Current Average Processing Times*

Document-by-Document (DxD)

3 days or less

Course-by-Course (CxC)

8 days or less

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA for IRCC Canada)

6 days or less

*Processing times may vary. Processing starts once all documents have been received, reviewed, and accepted by WES and payment has been made in full.

About the WES Gateway Program

The WES Gateway Program assesses the educational credentials of individuals who have been displaced as a result of adverse circumstances in their country and have limited proof of their academic achievements.

A WES Gateway Program credential evaluation report can help eligible individuals continue their education, become licensed in their field, or take the next step on their career pathway in the United States. The report can be accepted by higher education institutions, regulatory bodies, and employers.

WES works with designated partners to identify individuals who are eligible for the Gateway Program. The program is available to individuals educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Venezuela who meet program requirements.

For more information and the full program eligibility criteria, refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Referrals and Applications

To apply for the WES Gateway Program, eligible individuals need to be referred by a designated referral partner.

The WES Gateway Program is currently available to individuals who:

  • Possess at least one piece of credible evidence issued by their academic institution
  • Were educated in one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Venezuela
  • Are referred to WES by a designated U.S. partner organization

Note: Whenever possible, WES recommends that applicants use its standard evaluation process. If you are able to submit standard country-specific required documents, please start your application here.

Referral Partners

WES works with partner organizations across the U.S. to refer individuals to the WES Gateway Program. These referral organizations confirm the eligibility of prospective applicants, submit documents for evaluation, and provide additional information. Please note, referral partner organizations may have additional criteria when determining which individuals are eligible for their services, including Gateway referrals.

For more information contact us (select “WES Gateway Program” as the question category).