Moving from Canada to the United States for work or school requires proving your education meets American standards. Although Canadian and US school systems are similar, federal groups and state boards classify your records as foreign. You must obtain a formal report to bridge the gap between your files and US rules.
A Canadian degree evaluation is a formal report that shows how your school records from Canada match United States standards. This document is vital for people seeking H-1B or TN visas, as USCIS and border agents need proof that a foreign degree meets rules. Beyond moving, many state boards for nursing, teaching, and engineering need these reports to verify that Canadian graduates meet local work standards. As a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), International Education Evaluations (IEE) provides these reports in three days. These formal papers ensure that employers, schools, and state agencies correctly read your Canadian GPA and degree level on a US scale. This report prevents delays and shows you are fit for American jobs.
Understanding the rules for your visa or job is the first step. You may wonder why your records need extra checks when our school systems are so close. The next section explains exactly when and why a Canadian degree evaluation is required for making your move to the United States.
Why Canadian Degree Holders Need a Credential Evaluation in the United States
You may think your Canadian degree is clear to any US employer or agency. While the two school systems are much the same, the United States sees any degree earned outside its borders as a foreign credential. Because of this, you often need formal immigration credential evaluation services to prove your school work meets US standards.
Requirements for US Immigration
If you apply for a work visa, USCIS needs a credential evaluation for many cases. This is standard for H-1B visas when your degree was not from a US school. It is also needed for EB-2 and EB-3 green card paths. During the labor check phase, you must show that your Canadian degree is the same as a US degree. Without this proof, your case could face a long wait or a “no” from the state.
Professional Licensing and Boards
Many jobs in the US need a state license. State boards for nursing, teaching, and work in engineering must check your past before you can start. Most boards only take reports from a firm that is in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. As a NACES member since 1981, IEE gives the best proof for these boards. For example, we are a trusted source for 17 state nursing boards across the country.
Employer and Hiring Needs
Even if you do not need a visa, a US employer may still ask for a report. It helps them see how your Canadian grades and degree name fit their job needs. This step takes away any doubt about your school level. Getting a report ready before you apply shows you are set for the US job market. Most firms want to see a clear match to a US bachelor’s or master’s degree to move ahead with your hire.
Is a Canadian Degree Equivalent to a US Degree?
Canadian and US degrees share many of the same traits. Both systems use credits and offer similar study paths. In most cases, a degree from a top Canadian school is a close match for its US peer. But you still need a formal report to prove this for US visa or job needs. Even if the content of the program is the same, the two lands have separate school systems.
Common Degree Matches
A bachelor’s degree from Canada is mostly seen as equal to a US bachelor’s degree. This is true for four-year programs at most large schools. Likewise, a Canadian master’s degree usually maps directly to a US master’s degree. This high level of parity makes it easier for Canadian workers to move south for new jobs. You can find more details on these levels in our US degree equivalency guide.
Several major Canadian schools are well-known in the United States. Grads from these schools often find their work is highly valued:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- Queen’s University
- Université de Montréal
- University of Ottawa
However, any degree earned outside the US is a foreign degree. US federal groups and state boards require a formal check of these documents. This step confirms that your degree meets the strict US standards for the field you wish to enter. It provides the official proof you need for USCIS or a new employer.
The Provincial System and CEGEP
One key trait of Canadian schools is that they are provincially run. Each province sets its own rules for what students must learn. This leads to small changes in how schools track credits and grades. Experts must look at these local rules to find the right US match. This is a main reason why a simple look at your diploma is not enough for most US groups.
The Quebec system has a unique step called CEGEP. Students there finish a two-year pre-college program or a three-year technical program. This leads to a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC). There is no direct US equivalent to the DEC. This makes the check process for Quebec grads more complex.
Experts must weigh the exact credits to see how they fit into the US four-year model. It takes a deep level of skill to get this right. IEE’s team has decades of experience with these unique local systems. This helps us give you a fair and accurate report for your visa or school application.
Why Official Evaluation is Needed
Even when a degree is clearly equal, you must follow US laws. For many visa types, a formal evaluation is a must. For instance, the USCIS Policy Manual requires an evaluation for H-1B visa forms. This rule ensures that all workers meet the same school bar. Without this report, your visa application could face long delays or even rejection.
State boards for nursing, teaching, and accounting also have strict rules. Most of these boards require a check from a NACES member like IEE. This is true even if your Canadian school is famous and uses the same books as US schools. If your documents are in French, you will also need an official translation. A pro agency can handle both the translation and the report at the same time.
Working with an expert team like IEE gives you peace of mind. We know the details of the Canadian provinces and the unique Quebec model. This depth of knowledge helps us deliver reports that US groups trust. Getting your Canadian degree checked is a vital step toward your goal of working or living in the United States.
When You Need a Canadian Degree Evaluation for US Immigration
Most people moving from Canada to the United States think their degree is ready to use. While US and Canadian schools are close, USCIS still sees Canadian degrees as foreign. You need a Canadian degree evaluation to prove your school work meets US rules for your visa. This step is key for work visas and green cards alike. Getting your report early helps you avoid long wait times and stress during your move.
Work Visas and Short-Term Groups
The TN visa is a top choice for Canadian workers under USMCA rules. There are 63 job types on the list that fit this status. These jobs range from nurses and teachers to accountants and engineers. Each role has its own set of school rules you must meet. You must show you have the right degree for your job group. A border officer may ask for a formal report to check your degree. This report shows that your Canadian degree is the same as a US degree in that field.
For the H-1B visa, the rules are even more strict. This visa is for jobs that need high skill. You must have at least a US bachelor’s degree to fit the rules. If you earned your degree in Canada, you must get an evaluation. You can learn more about this in our H-1B credential evaluation guide. This report helps USCIS check that your training fits the job. It ensures that your deep knowledge is clear to those who read your petition.
Green Card and Long-Term Status Paths
If you plan to stay in the US for a long time, you may seek a green card. The EB-2 and EB-3 paths are common for skilled workers. The EB-2 path is for people with an advanced degree. It can also be for those with a bachelor’s degree and five years of work experience. You must get an evaluation to show you meet these high goals. For EB-2 and EB-3 cases, the labor check needs proof that your degree matches a US one. This is a key part of the PERM process.
The EB-3 path is for other skilled workers and pros. You must show you have at least a US bachelor’s degree or the same. Some Canadian degrees take three years to finish. Evaluators must look at these three-year degrees with care. They see if they match a four-year US degree. Getting your report early helps you avoid a wait in your green card case. It keeps your path to US status smooth and clear.
Special Rules for Degree Matches
Sometimes, your degree alone is not enough for a visa. In these cases, you might use the three-for-one rule. This rule says that three years of work can count as one year of college study. This is common for H-1B cases where a person has some college but no degree. A pro can look at your school and your work to find a total US match. This allows you to use your years of on-the-job skill to help you qualify.
Keep in mind that these reports are advice for the government. They help the US make a choice, but they do not promise a visa. IEE is a NACES member and follows high industry rules. This gives your report the trust it needs with US agencies. Our fast three-day service ensures you have your papers ready when you need them. We work with you to make sure every credit and degree is clear to US officials.
| Visa Type | When It Is Needed | Typical Goal |
|---|---|---|
| TN (USMCA) Visa | At the border or port of entry | Match job to a listed profession |
| H-1B Visa | With the initial petition pack | Prove a US bachelor’s equivalent |
| EB-2 Green Card | During the labor certification | Show an advanced degree level |
| EB-3 Green Card | During the I-140 filing step | Confirm a US bachelor’s degree |
| Three-for-One Rule | For specialty occupation visas | Mix work and school for a degree |
Canadian Degree Evaluation for Professional Licensure in the US
Moving from Canada to the United States to work in a skilled job is a common goal. Even though the Canadian school system is great, you still need to prove your background with a Canadian degree evaluation for state boards. These boards look at fields like medicine and law to protect the public. Even if your degree from a Canadian college is equal to a US degree, the law treats it as a foreign record. This means you must get a formal review to show your training meets US rules for your exact job.
Need a credential evaluation for state board licensing? Start your application with IEE today and receive your NACES-approved report in three business days.
State boards need these reports because the US and Canada have separate school systems. Each US state sets its own rules for who can work in a licensed field. This step helps boards check that you have the right skills to serve the public safely. If you skip this, you may face delays in getting your license or starting your new job. Working with a NACES member like IEE ensures that your report is accepted by the boards you apply to.
Nursing Licensure for Canadian Graduates
The high need for health workers in the US makes it a popular choice for Canadian nurses. But you cannot just start working with your Canadian RN license. You must apply for a license in the state where you plan to work. In recent years, nurses from around the world sent 24,733 forms for US licenses to various boards. Most states need a degree review to check that your nursing program matches the US equal. This helps the board know you are ready for the test or license.
IEE makes these steps easier through our special tools for nurses. We are an approved reviewer for 17 state nursing boards across the country. Our GlobalBridge program helps nurses follow the complex rules of these state boards. We help ensure that your school records go to the right people in the right way. With our fast 3-day turn, you can move through the license phase much faster. You can find more facts about the recognition of foreign credentials at the U.S. Department of Education site.
Teaching and Engineering Certification
If you plan to teach in a US public school, you must meet state license rules. Each state school office has its own set of rules for teacher training. They will look at your Canadian degree to see if you have enough credits in your subject. This state-by-state review is a key part of the steps. It helps school groups know that you are fit to lead a classroom and help kids learn. Without this report, your job form might be set aside because your degree is not yet checked.
Engineering is another field where a degree review is vital. To become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the US, you must show that your schooling is equal to an approved program. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and state boards need this review for Canadian degree holders. The review looks at your math, science, and engineering classes to ensure you have a solid base. This step is needed to protect the safety of the public when you work on big projects like buildings or bridges.
Accounting and Business Careers
Accountants from Canada who want to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the US also need a degree review. Each state board of accountancy has exact rules about the number of credits you need in business. They use a course-by-course review to check if your Canadian college schooling fits these rules. A clear report shows the board exactly how your grades and credits move to the US system. This makes it much easier for them to approve your form for the CPA exam.
Even in fields that the law does not rule, many US firms prefer to see a formal report. Bosses often ask for a foreign credential evaluation for employment to check a person’s skills. Having this report ready shows that you are prepared. It helps your new employer understand your school value and how it fits into their team. By getting a Canadian degree evaluation early, you can show US employers that your degree is just as strong as any US degree.
How the Canadian Degree Evaluation Process Works
Getting a Canadian degree evaluation for US use is a fast and simple task. IEE has spent over 40 years making this path easy for people like you. We know you need your report to move for a new job or to start school. Our team works hard to give you the data you need to reach your life goals. Most people find that the process is much faster than they thought.
Prepare Your Academic Records
Before you start, you must get your school files ready to send. You will need your final diploma and your full academic record from your Canadian school. These files show every class you took and the grades you earned. If you went to a school in Quebec, you may need an English translation for French files. Having these files ready helps us start your step-by-step credential evaluation process right away. We use these records to see how your Canadian study compares to the US system.
Check if your school can send files straight to us. Some US groups like to see files that come straight from the source. This can make your case even stronger when you apply for a visa. Our team knows how the Canadian school system works in every province. We can help you find which files are best for your case.
Use the Secure Application Portal
You can start your request on our website in a few minutes. Our online portal lets you upload files and track your case at any time. If you have questions, our team offers 24/7 support by phone or chat. You can call us at (704) 772-0109 if you need help with your application. We aim to make the portal easy to use for every client.
Once you make an account, you can see clearly what we need from you. The portal walks you through each step so you do not miss anything. You can also pay for your service through the same safe site. We keep your data safe with the latest tools. This gives you peace of mind while we work on your report.
- Gather your documents. Collect your official transcripts and degree certificates from each Canadian college or university you attended. Make sure you have the final version that shows you finished your degree.
- Submit your online application. Create an account on the IEE portal and upload your scanned files for our team to review. You will need to tell us if you need the report for a job, school, or a visa.
- Select your report type. Choose the evaluation level that matches your goal — a Document Report for visa applications, a Document + GPA Report for employment, or a Course Report for professional licensing or graduate admissions.
- Expert evaluator assessment. Our evaluators analyze your records to determine the US equivalent of your Canadian degree level and grade-point average. They verify your institution’s accreditation status and assess your program of study against US standards.
- Quality assurance review. Each evaluation undergoes a secondary review by a senior evaluator to ensure accuracy and compliance with NACES standards before it is finalized.
- Receive your final report. We deliver your report in just three business days, the fastest turnaround in the industry. You will receive a digital copy via the portal and can request a certified paper copy by mail for official submissions.
Fast Results and Proven Trust
We know that time matters when you apply for a US visa. The USCIS Policy Manual states that you must prove your foreign degree is like a US degree. IEE has been a member of NACES since 1981. This membership shows that US government groups trust our work for all visa cases. We take pride in being a leader in this field for over 40 years.
Our 4.7/5 rating from over 13,446 reviews shows our focus on quality and speed. Many clients tell us they were happy with how fast they got their reports. You can even choose rush processing if you need your report on the same day for a small fee. This choice helps you meet tight dates for your move to the United States. We are here to support you at every stage of your move.
Choosing the Right Evaluation Report for Your Canadian Degree
You must pick the best report for your goals in the United States. Not all US groups have the same needs for your credential evaluation report types. Some only want to see that you have a degree. Others need to see every class you took and the grades you earned. Selecting the right path now can save you time and money during your move.
Understand the Main Report Types
There are four main options for your evaluation. Most people from Canada use a Document Report for simple job checks. But if you plan to go back to school, you will likely need a course-by-course list. This ensures the US school knows how your credits from Canada transfer to their system. We have served customers since 1981 and understand these needs well.
Price is a factor when you choose your report. Our basic options start at $95 for an employment review. If you need a more complex report for grad school, the price will be higher. You can check the full list of evaluation pricing to plan your budget. We aim to keep our costs clear and fair for every person.
| Report Type | Price | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document Report | $95 | Employment verification | Basic US equivalency and accreditation check |
| Document + GPA Report | $130 | Job applications | Adds GPA on a 4.0 scale to the report |
| Course Report | $195 | Undergraduate admissions | Course-by-course credit and grade conversion |
| Divisional Course Report | $225 | Graduate admissions | Coursework sorted by level for grad school |
Match Your Report to Your Goal
Not sure which evaluation report you need? Contact our team and we will help you select the right option for your visa or licensing goals.
Your goal shows which report is the best fit. If you apply for a visa, a Document Report is often enough to show your degree level to USCIS. This report proves that your Canadian degree is the same as one from the US. It is a quick way to meet the basic needs for many visa types.
But if you want to be a nurse or a teacher, you may need more detail. State boards often need a Course Report to see if you have the right training. This report looks at every subject you studied at your Canadian school. It helps state groups verify that your education meets their rules for a license.
Check for Special Needs
Always ask the person or group getting the report what they need. A school may have a strict rule about which report they accept. A Document + GPA Report is great for many jobs because it shows your grade average on the US scale. This helps US hiring teams understand your past success in school.
For high-level study, the Divisional Course Report is the best choice. It sorts your classes into upper and lower levels. This is helpful for grad schools that need to see you finished advanced work in Canada. Picking the right report helps you start your new life in the US with ease.
What Documents Do You Need for a Canadian Credential Evaluation?
To start your credential evaluation process guide, you must gather specific records from your Canadian schools. The most important items are your official transcripts. You will need a full set of transcripts from each post-secondary institution you attended in Canada. These records show your courses, grades, and the dates you were in school.
Required Academic Records
Along with transcripts, you must provide a copy of your diploma or degree certificate. This document proves you finished your program and earned your credential. For most Canadian schools, you can upload a clear scan of your degree to the online portal. But transcripts often have stricter rules to be seen as official for US use.
Many US agencies and boards need transcripts to come directly from your Canadian university. You may need to ask your school to send your records to the evaluator. This direct-from-school rule helps stop fraud and ensures the data is right. You should check the evaluation guidelines and requirements for your target state or employer before you order your files.
Translation and Authentication
If you went to school in Quebec, your papers might be in French. While many Canadian records are in two languages, any paper only in French will need a certified English translation. This is a common step for graduates from schools like the University of Montreal. Clear translation ensures that US officials can read and check your school history.
Authentication is also a key part of the work. Evaluators check the seals and signs on your Canadian records to confirm they are real. Groups like the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) set the rules for these reviews. Following these steps helps you get a fast Canadian degree evaluation for your move to the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ECA and a US credential evaluation?
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is mostly for people moving to Canada. If you move from Canada to the United States, you need a US degree evaluation. This report shows US employers, schools, and agents how your Canadian school work fits the US system. NACES members like IEE give you these papers for US visas and jobs.
Do I need a credential evaluation for a TN visa?
Border agents might look at your Canadian degree and let you pass, but a formal evaluation helps. This paper proves that your Canadian degree meets the rules for your TN job type. It helps you avoid long wait times and gives the officer clear proof that you qualify. According to the the USCIS Policy Manual, having this report is best for TN visa applicants.
How much does a Canadian degree evaluation cost?
The cost for a degree evaluation depends on the type of report you need. At IEE, a basic Document Report starts at $95. If you need a Course Report with a GPA for school or a license, the cost is $195. You can also pay for rush service if you need results faster than three days. IEE offers some of the best rates for NACES-member evaluations.
Can I use my WES Canada ECA for US immigration?
No, you cannot use an ECA made for Canadian immigration for your US visa. The US and Canada have different school systems and visa rules. For a US visa, USCIS needs a degree evaluation from a NACES member. You must obtain a new report that compares your Canadian degree to US educational standards to qualify for your visa.
Ready to start your Canadian degree evaluation?
Waiting for your degree report can cause a lot of stress. It may also delay your visa file or your new job in the US. We offer a fast three-day wait time and clear pricing to ensure you get your results fast. You will not have to wait for weeks like you might with other firms. Our team has over forty years of work helping people from Canada move with ease. We meet the high standards of schools and visa offices. Starting your check right now gives you one less thing to worry about. It helps you avoid a last-minute rush or extra costs as you plan your move.
Ready to start your Canadian degree evaluation today? Call (704) 772-0109 to start your degree evaluation today.
