Key takeaways
- ICES: $200 per credential, standard mail included
- CES: $241.50 per application (up to 2 credentials) plus a $45 administration fee
- IQAS: $260 for the first credential, $100 for each extra one, plus a $25 administration fee
- WES: $264 plus delivery and 13% HST, about $314 with standard delivery
- An ECA is valid for 5 years for Express Entry
ECA fees compared (October 2026)
| Organization | ECA fee | Other fees listed |
|---|---|---|
| WES | $264 | Delivery $14 standard, $29 courier in Canada, $97 international; extra reports $35; plus 13% HST |
| ICES | $200 per credential | Includes 2 printed copies and standard mail; courier $26 Canada, $75 international; extra copy $20 |
| IQAS | $260 first credential, $100 each extra | Administration fee $25; courier $25 Canada, $90 international; no rush service for ECAs |
| CES | $241.50 per application (up to 2 credentials) | Administration fee $45; courier $65 Canada or US, $83 international; duplicate copies $30 |
| ICAS | Check the price in your ICAS account; we could not confirm it | |
Doctors, pharmacists and architects use their professional body instead: the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).
Which ECA organization should you choose?
IRCC accepts all designated organizations equally for Express Entry. Choose based on:
- Documents. Some require your university to send transcripts directly. This step often takes the longest.
- Speed. IQAS says ECAs take about 25 business days once your file is in line for processing. Check each organization’s current times.
- Price for your number of credentials. ICES charges per credential; CES covers up to 2 credentials in one fee.
- Your province or regulator. Some regulators prefer a specific organization. Check with your regulator if you work in a regulated job.
How the calculator works
It uses the listed fee for the organization you choose and your number of credentials. It adds the administration fee where listed, your delivery option and any extra copies. For WES, it adds 13% HST, as WES states. Then it multiplies by the number of people.
Example: a couple both use WES with standard delivery: ($264 + $14) × 1.13 = $314.14 each, or $628.28 in total.
Tips to avoid extra costs
- Assess only the credentials that give you points. In the CRS, two credentials help only if one is 3 years or longer.
- Assess your spouse’s education only if it adds points (up to 10).
- Check that your name matches across your passport and certificates. A mismatch can delay the file.
- An ECA is valid for 5 years. Make sure it will still be valid when you are invited.
See all application costs in the cost of PR calculator and learn the basics in our ECA guide.