What is WES and Why Do You Need It?
WES (World Education Services) is an internationally recognised credential evaluation organisation. When you apply for Canada PR through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, or for admission to a Canadian or American university, the immigration authorities and institutions need to verify that your Indian degree is equivalent to a Canadian degree. WES does this verification and issues an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
Without a valid ECA from WES (or another designated organisation), your Express Entry profile will not receive points for your education — significantly reducing your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
🍁 WES ECA is Mandatory for Canada Express Entry
Canada's Express Entry system requires a valid Educational Credential Assessment from a designated organisation (WES, IQAS, ICES, etc.) for claiming education points. Without it, you get 0 points for your degree — even if you have a postgraduate qualification. WES is the most widely accepted and fastest to process.
What Does WES Require from Indian Applicants?
Degree Certificate (Apostilled)
Your original degree certificate with MEA Apostille sticker — sent directly from us to WES
Official Transcripts
Transcripts must be sent DIRECTLY from your university to WES — not through you
MEA Apostille
WES requires MEA Apostille on your degree certificate as the Indian government's authentication
Passport Copy
Clear copy of your passport with photo page
WES Application
Online application at WES.org with case number — share case number with us for document submission
WES Fee Payment
WES charges USD 215–315 depending on service level — paid directly to WES online
How We Help — Our Role in WES Process
MEA Apostille of Your Degree
We handle the complete MEA Apostille for your degree certificate — Notary, HRD, and MEA Apostille sticker. This is the document WES needs from you directly.
Document Preparation Guidance
We advise you on exactly what WES needs, how to create your WES account, how to fill the application, and what to include in the WES application package.
University Transcript Coordination
WES requires official transcripts sent directly from your university in a sealed envelope. We guide you on how to request this from your university correctly.
Document Submission to WES
Once your apostilled degree is ready, we can arrange courier of the apostilled degree certificate to the WES address in Canada on your behalf.
WES vs Other ECA Organisations
| Organisation | Accepted For | Processing Time | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| WES (Recommended) | Express Entry, most universities, USA, Australia | 7–25 business days | USD 215–315 |
| IQAS | Canada Express Entry, AB PNP | Varies | CAD 200 |
| ICES | Ontario-specific, some universities | Varies | CAD 200+ |
| CES (Toronto) | Some Canadian institutions | Varies | CAD 150+ |
WES is the most widely accepted across Canada, USA, Australia and most universities. For Express Entry Canada, WES is the preferred choice of most applicants.
WES Processing Timeline for Indian Applicants
| Step | Who Does It | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| MEA Apostille of Degree | We handle for you | 5–10 working days |
| WES Application + Payment | You (online at wes.org) | 1 day |
| University sends official transcripts to WES | Your university | 1–4 weeks (varies) |
| WES receives and processes documents | WES Canada | 7–25 business days |
| ECA Report issued | WES | After processing |
| Total Estimated Time | — | 6–12 weeks |
⚡ Speed Tip — Start Everything in Parallel
The most common mistake is doing things sequentially. Start your WES application, apostille, and university transcript request all at the same time. The university transcript step often takes the longest — start it first. Contact your university Registrar's office immediately to request official transcripts be sent to WES.
Common WES Rejection / Delay Reasons
- Transcripts not sent directly from university — WES will reject transcripts sent through you. Must come in sealed university envelope directly to WES.
- Degree without apostille — WES requires MEA Apostille on the degree. Plain notarized copies not accepted.
- Name discrepancy — Name on degree and passport must match. Even minor differences cause delays.
- Unrecognized institution — If your university is not recognized by UGC/AIU, WES may not evaluate. Always check WES's database before applying.
- Incomplete transcripts — Transcripts must show all semesters, subjects, grades/marks, and university seal.
Which Indian Degrees Does WES Evaluate?
WES evaluates all Indian degrees from UGC-recognized universities and AICTE-recognized institutions. This includes degrees from:
- All central universities — Delhi University, JNU, BHU, Hyderabad University, etc.
- State universities — Kerala University, MG University, Anna University, Bangalore University, etc.
- IITs, NITs, IIMs — fully recognized
- Private universities with UGC recognition — check WES database to confirm
- Distance learning degrees from IGNOU and recognized ODL universities