessment for Canadian FSW at WES

A letter from the postman had just arrived this afternoon.  Unfortunately, I am not around so they left a note for me to claim it at our nearest post office.

It was obvious that the letter was from the World Education Services since it has a logo of WES stamped on it. 

What is World Education Services?
One of the requirements for the Canadian immigration, particularly for the Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) NOC category is the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

ECA is the way to prove that your credentials (Transcripts and Diploma) are all genuine.  Canada had accredited few institutions/organizations to assess these credentials from the foreign graduates who wished to apply for the FSW.

The designated organizations for ECA are the following:
For me, the reason I applied at the World Education Services is because the fee is cheaper than the others.   The other reason is that WES has a user friendly website and it makes me feel comfortable transacting.

How to Get your Educational Credential Assessment?
I did procrastinate for a week before signing in to WES.  After listening to the advise of my sister, I signed up on WES website, keyed-in my particulars and they sent me a confirmation email.

As I finished keying in the details online, I sent my payment to them using my credit card.   There are some options where I would prefer them to send my assessment, it could be through a normal mail, registered mail or courier.  

I had chosen the registered mail, which is $30.  It's not bad at all, I'll tell you why in a short while. Here is the breakdown of my expenses in WES:

FSWP Credential Assessment Package  -  $180.00
US/International Registered Mail                -  $   30.00
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)                      - $   27.30 
                                             TOTAL              -  $ 237.30

For the updated services fees, please visit the WES website.

After the payment,  they sent me an email stating that they will review my application and then they advised me to print a form, labeled with my application number, which is to be filled up by the school.  

On the second day, I logged in to my WES account and I was able to see my transactions and the status of my applications.  

At that time, the status stated that they are waiting for the required documents.

What are those Credentials?
To let WES assess my credentials, I need to send them the photocopies of my Transcript of Records and the Degree Certificate (Diploma) by mail or courier.  

Update as of 03 July, 2014: Applicants should send Only the Degree/Diploma Certificate  to WES.  The School will send the Transcipt of Records to WES.

I sent the copies from Singapore using the services of the SingPost for a cost of S$2.00 and an additional of S$2.50 to make it registered.

It arrived at WES after 9 days and I think it's not bad at all because I can track my mail online.

The next step was to let the school's registrar to sign the form that was included in my WES application and they will send it directly to WES together with the copy of my TOR and Diploma.  

It cost me US$80.00 for the school registrar because they will send my documents directly to the WES through a courier/forwarder.  Each document actually cost US$40.00 and since I have two degrees, I paid double.

The school took 3 days to prepare the requirements and another 5 days for the delivery to WES.

How long does it take for WES to Process the Application?
As soon as WES received my documents, it took them 2 days to process my application and 12 days for the letter to arrive in Singapore.

Can I see the Assessment of WES online?
The good thing about WES is that I can see their assessment of my credentials online.  Here are my credential assessments.

B.S. Electrical Engineering - 4 years (Canadian Equivalence)
B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering - 4 years (Canadian Equivalence) 

Two 4-year bachelor's degree (Canadian Equivalence)

I was so happy to see this because I was expecting a 2 year equivalence only. Wew!

Questions Regarding Your Application?
Have a question regarding your application to Canada?  Join MM2C Community and let's have a talk.

MM2C Community


*If you like this post or appreciate the author, please tick the LIKE button below.
___________________________________
If you have any questions regarding this post, you can leave a comment below or email me at benalagnam@yahoo.com.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by BenAlagnam's FeedBurner

HAVE MORE ON THIS BLOG
 EMAIL    RESOURCES      ASK ME    ARCHIVE    SUGGEST

145 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did you pay the school to send your credentials to WES?

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi, I paid US$80.00 for both of my credentials...please read the updated information above. thanks.

Tun Tun said...

I have some questions, I have already key in my credential in WES portal but haven't proceeded to payment yet. After making the payment, I can let the schools to send the TOR to WES, right? Each credential send to WES will cost $40. Correct?

If so, what is this step? "I sent the copies from Singapore using the services of the SingPost for a cost of S$2.00 and an additional of S$2.50 to make it registered." Can I know what is this copies?

Your blog is so helpful. Thank you

Ben Alagnam said...

Please read the whole process that I stated above. After payment, WES will send you a form to let the school registrar sign and they will send it together with the copy of your TOR and Diploma directly to WES.

At your side, you will also send the copy of your TOR and Diploma directly to WES, which is for me, I used the Singpost as it is the cheapest way for me to send the document. You can use DHL, UPS or others...depends on your budget.

These means that the school and you are sending identical documents directly to WES.

The $40 is the cost of each Degree...the price depends on your school registrar.

Tun Tun said...

Hi Ben,

Thank you for your prompt reply. So that mean I need to request two transcript for each school
- one for myself to send to WES
- one for the school to send to WES (with school registrar sign)

Is that correct? Sorry for asking too many question.

Regards,

Tun Tun said...

Oh, I think the TOR to be send by myself can be the one which I got from school upon Graduation. So only need to request one copy from school. Thank you.

Ben Alagnam said...

Sorry, I assumed that you are from the Philippines, so my words/terms are targeted for that.

Anyway, once you graduate, the school gives you a copy of your Diploma or Degree certificate and a Transcript of record, assuming that you have one degree or diploma course...this is your personal copy...as we all know it, the school also has their own copies of it for future use.

The School Registrar needs to sign at one section of the WES form, you can see it once you've done with the payment...and they will send this form together with their own copies of your TOR and Diploma directly to WES.

Tun Tun said...

Thank you. Now I am cleared. :)

Tun Tun said...

Hi Ben,

Can I ask you how much point you got for your two degree? My case is quite different. I have
- 1 Bachelor Degree of Computer Science from Myanmar (3 years full time)
- 1 Diploma of IT from Singapore (3 year full time)
- 1 Graduate Diploma of Computer Science from Singapore (2 year part time)

Can I proceed with 2 diplomas from Singapore which I can get the trascript very quickly?
I worry the transcript from Myanmar will take very long and it will cause the process delay.

I read in some forum that any 2 post secondary credentials can earn 22 points. So I am thinking to proceed without
the degree from Myanmar.

Sorry for asking so many question. I really cannot point the point info of education in CIC and WES website.

Thank you.

Ben Alagnam said...

For your case, you can get a minimum of 19 points and a maximum of 22 points...this will be based on WES assessment.

Assuming that WES gives you 1 diploma(3years) and the other is (2 years)...then you can get 22 points...But if you get (2 years) for both....you can get 19 points...hope that your 3 years will not be downgraded.

You should ask the Myanmar credentials. Ask someone from Myanmar to arrange it for you as soon as possible....don't waste your degree.

For me, I got 22 points.

Tun Tun said...

Hi Ben,

I have paid to WES to assess my qualification and I got Reference #. I have a few questions

- When I sent my copies to WES, how should I indicate that Reference #. Can include the confirmation print out which I got upon payment? That one has Reference # and lists of my qualification.

- Copies can be Black n White or must be in color?

- Is there any form need to be attached with copies? So far I didn't see any form.

Thank you.

Ben Alagnam said...

Always indicate you reference number whenever you communicate (email/letter) to WES. This reference number is given to you by email (ex: WES Reference No. XXXX12134)...

When you send your document, make a cover letter to them. Indicate at the Subject the ref. number..

ex:
Subject: WES Ref. Number - Credentials

This is only optional, you can make/follow it or not. This is what I did.

Outside the envelope, when you write the sender, also write down the WES Ref. No.

Make them easy to track your documents...once they see your letter, they'll easily track the sender upon seeing the ref. no.

Ben Alagnam said...

I sent photocopies (black ink) of my credentials...colored is perfect, but expensive. It doesn't matter if it's black or colored as long as it's legitimate when compared with the School's copies.

There is no form to attached, you may attach a cover letter as I discussed above.

Tun Tun said...

Hi Ben,

Thank you for your reply. One more question. On the Academic Record Requet Form to institution the address where the document should be sent to is

World Education Services
2 Carlton Street,
Toronto, Ontario M5B 1J3
CANADA

But on the website it show http://www.wes.org/required/index.asp

World Education Services
64 Beaver St, #146
New York, NY 10004
USA

I am confuse where should I send my copies. I think all should send to the WES Toronto address. right?

Regards,

Tun Tun

Ben Alagnam said...

They have 2 locations...since you are applying for Canada, you need to send it to:

World Education Services
2 Carlton Street,
Toronto, Ontario M5B 1J3
CANADA

Tun Tun said...

Hi Ben,

Thank you for guiding me along. I have sent my qualification transcripts to WES today using Sing Post registered mail. FYI, It costs $6.80 now.

And US/International Registered Mail - $ 30.00 also become $85 now.


Just now I have downloaded all the necessary forms (IMMxxx) for next big step. After checking at all these forms, I am not sure I need to type in the pdf form and print OR print the empty form and fill up using handwritten?

All the best for your application. :)

Ben Alagnam said...

Thanks for the update, they increased the price now, still cheaper than DHL.

It is more convenient to type in the PDF. There are parts of the form that you can add another page, you can not do this if you do it by hand, especially the form IMM008.

You can print it first as your draft, then type it once all informations are complete. There are boxes there that has a drop down menu, you can not do that in handwriting.

The IMM008 is a form that you need to click to validate...This will produce a bar code, which you need to submit together with your application.

Tun Tun said...

Hi Ben,

Unfortunatly, the Uni from Myanmar don't even has seal envelop, may be they have but just don't want to give to students. They just gave me transcripts and stamp the seal & sign on the envelop. The envelop is still open. As I asked someone to do for me, it was out of my control. Now I have to try my luck and send this envelop to WES. Hope it work out.

Ben Alagnam said...

Tun, please read my instructions above...there is no need to have sealed envelop.

Just send photocopies of your Myanmar University transcript+degree certificate to WES. Take note, this is from You directly to WES.

On the other hand, you need to send the form that WES provided you to your University and instruct the registrar to fill-up and sign the form then send them together with the University copy of your transcript+diploma directly to WES(Canadian Address). Take note, this is from University directly to WES.

Now, at the WES side, they will receive two identical copies of your transcript+diploma, and that is from You and the University.

Tun Tun said...

Hi Ben,

Sorry to make u confused. I totally understand what you mentioned earlier. Now What I am trying say is the transcripts from the Uni (Myanmar).. The transcrpts from my end is already submitted 2 day ago. :)

Unlike ur Uni, My uni doesn't send the documents to Canada nor seal the envelope. Everything have to be on my own. I will ask my sister to send the transcripts with DHL from Myanmar to WES. .:)

Thank you once again. :)

Ben Alagnam said...

I see...if it's the Uni regulations, so be it. Better insert a cover letter stating that the school can not send it directly with this and that reasons that's is why you personally sent it to WES.

But just my thoughts, in WES perspective, how can they compare two documents if they were sent from the same person? You can try sending it though.

gobbledegook said...

Hey Ben

Under the required documents to send to Canada for verification, applicants only needs to send the degree/ diploma certificates whilst the institution will submit all the academic transcripts on our behalf. Eventually, WES will receive the scroll from us and the transcripts from the school.

Could you verify again and let me know if I have misread the instructions for required documents?



Ben Alagnam said...

Hi gobbledegook, I did the research and it has changed...

Applicants to WES - Diploma/Degree Certificates
School to WES - Transcript of Records

WES to Applicant - ECA Results

Anonymous said...

Hence, the instructions have changed from the time when you applied and now? So can I verify again that applicants will only submit Degree/ Diploma Certificates while school will send academic transcripts. Must the transcripts be original copies requested from schools, or just certified true copies of our transcripts photocopied and stamped by schools?

tick said...

Hi Ben,

Kudos for the very helpful and informative blog.
I especially appreciate the details you have painstakingly put in each post.

I also have a BSECE degree although from a different University, and according to the WES free assessment service it only accounts to 2years.

Whilst I am aware that the WES free assessment only accounts to an approximation of the actual ECA score, I am inclined to ask your opinion about my credentials.

You see I have 2 post secondary education:
ECET - ECE Technician (Trade) course (3 years full time)
BSECE - (3 years full time)

ECET is also a pre-engineering course and I studied another 3 years to finish the BSECE proper, which sums up to a 6-year degree course.

In your opinion, do you think I can claim both ECET and BSECE, or should I just claim a 6-year BSECE degree?

The WES free assessment score was based on the 6-year BSECE degree alone.

Thank you once again.


Ben Alagnam said...

Thanks Tick,

I'll base my answer on my experience...

I have two degrees, but in the same School. If you haven't read my post about it, please visit it here..
http://memovingtocanada.blogspot.com/2014/06/two-college-degrees-how-to-compute.html

Let's not prejudge the result of your credentials. Send both to WES, it doesn't matter, you'll still pay the same amount for two diplomas/degrees.

My opinion: Worst case scenario will be, you can claim 19 FSW points for both if WES will assess it as a single course or if it assess ECET and BSECE as a 2-year course. I may be wrong but at least this is the minimum that you can get. (refer to RESOURCES page - Education factor)

tick said...

Thanks Ben for the quick reply and for sharing the link to your other post.
In that case I need to do well in my IELTS exam to hit the 67 point mark.
That being said, would you happen to know if the English convention they use is American or British?
This should be a no-brainer since British is well, English but, I just want to be sure (since we are used to American English).

I plan to send my two diplomas to WES this week.
I'm also in Singapore now working in the IT sector and I find your blog very useful indeed.

Cheers again for the great work!

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Tick, I took my Speaking IELTS test at British Council and the interviewer is British.

Thank you for the compliment.

tick said...

Thanks Ben, great help.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ben,

First of all, thanks for your very informative blog. I will be sending my Diploma to WES this week. I am a graduate from Philippines. From WES instructions, it is mentioned that we need to send the photocopy only. Would just like to double check with you if you just sent the same or you have your Diplomat ctc'ed before you courier it to them?

Thanks!

Ben Alagnam said...

There's no need for it to be Certified. Just photocopy and send it to WES through courier.

At the WES, they will verify it against your TOR sent from the school.

tick said...

Hi Ben,

Just an update on my WES assesment...

After the long wait, mostly for my University to furnish my TOR (1 month!), I have finally sent and received my assessment through WES.
I got 3 years diploma equivalency which gives me 21 points on my Education.
However, my BSECE only translates to a Diploma and not a Degree.
While I am aware that I can still claim the 21 points according to this "Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma for a program of three years or longer, or equal" my concern is, from an employer's point of view (in anticipation of the upcoming Skill Select) a Degree is always better than a Diploma.

I am tempted to send an email to WES to inquire about this turnout, but I am doubtful at the same time that it will make any difference.

Do you think WES' assessment is final? Or can I still contest this?

tick said...

Sorry, I meant "Express Entry" not "Skill Select" ; )

Unknown said...

Hi Ben,

First of all, thank you for your very informative blog. I have some questions with you regarding my WES application.

Last October 03, 2014, I asked for a TOR at the University I attended. After which, they gave me the tracking no. so I can be able to track the shipment.

Then last October 16, 2014, the courier (DHL) already confirmed that the documents were delivered already.

My question is, will WES acknowledge my application because in my academic transcript request form, I didn't put WES reference no. since I haven't paid the application fee yet and the envelope contains my TOR only. Also, if I will send a photocopy of my diploma to WES, do I need to answer and attach a form or can I just write the WES reference no. at the envelope?

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

What happens if my Credentials was sent by my university to New York instead of canada? I am currently applying for Canada as well.

Ben Alagnam said...

Don't contest it now for the sake of your application. Since your points are already enough for the FSW, go and complete the immigration process. Once you are approved on your Visa and land in Canada, then you can go to WES and re-assess your credentials.

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi, you should inform WES about it. You should had sent the form together with the TOR from your university. Please follow the instruction of WES to avoid delays.

Anonymous said...

hi..pls let me know the format of the cover letter to be sent to wes along with documents..

Anonymous said...

Hi Ben,

WES already gave me an estimate when they will finish my assessment. You mentioned that they forwarded your result to the nearest post office since you were not able to personally receive the mail. In my case, I put the address of the hospital where I am working at, but I'm not really working "in" the hospital, but on a satellite address outside. It is also a PO BOX address in Saudi. Do you think the same thing would happen, since I won't be there when the results arrive? Many thanks.

Jeko

tick said...

Great advise as always Ben. Thank you and good luck.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ben
I need your expert opinion. I want to apply for my ECA to apply for for express entry, Canada. I want to send my document at WES. First of all I will tell detail of my education.
After 10 & 12
Bachelors of Arts (02 years)
M.SC Psyhchology (2 years)
Master in Health Administration (02 years)
Master of Public Health (Australia) (02 years)
According to your expert opinion how many points I can earn in FSW or in express entry? How WES will assess my credentials
I am trying to submit my application at WES, but it don't allow me to enter all my education credentials, it allows me to enter only 05 credentials and I am unable to enter the last one. Please guide me what to do?
I am really sorry for too many queries.

Best Regards

Anonymous said...

hi, i sent an email earlier about my not getting my reference number. i received an email with my reference number. HOWEVER, they mentioned ''balance due'' of 322 CAD i am worried because i had PAID already. what does this mean?

thanks

Unknown said...

hi, i filled the form at WES, and paid with my bank card. about an hour later, i received an email with my reference number. HOWEVER, they mentioned ''balance due'' of 322 CAD i am worried because i had PAID already with my bank card and of course debited. what does this mean? i thought the basis for issuing me a reference number was the payment i made. am i going to pay again??

thanks

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I am from India looking to apply for Education credential Assessment (ECA) for FSW Canada. I prefer to submit the transcripts to WES for the ECA.

But I need clarification on the below:

1) As per the Passport my name is:

FIRST NAME: Abdul Samath

SURNAME: Mohammed Farook


2) As per my education certificates my name is:

Name: Abdul Samath M

Where ‘M' is the initial – which is my father name “Mohammed Farook”


a) Do I need to submit any additional document for the clarification about First name and Last name while sending the transcripts to WES for ECA FSW Canada ?

b) While filling the WES-ECA application, Is it fine to give the First name and Last name as per details on the Indian passport ?


I am using the same details as per the passport name in IELTS exam.


Please suggest.

Regards,
Abdul

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Abdul,

My suggestion for you is to get an affidavit from an attorney stating "Abdul Samath M." is the same person as "Abdul Samath Mohammed Farook".

If you can request your school to print your whole name, it could be better.

This is useful not only for WES but CIC as well.

From now on, you need to write your name as written in the passport. This is always the case, based on my experience, once you arrive in Canada.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much Ben Alagnam.

Regards,
Abdul

Joe said...

I heard that WES has been bombarded with ECA requests and they are taking 2 months to approve an ECA request now. My question is whether the certificate number and the reference number are the same???

If it is the same, I might as well go ahead and apply for the express entry.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

What happens if my Credentials was sent by my university to New York instead of canada? I am currently applying for Canada.. Please reply

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi you may contact WES at this link:

http://www.wes.org/ca/fswp/updates/

Anonymous said...

Hi Ben
I think Im in big trouble. I just had my payment at wes and I missed the reference number. Theres no way I could retrieve it and I havent receive any email from them. Im so hopeless now knowing Ive paid $322 for nothing. I emailed wes regarding this hoping theres still way for them to retrieve the ref number. still waiting for their response. :(

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Kate, you can try to login to your WES account thru this link...let me know the outcome.

http://www.wes.org/appstatus/indexca.aspx

Anonymous said...

in the address information and contact number can i put the address of the consulting agency in Canada that is helping me in my immigration application? the legal consultant advised me that it's okay. just want to make sure if it is allowed.

Ben Alagnam said...

Yes, you can. You can put a home address, office address, etc...Just make sure that it's accessible to you and someone can receive it at any time.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dear all,

I want to assess my credentials with WES Canada. Can I send my spouse's credentials also along with my application or Do I need them to send separately?

Anonymous said...

Hi Ben,

I would like to ask if I can send a folded copy of my Diploma to WES? Been planning to send it also thru Singpost via normal/standard mail envelope?

Thanks

Ben Alagnam said...

Yes, you can do that. As long as the copy is readable and legitimate, then it's good. I understand that you are concerned with the cost. If the difference between the price of a small envelope and the A4 is just a dollar, go for the bigger one.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ben,
I just sent my sealed envelope with TOR and WES form yesterday. However, the staff instructed me to send it at university's post office. I used the Philpost Express service which is really expensive so it can reach WES immediately. I am wondering at the moment if it is ok that I used my name as the sender in the Philpost form because it asked for sender's details and signature. Do you think would there be any problem? Thanks in advance!

Mel

Anonymous said...

I mean the university registrar staff told me I have to send it for the reason that they do not take the sending to WEs as their part. The envelope though was sealed and had a stamped signature of the registrar's name on the back flap of it. I am just worried it might be a problem. Mel

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Mel, I am not sure about the services of Philpost Express. It's in the WES requirement that the school should send the documents directly to them. In my opinion, as long as the envelope is closed and with a proper school stamp, it's fine.

Please take note: "WES is not responsible for documents that arrive without a WES reference number. All envelopes and correspondence must include your WES reference number." - WES.org

ilovemapleleaf said...

Yes, I insisted that it was instructed in the form that they/university should send it. She told me that it is alright that I take it to the post office because it was sealed and stamped with registrar's sign.

The reference number was written on the envelope as well as on the shipping form which was attached to the pouch.

Then just this morning I sent a certified copy of my Diploma and marriage certificate as instructed that I need to attach it my name is different from my Diploma for verification. I hope I will receive my evaluation/assessment the soonest. Thanks for your reply. =)

ann said...

Hi Ben
please help me to find a solution. I received my credential report of my bsc nursing but now I want to do credential for my msc nursing. So I upgraded my new course in the existing account. After submission of data I found a new reference number. Unfortunately I could not notice that reference number. When I open my wes account, it only shows my previous details only.no details can be found regarding my msc nursing. When i click on 'upgrade report ' it says I have already started application by FSW. actually my certificates were submitted to WES by university using my old reference number. Is there any problem with this. What I have to do.

Ben Alagnam said...

The best that you can do now is to contact WES. Here's the link...
http://www.wes.org/ca/contact.asp

safia said...

Hi ben , can i pay through debit card for my credentials assessment in wes. Thanks and more power

Ben Alagnam said...

Sorry, I haven't tried the debit.

Unknown said...

Hi Ben,

Im planning to send my school credentials to WES, but, I want to clarify the following first:

1. I finished 5 years Bachelor degree, do I need to send my Highschool diploma too?

2. What about PRC ID/Certificate of registration, do I have to include it in the submission too?

3. The copy to be send by me, do I have to certified it or not required?

Thanks in advance.

Unknown said...

Hello Ben
thank you so much for this appreciated blog
I have a few questions I need you kindly to inform me about
Can I send my high school (secondary school) certificate along with my two college degrees (B.Sc and M.Sc.) in the same A4 envelope stamped by the university officials? and what is the difference between the transcripts that I'm sending and those the university will send afterward ? as I have two copies of each degree, one with full grades and credits and the other with degree description only , which one should I send now to WES ???
thank you so much

Ben Alagnam said...

HI Criselda,
1. Only the Bachelor's Degree.
2. No need to send your PRC certificate.
3. No need for it to be certified.

Ben Alagnam said...

HI Criselda,
1. Only the Bachelor's Degree.
2. No need to send your PRC certificate.
3. No need for it to be certified.

Ben Alagnam said...

HI Ahmed, please visit this site to know the documents applicable for your country.
http://www.wes.org/ca/fswp/requireddocuments/index.asp

In Philippines, there's no need to send the High School(seconday) diploma if completed with one or more post-secondary education.

Transcript sent by you should be the same from the school. Transcipts should have degree descriptions with full grades. Send the one with full grades.

Unknown said...

thanks Ben for replying
PLEASE correct me If I'm wrong, I truly appreciate your help here
So let me show you what I'm about to do :
I have the transcripts available from last year for both of my two degrees
1.Im going to complete my account and have my REF number from WES
2. I'll send a photocopy of both degrees in an envelope to WES
3. fill the form of the transcript request on my behalf and take it to my school registrar to complete it along with another photocopy of both degrees , put in an envelope with school seal and signature, then send it also to WES
4. wait for their response.
PLEASE correct me If I'm wrong, I truly appreciate your help here

mamaniavel said...

Hi Sir Ben,

Just want to ask. I am currently based in Singapore and i'd like to apply credential assessment through WES. I am authorizing my brother to process my TOR on my behalf. I believe I need to accomplish the Academic Records Request Form that my brother need to submit to my university. Just want to know if its ok If i just send to my brother the filled up/signed Academics Records Request form through email or do I need to send the original Academics Records request form back to the Philippines?

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Ahmed, the steps 1 to 2 are correct, but the 3rd step depends on your country. In Philippines, the school should send the transcript directly to WES. While in India, there are two options for the 3rd step, which the school and the applicant can send it directly to WES. Please choose your country at this link to know the procedure.

http://www.wes.org/ca/fswp/requireddocuments/index.asp

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Mamaniavel, you have to send the original academic request form to your brother.

Shobhit said...

Hi Ben

I have got the transcript form from my university with my misspelled name. My name is Shobhit but transcript form has Shobit and my branch name is misspelt as well like it should be Mechanical whereas it is'machanical'

Please suggest if it is ok to be sent

Thank you
Regards
Shobhit

Ben Alagnam said...

You have 2 options. 1. Have your school change the spelling. 2. Go to a lawyer and make a sworn affidavit that your name and the degree are the same as "Shobhit" and "Mechanical".

Shobhit said...

Thank you very much Ben. Appreciate your timely help

Regards
Shobhit

Unknown said...

dear BEN
I successfully made an account on WES For ECA , sent them my copies of my two degrees in a single envelope with ref number and address , they should be delivered today as I was told by TNT courier ,
then I acquired photocopies of both degrees that was certified with a stamp (the originals I mean) from my university's presidency, with the request form also filled by me and the school official with signatures and stamps, both put together in a single envelope stamped on the flap.
am I on the right way ???? I do appreciate your quick responses here.
is it ok to :
1. have photocopies of the officially stamped transcripts along with request forms ? because the school didn't agree on stamping the photocopies, only the originals.
2. having both degrees and forms be sent in a single sealed and stamped envelope ?
3. the enveloped was sealed and stamped twice across the flap, with NO signature , this is the school procedure as I was told.
PS: required doc based on my country permits that the applicant send the sealed envelope on behalf of the university.
thank alot alot .

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Ahmed,
This is the procedure for India.
"If the document is given to you to forward to WES, it must be attested & dated and placed in an official sealed envelope that is signed or stamped across the back flap by the appropriate authentication officer at the institution that conducted the examination. If the envelope has been opened or there is no stamp or signature across the back flap, the document will not be accepted by WES.

NOTE:
WES only accepts documents attested and sealed by the designated official at the institution that conducted the examination (e.g. Controller of Examination or Registrar's Offices). Attestations by individual professors, officials at affiliated colleges, or external notary publics will not be accepted.

Unknown said...

Hi! Did WES instructed you to attach marriage certificate? May I ask if is it ok if I could just send my personal copy of my diploma together with the documents coming from the school (TOR)? I mean can I send it altogether in one envelope/pouch? My school instructed me to pick-up the documents and I will be the one to send these to WES on their behalf. The mailing fee is quite expensive.

Pearl said...

Hi Ben

I have got the attestation done and the university registrar has placed all the documents inside an envelope and sealed it as well. One mistake I realized is that forgot to write the WES reference number in the WES transcript form. Can I write the WES ref no on the envelope and post it to them. Please suggest...Thanks

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi, just write the reference number on the envelope with your name.

Unknown said...

HI Ben,

Lucky to come across your blog. you are doing a great service in assisting people.

Ben, I will have to send a legible copy of degree certificate to WES. By legible copy, do they mean attested photocopy of the original, or just a photocopy of my degree cert without attestation?.

Thank you Ben

Regards,

Deepak

Ben Alagnam said...

Thanks Deepak, legible means, readable. I sent photocopies only for my 2 degree certificates. If it's not in English format, you should get a copy of a notarized translated version.

Unknown said...

I have one question. I wanna verify my degree via WES credential evaluation but I don't know which of these packages I need to choose (course by course; document by document or WES ICAP http://www.wes.org/ca/fees/evaltypes.asp ) Which of these is the best.
Please help?

Unknown said...

and I forgot to tell you, sincerely, thank you so much Ben on this such a usefull blog. good job

Ben Alagnam said...

Use the Document-Document WES Basic.

Unknown said...

Hi Ben,

I am planning to apply for Canada FSWP through express entry. But unfortunately I have sent my transcripts to USA office instead of Canada.

I tried to contact USA office but no one is answering my call.
So I dropped an email requesting them to send my docs to Canada branch.

Will it work? If you know any customer care number please let me know.

Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Rajukumar

Unknown said...

hi ben,
we have to mention self address on both couriers (self copy and university copy)
which copy we will get from wes

thanks in advance
regards
pradeep

Unknown said...

Hi Ben,
I just came across your blog and it is fantastic the way you are helping with all the queries.

I am applying for Express entry and need to get my education assessed and am going with WES.
I have a masters from Copenhagen but as the university will not send the details to any third party, i will have to go and pick the stamped and sealed envelope and post it from Copenhagen to WES.
I assume that should be ok.

My question is - I will also need to get my Bachelor assessed which i underwent in India but the degree has my maiden name before marriage.
Does it mean that i have to create 2 accounts as 2 degrees are in 2 different names?
In the account creation step 1, it asks if the degree is in different name but that is only applicable to Bachelor and not Masters. I have written to WES but so far received no response.

Do i need to get only the highest degree assessed which in this case is Masters?

Regards,
Archana

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Pradeep, the process and documents needed depend on each country. The copy that you will get from WES is the Equivalence Certification itself.

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Rajukumar, for questions regarding WES, go to this link below.
http://help.wes.org/?Site=Canada

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Archana, I suggest that you use one account. Send both degrees with a written explanation about your maiden name.

Get both degrees assessed.

Take note, it's only my suggestion, if you need more clarifications, please visit the link below.
http://help.wes.org/?Site=Canada

Unknown said...

Hi Ben,
Thank you for the response.
I called up the WES office today. They have said to create 1 WES account order and add both the Bachelor and Master education credentials for assessment. They also asked me to send the marriage certificate copy which is good. Yes i will get both the degrees assessed.
I will also send the cover letter when i post the documents to WES with the explanation about the maiden name and that is ok.
They also said that i can send the sealed envelope from my IT university Copenhagen to them and that is ok.
Thank you so much. :)
Regards,
Archana


Regards,
Archana

Unknown said...

I have a question: is it okay if two years only graduate with diploma to send to Wes? Please help me. Thanks a lot.

Ben Alagnam said...

Yes Berna, WES will give you the equivalent of that degree in Canada.

Unknown said...

Hi Ben,

I am from India & planning to apply for WES ECA. My question is:
1. Can I send the photocopy of Degree certificate & the Sealed Envelope that I received from my University in one single envelope?
2. Or I have to send Degree certificate & Sealed Envelope separately in differnet envelopes?

Ben Alagnam said...

If you're from India, this is what the rules of WES in sending documents from the university.
"If the document is given to you to forward to WES, it must be attested & dated and placed in an official sealed envelope that is signed or stamped across the back flap by the appropriate authentication officer at the institution that conducted the examination. If the envelope has been opened or there is no stamp or signature across the back flap, the document will not be accepted by WES.

NOTE:
WES only accepts documents attested and sealed by the designated official at the institution that conducted the examination (e.g. Controller of Examination or Registrar's Offices). Attestations by individual professors, officials at affiliated colleges, or external notary publics will not be accepted."

Harsh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Harsh said...

Hi Ben,

I am from India & planning to apply for WES ECA. My question is:

Suppose if today i register my account in wes and make the payment. Then within how many days i need to send my documents to WES for evaluation, Is there any time period in which the documents must reach the office.

One more question:
I have done Diploma, Btech, Mtech and these are from different universities.
I am very confused. Should i collect all the transcripts and put them together in one envelope and then send to WES or universities will send them separately.
It may cause some delay.

Harsh said...

Please also tell me what are transcripts? These are the original documents as some of the universities in India doesn't have any idea regarding this.

Ben Alagnam said...

After the payment, WES will email you about the details. Then you can now send your documents to them and from the school as well. One friend of mine sent all his degree certificates from different universities in one envelope.

Transcript is a piece of document from the school that indicates the course and subjects with corresponding grades. It's a summary of your official degree grades/scores/points.

Unknown said...

Hi,

Could you please tell me, what is the net step once we have received the WES reference number. How do I go about it? Thanks!

Ben Alagnam said...

Follow the steps emailed to you from WES. This includes sending the copy of your diploma from you and the school.

mahi said...

Hi,

I've done diploma, Btech and Mtech. Im confused that what organisation should i choose to get my credentials assessed? Why all have choosen WES?

Ben Alagnam said...

WES was proven reliable and with competitive pricing. There are actually 7 designated education assessors that you can choose.

Educational Credential Assessment Organizations:
Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
World Education Services
International Qualifications Assessment Service
International Credential Evaluation Service
Medical Council of Canada (professional body for Doctors)
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (professional body for Pharmacists)

cat said...

Hi,
My name in my diploma is different from my name now as I have gotten married. In my WES account, I used my married name. I faxed them my Diploma which still states my maiden name. What other documents do I need to send them as proof of name change?

Ben Alagnam said...

Provide an affidavit from a lawyer stating the change in name and other details. Include that in your application.

COOL CAT said...

I have completed my Bachelors in Engineering(4years) and M.E(2years) from different Universities in India and am currently working with the college where i complete Masters. At this point when I am just starting my PR procedure I dont want to alert my employers by asking for transcript.Is it possible to declare Bachelors alone?Will it make me lose too may point for PR application?Please help me with your valuable advise

Unknown said...

Hi Ben,

I am now processing my application for Canada through Express Entry tool but before that they need to assess my credentials first. I have Bachelors Degree 4yrs in Management Accounting and 1year in Masters of Business Administration. I tried to use their assessment tool to know the equivalency of my credentials. I got 2 years equivalence in Canada for my 4yr Bachelors Degree in Philippines and Master's Degree for my 1yr MBA in Philippines. My question is can I declare my 1 year MBA in Philippines as one of my credentials even I don't have the Certificate/Diploma of it? I didn't finished my Masteral which is supposed to be for 2 yrs as I was hired here already in Singapore and decided not to pursue it. What documents should I submit to WES then for my MBA? I only have the transcript of records and I don't think the school would issue the Certificate.

Hope you can help me clarify this. Thank you.

Ben Alagnam said...

For completed doctoral programs, you need to submit a letter confirming the awarding of the degree. If you have not finished the whole course, then you can't include it as one of your credentials.

Ian said...

Hi Ben,
Can you enlightened me on this process? I'm in Qatar at the moment and my school is in the Philippines. My plan is to fill out and sign the academic request form and I will send the scan copy thru my brother's email and he will submit the paper to my school. The question is, are they going to accept (WES) the form even though my signature on the form was scanned only? Or do I really need to send the form via airmail so that they will received the paper with my original signature? Any comment? Thank you!

Unknown said...

Hi ben
I wrote my WES ref number of the transcript request form but forgot on the envelope.

Unknown said...

Sadly, my school, Polytechnic University of the Philippines took 2 months to process my Transcript. But its good that the document is on its way to WES Canada.

Ruchir said...

Hi All,

I have a question regarding ECA from WES. On the Wes website under 'Required documents' section, it says that your transcripts should clearly indicate the date of birth. However, date of birth is not present on my transcripts or degrees. In this case, what supplementary document can be sent to validate date of birth. Please suggest. Thanks.
-Ruchir

Ben Alagnam said...

Provide a copy of your birth certificate.

Ruchir said...

Hi All,

I have a question regarding ECA from WES. On the Wes website under 'Required documents' section, it says that your transcripts should clearly indicate the date of birth. However, date of birth is not present on my transcripts or degrees. In this case, what supplementary document can be sent to validate date of birth. Please suggest. Thanks.
-Ruchir

Ruchir said...

Thanks Ben. Can a copy of passport or high school certificate do ? Since I do not have my birth certificate available.

Ruchir said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ben Alagnam said...

HI Ruchir, you can contact WES regarding the supplemental document. Here's the link.
http://help.wes.org/Credential-Evaluation/Customer-Service-Other/77551043/How-do-I-contact-WES.htm

Anonymous said...

Hi Ben do we have to send the affidavit to WES?

Anonymous said...

I also have a newspaper cutting of the same which was published 2 year back

Pooja said...

Hi Ben,

I have a query on transcripts that needs to be sent to WES for ECA. Is it mandatory that the transcripts should be colored or black and white transcripts(sealed and attested from university) are accepted.

I have already applied to university for transcripts and I got black and white copies attested and sealed. Do I need to apply again requesting them for colored copies or can I proceed with these?

I see in one of your replies above stating that photocopies(in black ink) are accepted. Is this the same now or are there any changes regarding the documents?

Please suggest

Thanks,
Pooja

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Pooja, photocopies in black and white are acceptable as long as it's readable.

Pooja said...

Thanks Ben

dreamchaser13 said...

Hi Ben,

Does the TOR and Diploma copies need to be certified by Ched/DFA?

Ben Alagnam said...

The copies don't need to be certified.

Unknown said...

Hi Ben,
I've query on ECA report.there is a mismatch of name b/w passport and my batchelor's degree. Name on passport:Venu Gopala Krishna Kondagudupu and name of degree:V G Krishna Kondagudupu. What is the process of adding additional name in ECA report

Ben Alagnam said...

I suggest that you include an affidavit stating both names are for the same person.

Nathan said...

Dear Sir,

If I send Diploma as a photocopy only..should I send a Translation also since most Diplomas are in Filipino or Latin right?

Salamat po

--Nathan

Ashish Satasiya said...

Hi Ben..
I have created WES profile for myself and for my wife. I have specified after married name of my wife and also specified before married name in previous name, Is it OK? her all the academic documents are having old name while passport contains after married name.
Another question is, She have completed Master of Arts with distance learning course. and also she has taken a drop in final exam and cleared the same after a year, So should I have to attach any explaining letter for the same?

Ben Alagnam said...

HI Ashish Satasiya, I suggest to send a copy marriage certificate to prove her first and new name.
I also dropped one of my course in one school semester. There's no need for an explanation, the Transcipt of Record will explain that so.
I have made a Beta website, it's a Membership website for Me Moving To Canada. You can join and ask me questions there. Here's the link.
https://www.memovingtocanada.com

Ben Alagnam said...

Yes, send a translation. Diplomas should be translated in English if it's not in that format.

I have made a Beta website, it's a Membership website for Me Moving To Canada. You can join and ask me questions there. I'll be checking it everyday. Here's the link.
https://www.memovingtocanada.com

arianne said...

Hi Ben,

Just want to ask..I am applying with my husband and I am the principal applicant. Do we need to send his credentials too for it to be assessed? Or my application to CIC will only need mine?

Thanks and Good Day

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Arianne, yes he needs it. The reason why is stated in the forum..here's the link.

https://www.memovingtocanada.com/forums/topic/do-spouse-of-principal-applicant-need-education-credential-assessment/

Unknown said...

Hii,

I received my WES report on 14th August, but my name is misspelt.My name is Dipasri Das and all my transcripts bear the same name, but the report states Das,Diprasri! There is an extra 'r'. :(
I have sent them an email but they have not responded. Will an affidavit work?

Regards,
Dipasri Das

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Dipasri, it's better for you to contact them and let them know the error.

If you have other questions, post it on the forums www.memovingtocanada.com/forums

kartik c'skrn said...

Hello

My name on transcript and passport vary. KARTIK CHANDRA and C KARTIK ?Will this cause a problem during WES ? what is the solution to this..??

Ben Alagnam said...

Some applicants said that they provided an affidavit stating the situation and issues on names.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Hi Ben,

I am from Filipino too. I have questions regarding sending to WES. I've read on their website that it can be 2 options for sending docs for assessment (a) is me getting all the Academic Credentials and ask the School to have it seal and signed it or (b)get the school to send it directly to WES. But as I read your post back 2014, you both did the process. I am a bit confused :)

And just to double check, it doesn't have to be authenticated by DFA/CHED right? Only Diploma (in English) and TOR? Thank you in advance. Your blog was a great help indeed!

Regards,
K.

Ben Alagnam said...

Hi Kristine! Thank you for reading my blog. Both (a) and (b) are right. That is a new rule now. It doesn't need to be authenticated by DFA/CHED because it'll be coming from the school.

Unknown said...

Hi, please help me. I sent my school documents to wes the problem is i forgot to include my marriage certificate ( i was told by my immigration consultant to send it together with the school documents.) What should i do ? Is it necessary to submit marriage certificate?

Anonymous said...

hi ben,
I came across your blog, you shared a wonderful information with us. I hope you are going to share some more information with us.
Thanks & Regrads
divya

Anonymous said...

thank you for sharing wonderful information wit us, this helps us a lot for the person who has very less knowledge and wants the details further.

Ben Alagnam - MeMovingToCanada