WES Evaluation: Everything You Need to Know Before Migrating or Studying Abroad

If you’re planning to study, work, or settle in countries like Canada or the USA, you’ll often hear about WES, short for World Education Services. If you're applying for higher education or Permanent Residency (PR) through immigration programs like Express Entry, WES plays an important role in verifying your academic qualifications.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about WES: from what it is, why it’s important, how to apply, to how long it's valid, and even how your GPA is calculated.

What is Wes?

World Education Services (WES) is a trusted non-profit organization that evaluates and verifies educational credentials from countries around the world. It helps international students and professionals by converting their academic records into an equivalent Canadian or U.S. standard, making them easier to understand by universities, employers, and immigration authorities.

WES is widely recognized by:

• IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
• Canadian universities and colleges
• Employers in North America

Why is WES Important?

If you’ve studied outside Canada or the U.S., your academic credentials need to be assessed to match the local education system. Here's why WES matters:

• Immigration to Canada (especially for Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program)
• University admissions in Canada and the U.S.
• Employment or licensing in professional fields like healthcare, teaching, and engineering
• Acts as proof of education level in North American standards

In short, without a WES Evaluation, you might not be eligible for study programs, licensing exams, or PR processes in Canada or the U.S.

How to Get a WES Certificate? – Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps to apply for your WES evaluation:

Step 1: Create an Account

• Visit https://www.wes.org/ and create an account.

• Choose the country (Canada or the U.S.) and the purpose (immigration, education, or employment).

Step 2: Choose the Type of Evaluation

• For immigration to Canada, choose ECA – Educational Credential Assessment.
• For studying, choose Course-by-Course evaluation.

Step 3: Add Your Education Details

• Enter your degree, university name, and graduation year.
• WES will list the required documents for your specific credential.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

• The basic ECA for Canada costs around CAD 240, excluding courier charges and taxes.

Step 5: Send Your Documents

• Your university must send sealed transcripts directly to WES, or you can use the WES-approved digital delivery method if available.
• Mention your WES reference number on the envelope.

Step 6: Track and Wait

• WES will notify you once they have received and reviewed your documents.

How Long Does WES Take?

• Once WES receives all required documents, it usually takes 20 business days (4 weeks) to complete the evaluation.

• If documents are missing or incorrectly submitted, it may delay the process.

Tip: Use reliable courier services and check with your university about processing timelines.

How Do I Send My Certificate to WES?

WES does not accept documents sent directly by the candidate. Instead:

• Your university or institution must send:

Official transcripts

Degree certificate (in some cases)

• The envelope must be:

Sealed and signed/stamped by the registrar

Marked with your WES reference number

Some universities (like in India) offer digital delivery via TrueCopy, Digilocker, or other WES-authorized platforms.

How Long is WES Valid?

For Canada immigration, a WES report is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If you’re using it for university admission, validity depends on the institution’s specific requirements, but most accept evaluations within 1–2 years.

You can order additional copies from WES anytime, even after years, by logging into your WES account.

What Are the Benefits of WES Evaluation?

• Increases your CRS points for Canadian immigration
• Helps in admissions to reputed universities in North America
• Acts as a standardized proof of education level
• Enhances job opportunities by validating your foreign credentials
• Useful for professional licensing or credentialing

Does WES Require IELTS?

No, WES does not require an IELTS score.

IELTS is a language proficiency test, while WES focuses only on educational credentials. However, if you’re applying for PR or education in Canada, both WES and IELTS are typically required as part of the overall eligibility process.

Is WES Required for Canadian PR?

Yes, for most immigration streams under Express Entry, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, WES, or another approved ECA body, is mandatory.

• WES helps IRCC determine your equivalent Canadian education level
• Higher educational equivalency = more CRS points

Other accepted ECA bodies include:

• ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service)
• CES (Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto)
• IQAS, MCC, and more

What is the WES GPA Calculation?

WES calculates your Grade Point Average (GPA) based on:

• Your academic transcripts
• The grading scale of your country
• The credit hours or number of courses completed

They convert your marks into U.S. or Canadian GPA equivalent (on a 4.0 scale). This helps universities or licensing bodies accurately compare your performance.

WES does not reveal the exact formula, but it ensures consistency and fairness through benchmarking and academic review.

Read more about GPA calculation…

What Are the Reasons for WES Rejection?

WES may reject documents or evaluations if they don’t meet their criteria. Common reasons include:

• Documents not sent directly by the institution
• Missing seals or signatures
• Unrecognized universities or boards
• Mismatched personal details (e.g., name, DOB)
• Poor translations or unofficial copies

Read More…

Final Thoughts

Getting your education evaluated by WES is a critical step in your journey to Canada or the US. If you're applying for PR, higher education, or employment, having a WES report can save time, build trust, and increase your chances of success.

By following the correct process, staying updated on documentation, and avoiding common mistakes, your WES evaluation can be a smooth and rewarding experience.