Blog

Moving to the United States for work, study, or immigration purposes often requires validate of your foreign degree to ensure it aligns with U.S. standards. Without proper validation, your hard-earned qualifications might not be recognized, limiting your opportunities. This article will guide you through the foreign degree validation process and explain why it is crucial for achieving your goals in the U.S.

Why Validate Your Foreign Degree?

Validation of a foreign degree serves to confirm that your international educational qualifications are equivalent to U.S. standards. This step is vital for several reasons:

• Employment: Many employers require validated credentials to ensure candidates meet specific educational standards for the job.
• Academic Opportunities: Universities may need a validated degree to confirm that you have met prerequisites for advanced studies.
• Immigration Requirements: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) often requires degree validation, particularly for visa applications like the H1B.

Without validation, your foreign degree might not hold the same weight in the U.S., potentially hindering your progress.

Steps to Validate a Foreign Degree in the USA

Understanding the validation process can make it easier to navigate. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Credential Evaluation Service

The first step is to find a reliable and authorized credential evaluation agency. These agencies compare your international qualifications to U.S. standards and provide an equivalent evaluation. Document Evaluation offers professional and accurate services for validating foreign degrees, making the process straightforward and efficient.

Step 2: Submit the Necessary Documents

Each credential evaluation service will have its list of required documents. Typically, this includes:

• Original and certified copies of diplomas and transcripts.
• English translations if the documents are in another language.
• Any additional certifications, if applicable.

It’s essential to check with the agency for specific requirements to avoid delays.

Step 3: Choose the Type of Evaluation Needed

There are various types of evaluations based on your needs:

• Course-by-Course Evaluation: Often required by universities, this type details each course and its equivalent in the U.S. system.
• Document Evaluation: A more general evaluation that confirms the level of your degree compared to a U.S. qualification.
• Expert Opinion Letters: Used primarily for visa and immigration applications, especially when a Request for Evidence (RFE) is issued by USCIS.

Document Evaluation offers all these services, allowing you to choose the one that aligns with your purpose.

Step 4: Wait for the Evaluation Report

After submitting your documents and choosing the evaluation type, the agency will process your request. Once completed, they will provide you with an evaluation report. This report serves as official documentation of your degree’s equivalency in the U.S. educational system.

Common Challenges in Foreign Degree Validation

While the validation process is generally straightforward, there can be challenges:

• Document Requirements: Missing or incomplete documentation can lead to delays. It’s essential to provide accurate and complete paperwork.
• Translation Needs: If your documents are in a language other than English, certified translation is necessary, which can be an additional step.
• Response to RFEs: For visa applicants, USCIS may issue an RFE if they require further information or if documentation is unclear. In this case, it’s crucial to respond accurately and promptly.

Document Evaluation offers expert guidance in handling RFEs and provides certified translations to help you overcome these challenges smoothly.

Why Choose Document Evaluation for Your Foreign Degree Validation?

Document Evaluation is a trusted provider of credential evaluation services in the USA. Here’s why we stand out:

• Expertise: Our team is experienced in working with USCIS, universities, and employers to ensure your degree is recognized accurately.
• Comprehensive Services: From credential evaluations and expert opinion letters to certified translations, we provide a complete solution.
• Efficient Processing: We understand that time is critical. Our team works diligently to process your evaluation quickly and accurately.

With Document Evaluation, you can trust that your foreign degree validation process will be handled with professionalism and care.

Conclusion

Validating your foreign degree in the USA is a crucial step that opens up opportunities for career advancement, academic growth, and immigration success. Document Evaluation is here to guide you through the process, ensuring your qualifications are recognized and valued in the U.S. Don’t let your international degree go unrecognized—reach out to us today to get started!