Last updated on November 13, 2025
Moving to the US for work or education is an exciting thing but before your degree can open the doors for you it needs to be evaluated in terms of US standards. And that’s where foreign credential evaluations service exists.
Credential evaluations simply confirm the foreign degree & certification by comparing them to US educational standards. Even if you are applying for a university degree, gaining employment or applying for a license to practice a profession, credential evaluation will be an important step in the process.
By the end of this blog you will know exactly how to have your foreign degree counts in the United States.
What Is a Foreign Credential Evaluation Report?
A foreign credential evaluation report is an official document that compares your educational background in your home country to a US match. It is used to show how a degree, diploma or transcript compares to US academic standards.
For example, if you earned a bachelor’s degree outside the US a credential evaluator considers if it is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree or some other level of study. A credential evaluation report helps schools, employers & licensing boards to accurately compare your educational experience to their levels of expectation.
In effect, credential evaluation services act as a bridge between your education in your home country and your future in the US.
Why You Need Credential Evaluation in the USA?
An evaluation of foreign credentials is not only useful, but often required. Here’s why it is important in different contexts –
1. Employment
Many employers in the US want to verify that your educational history meets the requirements for employment. When a credential evaluation company issues a verified report they are able to verify your degree, grades & the equivalency to US standards. It can also strengthen your job application, especially if you include the letter from an expert credential evaluation in your documentation.
2. Education
Colleges & universities in the US will typically need international students to have a course-by-course credential evaluation completed. A course-by-course credential evaluation report provides a list of courses taken, grades earned & credit awarded and converts these to the US equivalent. This helps admissions teams to better review candidates qualifications & admission eligibility.
3. Professional Licensing
If you are planning to work in a governed profession such as nursing, teaching or engineering you may need to have a document evaluation service done as part of the application process for visas or licensing. Professional boards depend on the documented reports from an immigration credential evaluation service to verify that your educational & academic training meets US or specific state standards before they will issue you a license or certification.
How to Validate Your Foreign Degree in the USA
To get your foreign educational credentials evaluated follow these simple steps –
Step 1 – Choose a Recognized Credential Evaluation Service
Select a trusted academic credential evaluation company that is part of a recognized association. The most respected ones in the US are –
- NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services)
- AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators)
- TAICEP (The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals)
Working with a member agency ensures that universities, employers, and licensing boards nationwide accept your US credential evaluation for visa or educational purposes.
Step 2: Gather Your Academic Documents
- Diplomas or degree certificates
- Transcripts or mark sheets
- Course descriptions or syllabi
If your documents are not in English you will need to give certified translations. Some academic evaluation services even include translation support as part of their packages.
Step 3 – Submit Your Application
When you have come to a decision about your agency you can fill out their online application. You will upload or mail their documents, input your personal information & pay their evaluation fee. The fees will change from $100 to $300 depending on the credential evaluation & time it takes to review the credential.
Step 4: Receive Your Evaluation Report
After reviewing your application the agency will issue your foreign credential evaluation report. This report will show –
- The US equivalent of your foreign degree
- Your GPA
- A summary or detailed evaluation transcript
This report officially proves that your education meets US academic standards and you can use it across schools, employers, and visa processes.
Types of Credential Evaluations!
Different goals require different types of evaluations. Here are the most common ones offered by the top academic credential evaluation services in the US –
1. Document-by-Document Credential Evaluation
This is the most simple type of credential evaluation. It shows your degrees & their equivalents in the US but does not have detailed break downs of the course. It is typically used for general employment, immigration credential evaluation services or visa applications.
2. Course-by-Course Evaluation
You need a full report that lists all the courses you have taken, including your grades and the equivalent US semester credits. Universities, licensing boards, and higher education institutions require this report for admissions, licensing, and other educational transactions.
3. Specialized or Professional Evaluations
Certain areas, such as medicine, law or engineering may require a specialized evaluation. These reports are customized to meet licensing or certification requirements & may include extra verification steps.
Recommended Credential Evaluation Agencies!
Choosing a trusted reviewer is essential for smooth processing & acceptance. Here are some of the best known foreign credential evaluation services in the USA –
1. Document Evaluation
A TOP RATED service offering NAFSA approved evaluation reports in the USA known for accuracy, affordability & responsive support. Perfect for both immigration credential evaluation services & educational assessments.
2. World Education Services (WES)
One of the most recognized names in the US, WES provides fast, reliable service and secure digital delivery. Thousands of universities and employers accept their course-by-course credential evaluations.
3. Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Highly respected for detailed & transparent foreign credential evaluations, ECE is broadly accepted by academic & professional institutions across the US.
4. International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
One of the oldest evaluation agencies in the US, IERF specializes in evaluations for professional licensing & immigration purposes.
Tips for a Smooth Credential Evaluation Process
To make your credential evaluation quick & hassle-free keep these tips in mind –
- Start Early – The process can take several weeks, so begin early if you have admission or visa deadlines.
- Verify Requirements – Different institutions may prefer specific agencies or report types. Check before applying.
- Keep Copies – Always store digital & printed copies of your original documents & your evaluation report.
- Follow Up – Stay in touch with the agency to track progress & respond fast if they request more details.
- Use Reputable Services – Choose evaluators who are affiliated with NACES or AICE to make sure universities and employers widely accept your academic evaluation report.
- Start Early – The process can take several weeks, so begin early if you have admission or visa deadlines.
Conclusion
Evaluating your foreign degree is one of the most essential steps to shape your educational and professional future in the US. A credential evaluation report properly validates that US institutions recognize your work and accomplishments abroad at the same level as a US academic degree.
By selecting an authorized credential evaluation company & providing accurate & authentic documents & following the right procedures you will be ready to confidently apply to US colleges, universities, employment opportunities or professional licensing boards.
Your academic career has not ended at a border. It has simply begun here in the US if your degree opens additional opportunities for growth, success or stability.
Help with Foreign Credential Evaluation Reports in the USA
Still confused where to start? Choose Document Evaluation, a dependable & affordable academic credential evaluation service & get your foreign degree validated in the USA. Even if your goal is higher education or immigration we will help you take the next step with confidence. CONTACT US NOW!