📑 What This Guide Covers
- Stage 1: Apply with Credential Evaluator (Days 1–2)
- Stage 2: Apply for Sealed Transcripts at Your Indian University (Days 1–30)
- Stage 3: University Dispatches Sealed Documents (Days 25–35)
- Stage 4: Evaluator Receives and Scans (Days 30–45)
- Stage 5: Evaluator Verifies with Your University (Days 35–60)
- Stage 6: Evaluation and ECA Report (Days 60–70)
- Stage 7: Use Your ECA Report (Days 70+)
- How FACTS Streamlines End-to-End
- Frequently Asked Questions
The end-to-end transcript evaluation process — from your initial application to receiving your final ECA report — typically takes 6–10 weeks for Indian applicants. Understanding each stage helps you plan, set expectations, and avoid mistakes that cause delays.
This comprehensive guide walks through every stage of the credential evaluation journey, from your university application to the final ECA report.
Stage 1: Apply with Credential Evaluator (Days 1–2)
Choose your credential evaluator (WES, IQAS, ICES, CES, ECE) and apply via their website. Pay the application fee and receive your reference number. This is the foundation — your reference number must accompany every document sent.
What to do: Choose evaluator based on destination, complete online application, pay fee, save reference number.
Stage 2: Apply for Sealed Transcripts at Your Indian University (Days 1–30)
Visit your university's Examination Branch or apply via online portal. Submit application with: full name, registration number, course, year, college affiliation, destination authority's reference number, complete dispatch address.
Timeline varies by university: 15–25 days at major universities, up to 6 weeks at smaller institutions.
What to do: Apply early, provide complete information, ensure reference number is on the envelope's exterior.
Stage 3: University Dispatches Sealed Documents (Days 25–35)
Once your university processes the application, sealed transcripts and degree certificate are dispatched. Either:
- Directly to the credential evaluator's address (most common)
- Handed to your authorized representative for tracked international courier (FACTS approach)
Timeline: 5–8 days for international shipping after dispatch.
Stage 4: Evaluator Receives and Scans (Days 30–45)
The evaluator's mailroom inspects the envelope, checks the reference number, scans documents, and links them to your application file. Status updates to "Documents Received."
Common issues at this stage:
- Reference number missing → documents sit unmatched (5–10 day delay)
- Envelope opened or damaged → documents rejected, need fresh dispatch
- Wrong document type → specific document needs re-dispatch
Stage 5: Evaluator Verifies with Your University (Days 35–60)
The evaluator sends an Institutional Verification of Authenticity (IVA) request to your university. The university confirms documents are authentic and you genuinely earned the degree.
This is the most variable stage:
- Fast universities: 1–2 weeks IVA response
- Average universities: 2–4 weeks
- Slow or unresponsive universities: 4–8+ weeks
FACTS expedites this by following up directly with the university registrar.
Stage 6: Evaluation and ECA Report (Days 60–70)
Once verification confirms authenticity, the evaluator performs the actual credential assessment — converting your foreign degree to U.S./Canadian equivalence, calculating GPA, and listing courses (for course-by-course reports).
The ECA report is generated and posted to your account as a PDF. For Canada Express Entry, the report number is automatically transmitted to IRCC.
Stage 7: Use Your ECA Report (Days 70+)
With your ECA report:
- Submit your Canadian Express Entry profile (the report number auto-fills)
- Apply to U.S. universities (most accept WES, ECE)
- Apply for professional licensing
- Use for employment verification
The report is valid for 5 years.
How FACTS Streamlines End-to-End
- ✅ Stage 1: Guidance choosing right evaluator
- ✅ Stage 2: University application on your behalf
- ✅ Stage 3: Tracked DHL/FedEx dispatch
- ✅ Stage 4: Sealed envelope handling, reference number labeling
- ✅ Stage 5: IVA follow-up with your university
- ✅ Stage 6: Status monitoring and notifications
- ✅ 99%+ first-time acceptance