Thousands of Iranian nationals currently living in Canada are unable to obtain a credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES) because the standard requirement to submit official academic transcripts directly from universities in Iran has become practically impossible.

Due to the current crisis and war-related disruptions in Iran, many universities and administrative offices are closed, operating with severe limitations, or unable to respond to international transcript requests. Communication channels with academic institutions are unreliable, and graduates cannot access the normal procedures required to request or send their academic records.

As a result, many Iranian professionals and graduates in Canada—despite having legitimate university degrees—are unable to complete the WES evaluation process. Without a credential assessment, they face major barriers in accessing employment, professional licensing, and higher education opportunities in Canada.

This situation prevents skilled individuals from fully integrating into the Canadian workforce and contributing their expertise to the Canadian economy. At the same time, WES already operates the Gateway Program, which was specifically designed to evaluate credentials for individuals who cannot obtain full academic documentation due to displacement, conflict, or exceptional circumstances.

However, Iranian applicants affected by the current crisis are not presently included in this pathway, leaving many qualified individuals without a viable option to have their academic achievements recognized.