WES Document Verification Guide for Indian Applicants

What is WES and Why Does It Matter?

WES (World Education Services) is a non-profit organization that evaluates international academic credentials for use in Canada and the United States. If you are an Indian professional or student planning to immigrate to Canada (through Express Entry, PNP, or any stream) or pursue higher education/employment in the US, a WES credential evaluation is almost always required.

WES verifies that your Indian degree, diploma, or certificate is legitimate and assesses its equivalency in the Canadian or American education system. A valid WES report is a key component of your immigration or visa application.

Documents Required from Indian Applicants

For WES verification of Indian credentials, you typically need the following:

For Degree Certificates

• Official transcripts (all semesters) — sent directly from university to WES
• Degree certificate / provisional certificate
• Mark sheets (all years/semesters)
• Medium of instruction certificate (in some cases)

For Diploma / Post-Graduate Diplomas

• Official transcripts from the issuing institution
• Diploma certificate
• All mark sheets

For Secondary / Higher Secondary

• 10th and 12th mark sheets and passing certificates
• Transfer certificate (if applicable)

Step-by-Step WES Application Process for Indians

1. Create Your WES Account
   Go to wes.org and create an account. Select your destination country (Canada or USA) and the type of evaluation (Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course).
2. Submit Online Application & Pay Fees
   Complete your application form online and pay the evaluation fee. WES will issue you a reference number, which you must include with all documents sent to them.
3. Request Official Transcripts from Your University
   Contact your university's exam/records section and request official transcripts to be sent directly to WES. Provide them with your WES reference number and the WES mailing address.
4. Collect Supporting Documents
   Collect self-attested photocopies of your degree, mark sheets, and any other required documents. These are sent by you directly to WES (not by the university).
5. Courier Documents to WES
   Send your supporting documents (with your WES reference number on each) via international courier to the WES office in Toronto (Canada) or New York (USA).
6. Track & Await Evaluation
   Track your application status on the WES portal. WES will email you once they receive documents and when evaluation is complete.
7. Receive Your WES Report
   WES emails your evaluation report and can send a physical copy to you and/or directly to IRCC (for Canada immigration) or to any educational institution.

Do Indian Documents Need Attestation for WES?

This is one of the most common questions. The answer depends on your specific case:

• Transcripts sent directly from the university: No attestation required — the institution seal and signature suffice.
• Documents sent by the applicant: WES may require notarization or attestation for self-submitted documents. Check your specific WES checklist.
• Institutions on the WES "Known Institutions" list: Transcripts from recognized Indian universities (most central and state universities) are generally accepted with standard procedures.
• Unrecognized or new institutions: Additional verification steps, including HRD attestation, may be required.

Attestation Expert can assist you in determining exactly which documents need attestation and completing that process quickly.

Fees and Processing Timeline

Which Indian Universities Does WES Recognize?

WES recognizes degrees from all University Grants Commission (UGC)-listed and AICTE-approved institutions in India. This includes all central universities, state universities (like Kerala University, Anna University, Mumbai University), IITs, NITs, and most deemed universities. Private institutions may require additional verification.

Always verify your institution's status on the WES website before applying to avoid delays.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Wrong evaluation type: Course-by-Course is needed for immigration to Canada; Document-by-Document is used for employment. Choose carefully based on your purpose.
• Missing reference number: Always include your WES reference number on every document and envelope sent to WES.
• Unofficial transcripts: Transcripts not in a sealed university envelope are rejected. Confirm with your university the exact format WES requires.
• Name discrepancies: Names on all documents must match exactly. Resolve mismatches with a sworn affidavit before submitting.
• Waiting too long: University processing for transcripts can take 4–8 weeks. Start early — well before your immigration application deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send documents to WES myself?

You can send supporting documents yourself, but transcripts must come directly from your institution. WES will only accept transcripts in a sealed envelope with the institution's stamp across the flap.

Is WES the only credential evaluation service for Canada?

No, but WES (ICAP) is the most widely accepted for Canada immigration (IRCC). Other designated organizations include ICAS, IQAS, and others. For Express Entry, check IRCC's list of designated organizations for your province or program.

How long is a WES evaluation valid?

A WES evaluation does not technically expire, but immigration authorities may prefer evaluations completed within recent years. IRCC Express Entry profiles using WES reports generally require the report to have been issued within 5 years.

My university is closed or no longer exists. What do I do?

This is a complex situation. WES has specific processes for defunct institutions. You may need to obtain records from the affiliating university, state archives, or the relevant education board. Contact Attestation Expert for guidance in such cases.