To learn more about the comparative evaluation

Frequently asked questions

• Finding out about the principles and methodology that apply to the comparative evaluation
• Assigning a training area
• Taking advantage of priority processing
• Being represented by a third party
• Sending documents, information or questions about the comparative evaluation
• Sending a copy of my comparative evaluation to a third party
• Finding out about the security features of a comparative evaluation
• Understanding Canada's education systems

Finding out about the principles and methodology that apply to the comparative evaluation

Is there a framework for processing a request for a comparative evaluation?
Yes. The Ministère uses the Pan-Canadian Quality Assurance Framework for the Assessment of International Academic Credential which is modeled on the 1997 Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (UNESCO/Council of Europe).

The Ministère is also a member of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC). The ACESC ensures that all individuals have access to reliable and fair diploma evaluation services.

What are the main steps in processing a request for a comparative evaluation?

The main processing steps are:

• Verification of the document provided and the faithfulness of the translations, if applicable.
• Confirmation of the recognition of the educational institution and study program by the competent responsible authorities of the education system concerned.
• Comparison with Québec education benchmarks and fields of training.
  
  

	USEFUL INFORMATION
	The quality of teaching and degree of performance of an educational institution have no impact on the results of the comparative evaluation as long as the individual earned a passing mark.

Assigning a training area

Why is the Québec training area indicated on the comparative evaluation different from the name of the study programme completed abroad?
The Ministère briefly compares study programmes completed abroad with programmes and disciplines offered in Québec. Disciplines generally encompass several related programs of study.

Thus, the names of the university training programs used by the Ministère are aligned with the list of disciplines created by Emploi Québec. You may find this list on the Québec.ca portal.

For high school vocational and technical college courses, the names of the programs used by the Ministère are drawn from the lists of study programs established by the Ministère de l'Éducation and the Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur. You can find the listings in the Trainings section of the Inforoute FPT portal.

When a foreign study program cannot be compared to a specific Québec study program or university discipline, a field of study is generally indicated on the comparative evaluation.

Taking advantage of priority processing

What is priority processing of a request for a comparative evaluation?
Priority processing accelerates the review of a file. It could be suspended if a more in-depth search is required.

How can I take advantage of priority processing of a request for a comparative evaluation?
To be eligible for priority processing, the file submitted for review must be complete and accompanied by a letter from an employer, a local employment centre or a regulatory body (organization governing the profession or trade you wish to practise in Québec). Depending on your situation, you must include one of the following documents with your request for a comparative evaluation:

• A letter from your employer addressed to your name requesting priority processing, dated and signed, with the contact information of the company in question. This letter must stipulate that you are required to present a comparative evaluation to the employer in order to be hired, promoted or to have your contract renewed. If applicable, it must indicate the start date of the job.

• A letter addressed to your name, dated and signed by an officer of a local employment centre (CLE) with the centre’s contact information and logo. This letter must stipulate that the CLE is requesting a comparative evaluation in order for you to be eligible for one of its training programs, for example.

• A letter requesting priority processing sent by a regulatory body that governs your profession or trade. This letter must be dated and signed, and must feature the logo of the regulatory body. It must also stipulate that a comparative evaluation is required in order for your file to be processed.
  
  

Failure to meet these requirements will prevent the priority processing of your request for a comparative evaluation.

IMPORTANT: If you have already submitted a request for a comparative evaluation, you must wait to receive the letter confirming that your file has been opened before sending us your letter requesting priority processing. Make sure to indicate the attributed file number in your letter before sending it to us.

Being represented by a third party

How do I authorize a third party to represent me in a request for a comparative evaluation?
If you are mandating someone to represent you, include the form Mandat de représentation (Power of attorney) to your request.

Sending documents, information or questions about the comparative evaluation

How do I submit new elements to be reviewed?
With your comparative evaluation file number and the reason for your submission, mail your documents, your information or your question about the comparative evaluation to:

Direction de l’enregistrement et de l’évaluation comparative
Suivi – Évaluations comparatives
285, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, 4e étage
Montréal (Québec)  H2Y 1T8
CANADA

Also include a copy of the last identification form or letter of response from the Ministère regarding your request for a comparative evaluation. Place it prominently, on top of the other documents.

Note: You have 365 days following the sending of the Ministère’s response to your request for a comparative evaluation to send us documents, information or questions. After this time period, you will have to submit a new request for a comparative evaluation, including fee payment and the required documents, in the prescribed format, in order to obtain a new review.

Please note that sending a new application does not mean that you will obtain a different or a better result.

Sending a copy of my comparative evaluation to a third party

What is the best practice for sending a copy of my comparative evaluation to a third party?
If you have received a comparative evaluation, make a digital copy (e.g., PDF file). This copy can then be sent electronically to a third party (employer, regulatory body, etc.).

If the third party requires your original comparative evaluation, show it to the third party and make sure to specify that it must be returned to you after consultation.

Finding out about the security features of a comparative evaluation

How do I verify if the Ministère has issued a comparative evaluation?
The comparative evaluation contains two security features:

• On the front, at the bottom of the page, two microprinted blue lines display the word IMMIGRATION in a continuous band.
• On the back, a repeating motif of fleurs-de-lis, printed in white ink, is visible in oblique view.
  
  

Make sure that the paper document displays all of these features.

Understanding Canada’s educational systems

How do I identify a Canadian degree or diploma issued by a provincial or territorial education system?
The Ministère does not evaluate Canadian degrees and diplomas as part of a comparative evaluation request.

However, the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) provides useful information on Canada's education systems and their structure. This information is used to estimate the educational attainment of an academic document.