Are you planning to apply for an H1B visa? If so, you may have come across the term “education evaluation” in your research. Understanding what education evaluation is and why it is necessary for your H1B application is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about education evaluation for H1B, including its purpose, process, required documents, and cost.

What is Education Evaluation for H1B?

Education evaluation, also known as foreign credential evaluation, is a service provided by professional evaluation agencies to assess educational backgrounds, test scores, and professional experiences obtained outside the United States. The main objective of education evaluation for H1B is to determine the equivalency of your foreign degree to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, which is a requirement set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for obtaining an H1B visa.

There are two types of education evaluations commonly conducted for H1B visa applicants:

Foreign Degree Evaluation (Diploma Evaluation/Document by Document Evaluation): This evaluation focuses on assessing the overall equivalency of your foreign degree to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. It considers factors such as the institution’s accreditation, program of study, curriculum, and academic rigor.

Transcript Evaluation (Course by Course Evaluation): This evaluation provides a detailed analysis of your academic transcripts, including the courses you have taken and the grades you have received. It compares these courses to the equivalent courses offered in the U.S. educational system.

Why Do You Need Education Evaluation for H1B?

According to USCIS, to qualify for an H1B visa, you must have at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. This requirement ensures that you possess the necessary educational qualifications for the specialized occupation you will be employed. Therefore, an education evaluation is essential to provide evidence to USCIS that you meet this requirement.

By obtaining an education evaluation for your foreign degree, you can demonstrate to USCIS that either you have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or that your foreign degree is equivalent to a specific U.S. degree. This evaluation plays a crucial role in strengthening your H1B visa application and increasing your chances of approval.

How to Get an Education Evaluation for H1B?

Getting an education evaluation for your H1B application is straightforward. The first step is to choose a trusted and reputable credential evaluation agency that specializes in assessing foreign education for H1B purposes. These agencies have a deep understanding of educational systems worldwide and can accurately translate and evaluate your degrees into their U.S. equivalents.

Here are some well-known credential evaluation agencies that can assist you with your H1B education evaluation:

• EEE OF AMERICA (EeeofAmerica.com)
• American Education & Translation Services, Corp. (AET)
• World Education Services (WES)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JS&A)
• Educated Choices, LLC

If you reside in Florida, California, or Texas, there are additional local education evaluators available to cater to your specific needs:

5 Best Education Credential Evaluation Services in California

3 Best Education Credential Evaluation Agencies in San Francisco

3 Best Education Credential Evaluation Agencies for Dallas

3 Best Education Credential Evaluation Agencies for Houston

3 Best Local Education Credential Evaluation Agencies in Los Angeles

4 Best Education Credential Evaluation Agencies in Miami (Testimonials of AET)

Once you have selected the appropriate evaluation agency, you can request an H1B education evaluation from them, providing the necessary documents and information as outlined by the agency.

What Documents Do You Need for H1B Education Credential Evaluation?

Before initiating the education evaluation process, you will need to gather certain documents to facilitate the evaluation.

The required documents typically include:

• Degree Certificate: A copy of your degree certificate issued by a foreign institution.
• Translated Degree Certificate: If your degree certificate is not in English, you will need to provide a translated version by a certified translator.
• Transcripts: Copies of your academic transcripts, which provide a record of the courses you have taken and the grades you have received.
• Translated Transcripts: If your transcripts are not in English, you will need to provide translated versions by a certified translator. This is required specifically for transcript evaluation.

Ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and, if necessary, accompanied by certified translations.

What Does an Education Evaluation for H1B Include?

An education evaluation report for H1B provides a comprehensive analysis of your educational background and its equivalence to the U.S. educational system. The report typically includes the following information:

An equivalent for each degree, diploma, or transcript submitted for evaluation.

Dates of attendance and location of the institution.

Profile of the institution and its programs, including entrance criteria, institutional status, and typical length of study.

Recommendations on the U.S. equivalent of each level of study and credential earned.

The evaluator’s resume and references were used for the evaluation.

The report serves as a valuable resource for USCIS adjudicators who review your H1B application. It helps them understand the equivalency of your foreign education and its relevance to the specialized occupation you are applying for.

How Much Does an H-1B Education Evaluation Cost?

The cost of an H1B education evaluation varies depending on the evaluation agency and the services you require.

Typically, the cost ranges between $100 and $350 for document-by-document evaluations (Education evaluation) and between $200 and $450 for professional work experience evaluations (Education with work experience evaluations), but at eeeofamerica.com, the cost is the lowest in the industry at $55 for Education evaluation and $105 for Education with work experience evaluation with a turnaround of 1 to 2 business days.

It is important to note that expedited processing options may be available at an additional cost.

The evaluation agency you choose will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the fees and processing times associated with your specific evaluation type.

Education Evaluation for H1B Process Time

The processing time for an H1B education evaluation varies depending on the evaluation agency and the service level you choose. On average, the processing time ranges from 7 to 21 business days. However, some agencies offer expedited processing options, such as 48-hour, 24-hour, or even same-day services, for an additional fee. It is advisable to carefully consider your timeline and choose a processing option that meets your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, education evaluation plays a vital role in the H1B visa application process. By obtaining an education evaluation, you can fulfill USCIS requirements and provide evidence of your educational qualifications.

Selecting a reputable evaluation agency and submitting the required documents will ensure a smooth evaluation process. Remember to factor in the cost and processing time associated with the evaluation. With the right education evaluation in hand, you can confidently submit your H1B application and increase your chances of success.

If you are considering an H1B application and require an education evaluation, contact us today.

Our experienced evaluators will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation report that meets USCIS standards. Good luck with your H1B journey!