If you’ve earned your degree outside the United States, you may need to consider a foreign credential evaluation. This is especially important if you’re looking to study or work in the U.S. However, employers, universities, and immigration authorities require it to determine how your qualifications stack up against U.S. standards.
Furthermore, it’s important to note! Without an official evaluation, you may face delays in your job applications, university admissions, or even visa approvals. However, this guide breaks down how to evaluate a foreign degree in USA, step by step.
In this blog, you’ll discover not only when you need this evaluation, but also which agency to work with. So, let’s dive in and make this journey smoother for you!
What is Foreign Credential Evaluation?
Foreign credential evaluation determines how a degree earned outside the United States compares to U.S. educational standards. It helps universities, employers, and licensing boards understand the level, coursework, and accreditation of your qualifications.
Without this evaluation, your degree may not be recognized. But with the right assessment, you can pursue higher education, apply for jobs, or meet immigration requirements.
Why is Foreign Credential Evaluation Important?
When you’re considering a move to the U.S. it’s important to understand! Your degree might not hold the same weight here as it does back home. This is why getting a credential evaluation can be a smart step. Moreover, it breaks down your qualifications and clearly shows how they compare to U.S. standards.
Here’s why you might need one:
- For Education: For starters, if you’re looking to go to college in the U.S.? Many universities will require it to see if your education meets their admission standards. In some cases, they might even use it to transfer your credits, which could save you time and effort.
- For Jobs: On the job front, employers often ask for equivalency reports. These reports confirm that your education aligns with what’s expected for jobs here. Thus, it makes it easier for you to land a position that fits your skills.
- For Licensing: Then some professions need licensing—think medicine, law, engineering, and teaching. Most of these fields won’t let you practice without first reviewing your credentials. So, having an evaluation can be crucial if you aim to work in one of these areas.
In short, is studying, working, or moving to the U.S. on your agenda? Getting a foreign credential evaluation can really simplify the process. It helps avoid potential hiccups, makes your qualifications clear, and ensures that you’re on the right track to meet U.S. standards.
Types of Foreign Credential Evaluations
Foreign degree evaluations can differ greatly, so it’s essential to understand that they don’t all serve the same purpose. The type of evaluation you need depends on your specific situation—whether you are pursuing education, seeking employment, obtaining a license, or navigating immigration. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of credential evaluations. Each one is tailored for different objectives.
1. Course-by-Course Evaluation
- Break down each course, grade, and credit earned.
- Used by universities to assess admission eligibility and transfer credits.
- Helpful for students applying to undergraduate or graduate programs.
2. Document-by-Document Evaluation
- Provides an overview of your degree and its U.S. equivalent.
- Used for employment, immigration, and general education verification.
- Faster than a course-by-course evaluation but less detailed.
3. Professional Work Experience Evaluation
- Combines education and work experience to determine U.S. degree equivalency.
- Required for certain H-1B and EB-2 NIW visa applications.
- Useful when an applicant lacks formal education but has significant work experience.
4. Specialized Licensing Evaluations
- Required for professions like medicine, law, engineering, and teaching.
- Includes specific assessments to meet industry licensing board requirements.
How to Evaluate Foreign Degree in USA: Step-by-Step Process
If you earned your degree outside the U.S., you’ll need an official evaluation to prove it’s equivalent to an American degree. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to evaluate a foreign degree in USA efficiently.
Step 1: Understand Why You Need an Evaluation
Start by figuring out the reason behind your evaluation. Are you looking to apply for a university program, a job, a professional license, or perhaps a visa? Knowing your goal will help you determine what type of evaluation is most suitable for your situation.
Step 2: Choose a Trusted Credential Evaluation Agency
Only use agencies approved by:
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- TAICEP: The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals
- USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (for visa applications)
Want to know more about how to evaluate a foreign degree in USA?
Contact Document Evaluation!
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
To evaluate your foreign degree in the USA, you’ll typically need the following documents:
- Degree Certificate or Diploma: An official document confirming the completion of your degree.
- Official Transcripts: Detailed records of your courses and grades.
- Certified English Translations: Required if your documents are in a language other than English.
- Proof of Accreditation: Documentation showing your institution is accredited in your home country.
Step 4: Submit Your Application and Pay Fees
Apply online through the agency’s website. Fees vary based on the evaluation type:
- Academic Evaluation Services
- Course by Course Evaluation
- Work Experience Evaluation
- RFE Solutions
Step 5: Receive Your Evaluation Report
Processing times depend on:
- Standard processing: 2–4 weeks
- Expedited processing: 5–10 business days
Some agencies like Document Evaluation offer multiple revisions to your report. However, it is to ensure your satisfaction.
Step 6: Use Your Evaluation for U.S. Recognition
Once you receive the evaluation, submit it as required for:
- University admissions
- Job applications
- Professional licensing
- Visa or green card applications
As a result, understanding how to evaluate a foreign degree in USA helps avoid delays. Further, it ensures your qualifications are properly recognized.
Number One Foreign Credential Evaluation Company – Document Evaluation
If you question how to evaluate foreign degree in USA, choosing the right evaluation service is crucial. Document Evaluation is the top choice for individuals looking to evaluate a foreign degree in USA. We offer services for education, employment, or immigration purposes.
Why Choose Document Evaluation?
- Unlimited Revisions: We want to make sure you’re completely satisfied with every report.
- 24/7 Availability: Whether it’s day or night, you can count on us for support whenever you need it.
- Quick Response: Our team is committed to keeping you updated and providing the assistance you need without the wait.
- Fast Processing: Need your evaluation report in a hurry? Therefore, with our expedited service, you can receive it in just 5 to 10 business days.
- Accurate Reports: We adhere to the latest NAFSA and TAICEP standards. However, ensure your evaluations are recognized by universities, employers, and immigration authorities.
- Affordable Pricing: We believe in transparency. However, we’ll always provide you with clear pricing too with no hidden fees.
- Expert Support: Our credential specialists are seasoned professionals with extensive experience assessing international degrees. Come up we are ready to guide you through the process.
Final Thought
Taking the step on how to evaluate foreign degree in USA? A good company can open doors for higher education, job opportunities, and even immigration processes. It’s really important to have a reliable credential evaluation to make sure that your qualifications are acknowledged by universities, employers, and immigration officials.
Don’t let the paperwork overwhelm you! Start your evaluation with Document Evaluation today and learn how to evaluate foreign degree in USA.