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IQAS: Process time, Documentation, Cost and Comparison Table

Understand the 10 essential information to get an ECA report from the IRCC-recognized IQAS - Your first step towards Canada Immigration.

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The Gydance provides an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) service for Canadian immigration programs through IQAS, the Canadian government body. Headquartered in Alberta, IQAS offers detailed guides, transcript comparisons, and skill assessments for countries that contribute significantly to Canada’s immigrant population.

This article provides an in-depth look into the functions and credibility of IQAS through The Gydance.

1. What is the IQAS?

IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service) is a comprehensive assessment body that evaluates educational credentials for countries with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those with high immigration rates to Canada. The recognition provided by IQAS is valid across Canada.

 2. How Much Time Does it Take to Complete the Assessment?

IQAS processes Canadian applications more quickly compared to other assessment bodies. The in-depth ECA takes approximately 6 weeks to complete.

 3. What is the Cost of an IQAS ECA?

The IQAS ECA is one of the more affordable options, costing CAD 220 or approximately PKR 44,500.

 4. What is the Validity Period for IQAS?

An IQAS report is valid for five years.

 5. How to Apply for an IQAS ECA?

Follow these 5 steps:

 Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for the Program

  • Select the visa type you’re applying for.
  • Students benefit from having a pre-existing ECA report.
  • Professionals applying for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) earn additional points with an ECA.
 
 Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
  • All educational transcripts must be translated into English or French.
  • Ensure transcripts are attested and sealed by a notary public.
 
 Step 3: Fill Out the IQAS Form Online
  • Accurately enter all details.
  • Errors in names or details may delay the process.
 
 
Step 4: Complete the Application Online
  • Submit your application and note the IQAS Reference Number for future use.
 
 
Step 5: Send Your Documents by Post to the IQAS Office
  • If you can’t submit documents online, courier them to the IQAS Head Office in Alberta.
  • The envelope must include the IQAS Reference Number.
 
 6. IQAS Form Essentials for Pakistanis
  • Official name of the credential (e.g., “Secondary School Examination 2013-2014”)
  • Translated reports in English
  • Date of issue for each report
  • Issuing body name (e.g., “Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education”)
  • Admission requirements for your chosen program
  • Program details
  • IQAS comparison of credentials
 
7. Why is Pakistan a Major Preference for IQAS?

In recent years, Pakistan has seen a significant rise in immigration to Canada. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to a large Pakistani-Canadian community.

Pakistan follows a globally recognized 3-tier schooling system spanning 12 years:

  1. 8 years of elementary education
  2. 2 years of high school (9th and 10th grade)
  3. 2 years of intermediate education (11th and 12th grade)

These examinations are verified by federal and provincial educational boards, ensuring pre-verification of documents submitted to IQAS.

 

 

8. Find out what your Degree can do

Did you know that Indian MBA Degrees are given immense importance by The IQAS?

Have a look at the table below to know more:

 

Degree and Certificate Requirements

Degree or CertificateDocuments RequiredLength of StudyIQAS Standard
10th StandardResult Certificates up to 9th Standard2 yearsCompletion of 10th Standard
12th Standard10th Result Certificate2 yearsCompletion of 12th Standard
Diploma Degree10th and 12th Result Certificates2-3 yearsCompletion of a diploma course with good academic records
Bachelor’s DegreeHigher Secondary School Certificate (12 years)3-4 yearsCompletion of a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Master’s Degree3 or 4-year Bachelor’s Degree2-3 yearsCompletion of a Master’s Degree from a recognized university
MBA or Executive MBA3-year Bachelor’s Degree3 yearsCompletion of a specialized Master’s Degree in Business Administration
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Master’s Degree, LOR, Experience Letter, Rank Card3 years (Minimum)Completion of a Ph.D. Degree with at least 2 published papers in journals

9. Recognized Pakistani Government Assessment Bodies

  • BISE: Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education
  • HEC: Higher Education Commission
  • NAVTTC: National Vocational and Technical Training Commission
  • PBTE: Punjab Board of Technical Education
  • AIOU: Allama Iqbal Open University
  • FBISE: Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education
  • PIEAS: Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
  • NUTECH: National University of Technology
  • NTS: National Testing Service
  • NCEAC: National Computing Education Accreditation Council
 
 
 10. Latest Updates on Canada Immigration

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) has announced immigration targets for the upcoming years:

  • 2022: 431,645 Permanent Residence Invitations
  • 2023: 447,005 Permanent Residence Invitations
  • 2024: 451,000 Permanent Residence Invitations

In 2021, Canada welcomed 405,330 new immigrants.

  • Ontario: 198,085 immigrants
  • British Columbia: 69,270 immigrants
  • Quebec: 50,170 immigrants

If you’re looking to settle in Quebec, job opportunities are now more accessible, and specialized assistance is available to handle Arrima applications.

 

 

Health Precautions for Migrating to Canada

Due to COVID-19, stricter health regulations are in place:

  1. RT-PCR Test: A negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test is mandatory before travel.
  2. Health Certificate: Must present a health certificate on arrival.
  3. Self-Isolation: 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Canada.
  4. Healthcare Benefits: Free healthcare for severe health issues once documentation is complete.
 
 
 
 

Countries IQAS Provides Guides For

  • Cameroon
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Former USSR
  • France
  • Pakistan
  • Mexico
  • Morocco
  • Nigeria
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Russia
  • South Korea
  • Syria
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
 
 
 

Latest Insights

Did you know that Pakistani graduates, especially with MBA degrees, receive high recognition from IQAS?

 

 

How The Gydance Can Help with IQAS

 
 

The Gydance offers comprehensive assistance for IQAS evaluations and other visa-related needs:

Customized Services

 
 
  • Profile Evaluation: Tailored advice on visa eligibility based on your background.
  • Resume Writing: Craft resumes that align with immigration standards.
  • Document Procurement: Assistance in gathering essential documents.
  • Professional Guidance: Help with interview preparation, language courses, and application support.
  • Dedicated Case Officer: A single point of contact throughout your journey.
  • Post-Landing Services: Support with settling down in Canada after receiving your visa.

 

Other Important FAQs

Which is better, WES or IQAS?

IQAS is better than WES because of its validity period, cost-diversification and quicker turnaround time. Also Canada applications get a higher priority with IQAS Assessment.

You can either call their helpline number at 780-427-2655 or mail them at 9942 108 St NW, 9th Floor, Edmonton, AB T5K 2J5, Canada.

At The Gydance, we are consistently in touch with IQAS officials for ECA-related queries. If you want to know more about IQAS, you can call our toll-free number 1800-102-0109 or write to us at info@thegydance.com.

Yes, you can stay assured that IQAS is valid for all Express Entry programs as well as PNP Programs.

On your application for IQAS, on the left-hand side, there is a 6-digit number. This is your reference number for IQAS.