Foreign Credential Evaluation in the United States: Part 3

By Holly O’Neill West      

Types/Purposes of Credential Evaluation

Typical reasons for which a foreign credential evaluation is required:

  • H1-B (and other work-related) Visas
  • College/university admission
  • Professional licensing

Each of these situations require different types of evaluations. For example, evaluations required by the - INS for H1-B Visas are relatively simple in that they only require a simple equivalency statement along with some brief information about the institution where studies were completed, qualification of the evaluator, etc.  Evaluations for further education and professional licensing tend to be more complicated, and often require a list of courses completed and grades in addition to the equivalency statement.

The Application Process

While some of the requirements and guidelines for specific evaluation services may differ, the application process is generally very similar from service to service.  You will probably be required to submit some or all of the following:

  • A completed and signed application
  • Photocopies of your official documents (transcripts, degrees, certificates, etc.) in the original language
  • Official English translations of all documents
  • You may sometimes be required to submit your original documents, so be prepared.
  • A personal check, cashier's check, or money order (the amount will vary depending upon which evaluation service you choose, what type of report you need, etc.)

Once your application and fee is received, the evaluation service will review your paperwork to make sure all required documents are included.  If something is missing, they will contact you by mail or phone.  Your file will not be considered "active" until all required documentation is received to the satisfaction of the evaluation service.

Turn-Around Time


The time it takes for your evaluation request to be processed will vary.  Some services take as little as ten working days, while others take twenty days or more to complete an evaluation.  Most evaluation services offer "rush" services which can take as little as 24 hours to complete an evaluation.  You can expect to pay a significant additional fee for rush services, and personal checks may not be accepted as payment for this type of evaluation.

Even though there is usually an additional fee required for rush service, I recommend you ask for it anyway.  Most services offer 3- 5 day rush services for which the additional fee ranges from $25 to $50.  Paying this additional fee means that your file will be given priority and that there is much less chance that you will miss any deadlines.

A Word About Altered/Irregular Documents


Most of the credential evaluation services and other agencies in the United States have been operating for years and have a vast collection of sample credentials, not to mention staffs of experienced evaluators who have seen thousands of educational documents from countries all over the world. Furthermore, as international communication becomes faster and easier through the use of the Internet, email, and facsimile machines, verification of credentials has become increasingly simple. Most evaluators will not hesitate to seek verification on any credential that looks even remotely suspicious. Policies on how to deal with altered and/or irregular documents differ from agency to agency, however, most will cancel your application request with no refund, retain all documents submitted, and report the information to the appropriate authorities.

Helpful Hints


The following suggestions are meant to help you have the best possible experience with the evaluation service you choose:

  • Important!  Make sure that you choose a service that is accepted by the agency or institution that is requesting that an evaluation be done.  If you don't, you might find yourself paying for two evaluations.
  • If you're given a choice of evaluation services to use, call all of them.  As with most things, comparison "shopping" for your evaluation service can be beneficial.  Ask about prices, turn-around times, and get basic equivalency information.
  • When calling each service, ask to speak to a credentials evaluator who specializes in the country you studied in.  Ask them to give you a general idea of what U.S. equivalency you might expect for the particular degrees you've completed.  Keep in mind that they will probably not be very specific, as determining an equivalency without seeing documents is difficult.  However, get as much information as you possibly can.
  • Get the names of everyone you talk to and make notes about the information you get.
  • A few days after you submit your application, call the service to find out if it was received.  At this time, you might also be able to find out which evaluator will be completing your evaluation.  Make sure there is no further documentation/fees required. 
  • Make a note of the date your application (or more specifically, all required information) was received.  Based upon the turn-around time of the specific service, make a note to contact them two or three days past the date you expect to receive the completed evaluation.  For example, if the advertised turn-around time is 20 business days, count 22 or 23 business days on your calendar and make a note of it.  If you don't receive it by this date, contact the service to find out what the status of your file is. 
  • Know that evaluation services make every effort to ensure accuracy with the reports they complete.  However, when you receive your completed report, review it carefully to make sure all the information is correct.  If it isn't, contact them immediately--most corrections are made quickly and easily.

 Useful Resources

College Admissions
Chronicle of Higher Education
EAIE:  European Association for International Educators
NAFSA:  Association of International Educators
National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services
TOEFL Online - Test of English as a Foreign Language
US Department of Postsecondary Education

Holly O’Neill West worked as a foreign credential evaluator for a Los Angeles-based credential evaluation service for almost ten years. During that time, she wrote monographs on the educational systems of Afghanistan, Sudan, and Zambia, and contributed to “A Guide to Educational Systems Around the World” by co-writing the profile on Brazil. Her experience as an evaluator and her marriage to a British national have convinced her that immigration to the U.S. can be an inconvenient process at best and heartbreaking at worst. Her hope is that the work she did as a foreign credential evaluator helped to make the road a bit easier for at least some immigrants to this country. She is now employed as a web designer.