WES Blog

If you’re applying to an academic institution, job, or licensing board with international education credentials, you’ve probably come across the term credential evaluation—and maybe even the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or better known as NACES. But what is NACES and how does it relate to credential evaluation? Let’s take a closer look.   What […]

If you’re considering a credential evaluation, it is important to choose the right type of report for your goals and purposes. Each report is designed to support different ventures, like studying abroad, applying for a job, or immigration. Taking the time to understand your options will help you feel confident and prepared for what’s next.  […]

If you live in the United States or Canada and earned a credential abroad, you might think it’s too late to get a credential evaluation, or that it might not be worth the time and investment. However, it’s never too late to get a credential evaluation and pursue new opportunities.   Watch the video below […]

If you live in the United States or Canada and earned your degree in another country, you may find that a credential evaluation can be helpful when you’re trying to secure a spot in an academic program or a job in your desired field. A credential evaluation report provides and describes the U.S. or Canadian […]

Your education and experience matter. At WES, we believe that you should be able to put your education to good use and pursue academic and professional success—wherever you go. A credential evaluation assesses your academic experience: your coursework, the institution you attended, and the requirements of the program you completed. However, this is not the […]

Everyone’s experience and goals are unique—so your credential evaluation report and package needs may look different from someone else’s. In this blog post, we discuss the different types of evaluations WES offers along with example scenarios, to help you choose the best options for meeting your goals.   Report types and purposes When you begin […]

Relocating to another country is a major life decision, and hiring a consultant or agent can make the process smoother. Whether you’re seeking help with visas, work permits, or credential evaluations, this checklist can help to ensure you enlist a reputable and trusted consultant.   Verify Their Credentials  Many countries regulate immigration and relocation services. Make […]

We understand that plans can change, and you may need to modify your credential evaluation order after submitting your application. However, it’s important to know that you can request changes to your application for a limited time only. You can add or remove a credential at no additional cost up until our evaluators have received, […]

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required for some immigration pathways to Canada. Once in the country, many people upgrade their ECA to a standard credential evaluation to support applications for employment or post-secondary education. Let’s explore the difference between the two and why you should consider upgrading your ECA.   The difference between an […]

Canada and the United States both have outstanding post-secondary education systems. One aspect that many international students may not be aware of is the credit transfer.   The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials defines transfer credit as “the credit received when an educational institution assesses and recognizes a student’s prior studies as being equivalent to […]

We understand how important your credential evaluation is — and staying informed about its progress is just as essential. The good news is that there’s a quick way to monitor the status of your evaluation.   Get started  We always recommend that you check the progress of your evaluation through your WES account. It’s the fastest […]

Once you have submitted your application for a credential evaluation, your official documents must be sent directly to WES from the issuing institution. However, applicants can upload copies of their degree certificates and translations through their WES account. Degree certificates and translations are not a requirement for everyone, so you can disregard this step if […]

If you’re thinking of relocating to the United States or Canada, consider obtaining a credential evaluation. Credential evaluation reports can be an asset to those interested in pursuing academic or professional opportunities in their new country. Planning and budgeting for one now could be a smart, proactive move.  The cost of a WES credential evaluation […]

At WES, it is our mission to support immigrants, refugees, and international students who are seeking to leverage their education and experience in new places. WES staff are committed to their work shaped by experiences that closely reflect those of our applicants. Their personal journeys inspire them to support others in accessing education and career […]

Written by Sifat Yusuf, WES Mariam Assefa Fund Program Manager; Cristina Lara-Agudelo, WES Investments Platform Manager; and Subaita Rahman, WES Communications & Public Policy Specialist The New Power Labs team presenting their research in Toronto on May 5, 2025, pictured with Fund Program Manager Sifat Yusuf.  With immigrants making up 23 percent of Canada’s population—and […]

A decade ago, a multi-sector roundtable convened in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to address a critical question: How could Canada’s growing population of forcibly displaced Syrian refugees access meaningful employment in their new home country?    Representing 40 organizations, this group sought to bridge the gap between refugees and the jobs that matched their […]

If you completed your education outside of the United States or Canada, obtaining a credential evaluation report is a key step toward having your academic qualifications recognized in both countries. Whether you’re pursuing further education, professional licensing, or immigration opportunities, choosing the right credential evaluation service will set you up for success.   There are […]

If you’re looking for a job in the United States or Canada and earned your degree in another country, you will likely need a credential evaluation. Let’s discuss why an employer might ask you for an evaluation and how a report can support you throughout your career.  How credential evaluations help employers  There are a […]

WES continues to adapt and enhance its offerings to assist applicants pursuing their academic, career, and immigration goals in the United States and Canada. We’ve compiled five important things for you to know—from new partnerships we’ve established to expanded resources—about WES credential evaluations in 2025.   1. Electronic Document Submission In recent years, many institutions have […]

The United States faces a significant shortage of registered nurses (RNs) due to high turnover, rising demand for health care, and the lingering systemwide toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without effective policies and programs in place, the projected shortage for 2030 is 63,720 RNs. Not only do nursing shortfalls result in longer patient wait times for health […]