Send Transcripts to WES
How to Send Transcripts to WES: A Complete Guide for International Students
When planning to study in Canada, one of the key steps you’ll need to take is verifying your academic credentials. Among the various credential evaluation agencies, World Education Services (WES) stands out as one of the most trusted and widely accepted organizations.
Why Academic Credential Evaluation Matters
That’s why having your academic transcripts verified and evaluated is such a crucial part of the application process. Here’s why it matters :
- Establishes Credibility: Ensures that your foreign education meets Canadian academic standards.
- Speeds Up Application Processing: Verified credentials minimize the need for additional scrutiny.
- Boosts Admission and Immigration Opportunities: A verified transcript is often required for admission to post-secondary institutions and even for immigration pathways like Express Entry.
What Is WES and Why Is It Important?
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization that specializes in evaluating educational qualifications obtained outside of Canada and the United States. Their primary role is to provide credential equivalency reports that help Canadian employers, educational institutions, and immigration authorities understand your academic background.
WES services are commonly used for:
- University and college admissions
- Professional licensing
- Immigration programs, including permanent residency under Express Entry
They compare your credentials to Canadian standards and issue an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), a mandatory document for many visa and immigration applications.
Understanding WES Evaluation Types
Before you send your transcripts, it’s important to determine the right type of evaluation based on your educational goals. WES provides different evaluation formats to cater to different needs:
1. Document-by-Document Evaluation (Recommended for Undergraduate/Freshman Admissions)
- Name of qualification
- Admission requirements
- Duration of the program
- Canadian equivalent
2. Course-by-Course Evaluation (Used for Graduate Admissions & Transfer Students)
- Credential details
- Course-by-course analysis with grades
- U.S./Canadian GPA equivalency
- Level of each course (upper or lower division)
Depending on your destination program or institution, be sure to ask which evaluation type is required before beginning the process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send Transcripts to WES
Now that you understand what WES is and why it matters, here’s a breakdown of how to send your transcripts correctly to avoid delays:
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
The documents you need to send depend on several factors:
- Country of education
- Whether your education is complete or still in progress
- The type of degree or diploma
- Institution and its documentation protocol
WES provides a Required Documents tool on its website, which helps you determine exactly what you need based on your education history.
Step 2: Choose the Right Submission Method
There are three primary ways to submit your academic transcripts to WES:
A. Electronic Submission (Recommended)
More than 7,500 institutions worldwide partner with WES to submit documents electronically. Electronic submissions are preferred because they’re faster and more secure.
- Log into your university’s academic portal
- Navigate to the transcript request section
- Choose WES as the receiving body
- Submit the documents via a secure link
If your university doesn’t offer WES as a direct recipient, you can ask your school to email your transcripts to submit@wes.org from an official domain.
B. Direct Submission
Some universities send physical transcripts via mail or courier. This takes longer but is still accepted. WES will only process documents received directly from recognized institutions, not from students.
Mail to:
World Education Services Attention:
Documentation Center
102-2820 14th Avenue
Markham, ON L3R 0S9
Canada
C. Email Submission
Emailing is acceptable only if your institution meets WES’s verification criteria. Documents must:
- Come from a verified email listed on the institution’s official website
- Be sent by academic departments like Registrar’s Office or Examination Controller
- Be in a secure, non editable format (e.g., PDF)
Do not email transcripts from your personal account—they will be rejected.
Important Dos and Don’ts for WES Transcript Submission
Do:
- Double-check your WES reference number and include it in all communications
- Use WES’s Required Documents tool to confirm what you need
- Ensure the format and method meet WES guidelines
- Contact your school’s records office early to avoid delays
Don’t:
- Upload documents to WES yourself unless explicitly allowed
- Share your WES login or reference number with unauthorized parties
- Place password protection or expiration dates on your transcript files
- Send documents from personal email addresses
What Happens After Submission?
You can track your application status through your WES account dashboard. When the evaluation is complete, you will receive:
- A digital copy of your ECA or evaluation report
- A unique digital badge for platforms like LinkedIn (optional)
Your ECA remains valid for 5 years, making it useful for study, immigration, and even job applications in Canada.
10. Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship
- Faster pathway to PR
- Sponsored partners gain access to healthcare and social benefits
- No job offer required
- Partners can work in Canada with an Open Work Permit (if applicable)
- Strengthens family unity and stability
Final Thoughts: Prepare Early for a Smoother Journey
Whether you’re planning to attend a Canadian university or apply for permanent residency later, your WES evaluation plays a pivotal role. If you’re unsure where to start, consider consulting a certified immigration consultant or educational advisor to help streamline the process.
Need Help With Your Canadian Study or Immigration Plans?
Let a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) assist you with selecting the right program, submitting your documents, and tracking your application progress for peace of mind.
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