Official Guidelines for Sending Degree Documents to WES for Canadian Immigration

For Canadian immigration, obtaining an official evaluation of your academic credentials is a crucial step. The World Education Services (WES) is a well-respected organization that provides such evaluations. However, there are specific guidelines you must follow to ensure that your degree documents are processed accurately and efficiently. This article aims to clarify the recommended procedures and highlight common misconceptions regarding the submission of degree certificates directly to WES.

Introduction

When seeking to immigrate to Canada, it's essential to have your educational credentials evaluated by WES. WES evaluates international educational documents to determine the equivalency to Canadian credentials. However, there are specific procedures that must be followed to ensure the accuracy and validity of your documents.

Why Sending Degrees Directly to WES is Not Recommended

WES explicitly states that the degree document must be sent directly by your university or an authorized institution to avoid any delays in the evaluation process. This is done to prevent any form of forgery, fraud, or misrepresentation. Here are the reasons why it's not recommended to send your degree certificate by yourself:

Forgery and Fraud Prevention: WES prioritizes the authenticity of the documents it evaluates. By requiring direct fulfillment from your university, WES minimizes the risk of fraudulent documents reaching the evaluation process. Ensuring Reliability: Direct submission from the issuing agency ensures that the document has not been tampered with or altered during transit. Efficiency and Speed: When documents are sent directly, the evaluation process is expedited, reducing delays in the immigration process.

What You Should Do Instead

If your university only provides transcripts and not the degree certificate, you have a few options:

Upload Your Degree Certificate Online: WES allows you to upload your degree certificate through their online system. Ensure that it is a scanned copy of the original document. However, make sure to verify WES guidelines first to avoid any issues. Contact Your University: Reach out to your university's international student office or the institution responsible for sending documents to WES. They can help you obtain the official degree certificate and send it securely.

Common Misconceptions

It is important to address some common misconceptions about WES evaluations:

Myth: It is Okay to Mail the Degree Document by Yourself

Many people might think mailing the degree document directly to WES is acceptable. Unfortunately, this is not the case. WES advises against this practice to maintain the integrity of the evaluation process. Sending documents directly from your university ensures that the authenticity and accuracy of your credentials are maintained.

Myth: WES Will Accept Degree Documents Uploaded by the Applicant

While WES does accept uploaded degree documents, it is crucial to adhere to their guidelines. Uploading a document through the online system is acceptable, but the document must be a scanned copy of the original and official degree certificate. Verification of WES guidelines beforehand is essential to avoid any delays or processing issues.

Conclusion

To ensure a smooth and efficient evaluation process by WES, it is imperative to follow their guidelines strictly. Sending your degree document directly from your university is the recommended course of action to avoid forgery, fraud, and delays. Always verify WES guidelines to ensure that your documents meet their requirements and are processed promptly.