Moving to the United States for higher education, career opportunities, or permanent settlement is a dream for many. But every year, thousands of applications are delayed or rejected by U.S. universities, employers, and immigration authorities. Surprisingly, it’s not always because the applicants lack qualifications—it’s often due to improper or missing credential evaluations.
Credential evaluation plays a critical role in making your foreign education or professional background understandable and acceptable in the United States. Whether you are applying for a student visa (F1), a work visa (H1B or EB2 NIW), or immigration-based green cards, the accuracy of your credential evaluation can mean the difference between approval and costly delays.
Why Applications Get Rejected or Delayed
Before we dive into solutions, let’s look at why so many applications face rejection:
Late submissions – Waiting until the last moment for evaluation leads to missed deadlines and application backlogs.
Incomplete documentation – Applicants often fail to provide complete transcripts, degree certificates, or work records.
Unrecognized evaluation agencies – Submitting reports from unaccredited evaluators can result in universities or USCIS refusing to accept them.
Translation confusion – Many applicants mistakenly assume that a translated degree is enough. In reality, U.S. authorities require an equivalency report, not just a translation.
USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) – Many H1B or EB2 NIW applicants receive RFEs simply because their degrees were not properly evaluated.
What is Credential Evaluation?
Credential evaluation is the process of assessing foreign academic and professional qualifications to determine their U.S. equivalency. It ensures that your degree, diploma, or work experience is properly recognized by U.S. authorities.
There are two major types:
- General Academic Evaluation Service
- Provides an overview of your academic degree equivalency in U.S. terms.
- Often required for employment-based visas and general immigration purposes.
- Course-by-Course Evaluation
- Gives detailed analysis of courses, grades, and credit hours.
- Usually required by universities, licensing boards, and professional organizations.
Choosing the right evaluation depends on your immigration or career goals.
How Credential Evaluation Prevents Visa Delays
A correct evaluation does more than just validate your degree—it ensures a smooth and faster application process.
✅ Avoids USCIS RFEs (Request for Evidence)
One of the most common reasons for RFEs in H1B and EB2 NIW cases is unclear degree equivalency. A proper credential evaluation makes your degree easy to interpret, reducing the chance of USCIS questioning your qualifications.
✅ Speeds up university admissions
Colleges need to know if your foreign transcripts match U.S. academic standards. A verified course-by-course evaluation provides them the clarity to make faster decisions.
✅ Ensures employer confidence
For work visas, U.S. employers must confirm your qualifications match the job requirements. A recognized evaluation protects your job offer from being withdrawn due to degree doubts.
✅ Strengthens immigration credibility
Proper documentation shows immigration officers that your application is well-prepared and authentic. This increases approval chances significantly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants unintentionally make errors that lead to rejection:
- Using cheap, non-recognized agencies instead of accredited credential evaluators.
- Submitting incomplete transcripts or uncertified translations.
- Requesting the wrong type of evaluation for their purpose.
- Procrastinating and applying at the last minute.
Avoiding these mistakes can save you from unnecessary delays and stress.
Step-by-Step: Getting the Right Credential Evaluation
Here’s a simple roadmap to ensure your evaluation is accurate and accepted:
Double-check requirements – Different universities, employers, and USCIS categories may have unique rules.
Identify your purpose – Is it for a student visa, work visa, or immigration petition?
Collect documents – Transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas, professional certifications, and work records.
Choose the right evaluation type – Document-by-document for USCIS and employment, course-by-course for universities.
Select a trusted evaluation agency – Always verify accreditation and USCIS/university acceptance.
Apply early – Processing times vary, so submit your evaluation request well before deadlines.
Case Example: Preventing an RFE
Imagine an H1B applicant from India who has a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree. USCIS requires proof that this is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. If the applicant submits only a translation or unofficial evaluation, USCIS might issue an RFE asking for clarification.
But with a right credential evaluation, the equivalency is clearly stated in the report, preventing delays and boosting the application’s credibility.
Conclusion
Right credential evaluation is not just a formality—it is a critical step in ensuring your U.S. immigration, education, or employment journey moves forward without unnecessary roadblocks. By choosing the best evaluation service and preparing documents early, you can prevent visa delays, avoid RFEs, and increase your chances of success.
Why Choose Document Evaluation?
At Document Evaluation, we specialize in helping international students, professionals, and immigrants succeed in their U.S. journey.
✔ Recognized by universities, employers, and USCIS
✔ Fast, accurate, and reliable evaluations
✔ Expertise in course-by-course, document-by-document, and professional work experience evaluations
✔ Specialized support for H1B, EB2 NIW, and F1 visa applicants
👉 Don’t let delays or RFEs stop your dreams. Start your credential evaluation with us today!
