Do I Need to Evaluate My Bachelor's Degree with WES If I Have a Master's Degree from the USA for IRCC?

A common question among international students and professionals applying for Permanent Residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is whether they need to have their bachelor’s degree evaluated if they already hold a master’s degree from the United States. While the straightforward answer is often yes, there are nuances and exceptions to this rule based on the nature of your education and the requirements of your application process.

Understanding the Basics

IRCC primarily assesses educational credentials to ensure they meet certain equivalency standards that can support a candidate's aspirations within the Canadian education system or workforce. However, for those who already hold a degree from a recognized institution, the process can sometimes be bypassed under certain circumstances.

Do I Need to Get My Bachelor's Degree Evaluated?

According to the information provided by IRCC, if you have a master’s degree from the United States, you generally do not need to evaluate your bachelor’s degree. This is because the master’s degree constitutes a higher level of academic achievement, and as such, it may already meet the criteria for equivalency without the need for a separate evaluation.

How to Check Your Canadian Degree Equivalency

The most reliable and straightforward method to determine if your master’s degree meets the Canadian educational equivalency standards is by checking with the World Education Services (WES) online degree evaluators. The WES website provides comprehensive tools that can help you understand the equivalency of your U.S. degree within the Canadian context. Simply input your degree information, including the institution and the degree title, and the tool will provide a detailed report on its perception of your Canadian equivalency.

When to Consider Evaluating Your Bachelor’s Degree

Even though it is not always necessary, there are some instances where evaluating your bachelor’s degree with WES might be beneficial:

Prior Experience: If you worked in or completed specific courses during your bachelor’s degree that are relevant to your career aspirations in Canada, WES evaluation can highlight this experience and strengthen your application. Acknowledged Differences: Certain disciplines or programs in the U.S. might not have direct equivalents in Canadian universities. A WES evaluation can clarify these discrepancies and help present your qualifications more effectively. Professional Goals: If you are aiming for a specific profession that has rigorous educational criteria, a detailed evaluation can help demonstrate that you meet or exceed these requirements.

Key Considerations for IRCC Applicants

While not strictly mandatory, having a WES evaluation can provide additional support and clarity to your application. It is particularly beneficial for:

Applicants with Complex Backgrounds: If you have a diverse educational or professional background, a detailed evaluation can clarify your qualifications. Students Considering Scholarship or Financial Aid: For those seeking scholarships or employment programs, an evaluated report can strengthen your application by clearly showcasing your educational qualifications. Professional Associations and Licensing: Certain professions in Canada require stringent educational equivalency. A WES evaluation can help you meet these sometimes stringent criteria.

Steps to Get Your Bachelor’s Degree Evaluated with WES

Getting your bachelor’s degree evaluated is a straightforward process that can significantly benefit your IRCC application. Here are the key steps:

Create a WES Account: Visit the WES website and create a user account if you haven’t already. Input Your Educational Information: Provide the necessary details, including your degree name, the institution, and any relevant coursework. Upload Supporting Documents: Attach any necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts and diplomas. Select Your Desired Report: Choose the type of report that best suits your needs, such as a degree equivalency report or a course-by-course evaluation. Submit and Pay: Complete the submission process, ensuring you pay any required fees. Review and Use Your Report: Upon completion, review your evaluated report and use it to support your IRCC application.

Conclusion

To summarize, while you don’t strictly need to evaluate your bachelor’s degree with WES if you hold a master’s degree from the USA, it can still be a valuable step in demonstrating your educational qualifications to IRCC. The WES evaluation can provide a detailed breakdown of your educational equivalency and help ensure that all aspects of your application are robust and well-supported.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a WES evaluation mandatory for all IRCC applications? No, it is not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended for those with complex or diverse educational backgrounds. Can a WES evaluation give me an advantage in my IRCC application? Yes, it can provide additional support by clarifying your educational qualifications and demonstrating your alignment with Canadian educational standards. How long does it take to get a WES evaluation? Typically, the process takes about 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of evaluation and any additional documentation required.

Good luck with your IRCC application and enjoy the journey as you prepare to welcome the next chapter in your life in Canada!