What to Submit After ITA: College Degree or WES Certificate?

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence is an exciting milestone in the immigration journey. However, it also comes with the responsibility of submitting the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility. One common question that arises is whether to submit your college degree or your World Education Services (WES) certificate after receiving an ITA. This guide will provide clarity on what documents to upload to ensure a successful application process.

Understanding the Requirements

After receiving an ITA, you must submit various documents through the Express Entry portal to verify the information provided in your profile. These documents typically include proof of education, which can be confusing for many applicants. The main items to consider are:

1. College Degree

2. WES Certificate (Educational Credential Assessment - ECA)

3. Marksheet/Transcripts

What is a College Degree?

A college degree is an academic credential awarded by a college or university upon completion of a program of study. For immigration purposes, it is essential to provide a copy of your degree certificate as proof of your educational qualifications.

What is a WES Certificate?

The WES certificate, or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), is an evaluation of your foreign educational credentials to determine their equivalency to Canadian education standards. The ECA is mandatory for Express Entry applicants to prove that their foreign degrees, diplomas, or certificates are valid and equivalent to a Canadian credential.

What are Marksheets and Transcripts?

Marksheet and transcripts are documents that provide detailed information about the courses you took, the grades you achieved, and the credits earned during your studies. These documents are often required to support your degree and ECA.

What to Upload After ITA

1. Degree Certificate

• Why Upload: The degree certificate is a formal document issued by your educational institution upon completion of your program. It serves as proof of your educational qualifications.

• How to Upload: Scan and upload a clear copy of your degree certificate in the "Education (diplomas/degrees) (required)" section under supporting documents.

2. WES Certificate

• Why Upload: Although not mandatory, uploading the WES certificate is strongly recommended. It provides a verified assessment of your educational credentials, which can facilitate the review process by immigration officers.

• How to Upload: Scan and upload a copy of your WES certificate in the appropriate section under supporting documents. If you have already provided the WES reference number in your Express Entry profile, it is still beneficial to include the WES report.

3. Marksheets/Transcripts

• Why Upload: Marksheets and transcripts offer a detailed view of your academic performance and support your degree and ECA. They help provide a comprehensive picture of your education.

• How to Upload: Scan and upload copies of your marksheets and transcripts in the "Education (diplomas/degrees) (required)" section or in any other relevant section under supporting documents.

Expert Recommendations

1. Submit All Relevant Documents: To avoid delays or complications in your application, it is best to submit your degree certificate, WES certificate, and marksheets/transcripts. Providing a complete set of documents ensures that all aspects of your education are verified.

2. Ensure Clarity and Legibility: Make sure all scanned documents are clear, legible, and complete. Poor-quality scans can lead to misunderstandings or requests for additional information, which can delay the process.

3. Check Specific Instructions: Follow any specific instructions provided by IRCC regarding document submission. Ensure you are aware of any updates or changes in the document requirements.

Common Questions

Q: Is the WES certificate mandatory after ITA? A: While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to upload your WES certificate. It provides a verified assessment of your educational credentials and can expedite the review process.

Q: Do I need to upload both my degree certificate and WES certificate? A: Yes, it is advisable to upload both your degree certificate and WES certificate. The degree certificate proves your educational qualification, while the WES certificate provides a validated equivalency to Canadian standards.

Q: What if I cannot find my degree certificate? A: If you cannot locate your degree certificate, you should obtain a duplicate from your educational institution. It is crucial to provide official proof of your educational qualifications.

Q: Do I need to upload marksheets/transcripts for a foreign degree? A: Yes, you should upload marksheets/transcripts for all your degrees. They provide detailed information about your academic performance and support your degree and ECA.

Conclusion

Navigating the documentation requirements after receiving an ITA can be challenging, but understanding what to submit can streamline the process and increase your chances of a successful application. By uploading your degree certificate, WES certificate, and marksheets/transcripts, you provide comprehensive evidence of your educational qualifications. Ensuring that these documents are clear, complete, and correctly uploaded will help avoid delays and facilitate a smooth immigration process.

For further assistance and personalized guidance, consider using services like SimpleLegalAI to help you navigate the complexities of the application process and ensure that all requirements are met efficiently and accurately.

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