If you earned your degree, diploma, or other academic qualification outside the United States, a U.S. employer, university, licensing organization, or immigration professional may ask you to explain how that credential compares with the U.S. education system.

That is where a foreign credential evaluation comes in.

A foreign credential evaluation is a professional assessment of education completed outside the United States. Depending on the purpose of the evaluation, the report may identify the U.S. educational equivalent of a foreign credential, describe the institution and program, or provide a detailed course-by-course analysis.

For immigration cases, the distinction is particularly important. USCIS guidance explains that professional education evaluations are often used when a beneficiary’s foreign education must be assessed against a U.S. degree. USCIS also makes clear that it does not endorse or recommend individual credential evaluators. The quality and substance of the evaluation therefore matter.

At EEE of America, foreign credential evaluations are one part of a broader service portfolio that includes education evaluations, course-by-course evaluations, work experience evaluations, position evaluations, expert opinion letters, and certified translations.

Explore Foreign Education Evaluations

What Is a Foreign Credential Evaluation?

A foreign credential evaluation is an assessment that explains how education completed in another country’s educational system compares with education in the United States.

Educational systems differ from country to country.

A bachelor’s degree in one country may have a different:

• Duration of study
• Admission requirement
• Credit structure
• Grading system
• Curriculum
• Institutional framework
• Level of specialization
• Recognition or accreditation structure

Simply translating the name of a degree does not necessarily explain its U.S. educational level.

A professional evaluation examines the underlying academic record and presents the findings in a format that a U.S. organization can understand.

For example, depending on the service requested, an evaluation may identify:

• The institution attended
• Country of education
• Credential earned
• Program of study
• Dates or years of attendance
• Duration of study
• Educational level
• U.S. educational equivalency
• Institution recognition or accreditation information
• Courses and grades, when a course-by-course evaluation is requested

EEE of America’s education evaluation service provides the U.S. equivalence of submitted credentials and information about the institution, program and period of study.

See EEE of America’s Education Evaluation Service

Why Do You Need a Foreign Credential Evaluation?

There is no single reason everyone needs an evaluation.

The correct type of evaluation depends on who is requesting it and what they need to determine.

Common purposes include:

U.S. Immigration

A foreign degree may need to be evaluated when an immigration petition requires evidence concerning the beneficiary’s education or foreign degree equivalency.

USCIS training material explains that, because many H-1B beneficiaries were educated outside the United States, the agency may need to determine whether foreign education is equivalent to a U.S. degree. USCIS notes that professional education evaluations are often used for this purpose.

Employment

A U.S. employer may want to understand the U.S. equivalent of an international applicant’s education before making an employment decision.

This can be especially useful when the job description specifies a particular degree or educational level.

University Admission

Universities may request detailed information about an international applicant’s academic history, particularly when determining academic preparation or transfer credit.

A course-by-course evaluation provides substantially more academic detail than a basic credential evaluation.

Learn About Course-by-Course Evaluation

Professional Licensing

Some professional licensing organizations request detailed evaluation of international education.

The exact requirements are determined by the relevant licensing organization or jurisdiction, so applicants should always check the requirements of the organization receiving the report before ordering.

Academic Credit Transfer

Students transferring from an institution outside the United States may need detailed information about individual courses, credits and grades.

Foreign Credential Evaluation vs. Degree Translation

These are not the same thing.

A translation changes a document from one language into another.

A credential evaluation analyzes the educational qualification itself.

For example:

Translation:
“Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science” is translated from the original language into English.

Evaluation:
The evaluator examines the qualification and educational background and provides a professional assessment of its U.S. educational equivalency.

If your documents are not in English, you may need both services.

EEE of America also provides certified document translation services for documents used for education, employment and immigration-related purposes.

Types of Foreign Credential Evaluations

The most important question is not simply:

“Do I need a credential evaluation?”

It is:

“Which type of evaluation does the receiving organization require?”

EEE of America currently provides several evaluation formats.

1. Document-by-Document / Education Evaluation

A general education evaluation focuses on the credentials submitted and their U.S. equivalency.

It can identify:

• Credential earned
• U.S. educational equivalency
• Institution
• Location
• Period of attendance
• Program information
• Institutional recognition information

This type of report is generally less detailed than a course-by-course evaluation.

View Education Evaluation Services

2. Course-by-Course Evaluation

A course-by-course evaluation goes deeper into the academic record.

EEE of America’s course-by-course service describes individual courses, converts academic information into U.S.-style terms, provides grade information and calculates a GPA where applicable.

A course-by-course report can include:

• Course titles
• Grades
• Credits
• U.S. semester credit information
• GPA
• Program information
• Degree equivalency
• Institution information
• Period of study

This type of evaluation may be appropriate when a university, licensing body, employer or other receiving organization needs detailed academic information.

Learn More About Course-by-Course Evaluation

Foreign Credential Evaluation for U.S. Immigration

Immigration is one of the areas where foreign credential evaluation requires particular care.

For an H-1B case, for example, the relevant question may not simply be whether the applicant possesses a degree with the word “Bachelor’s” on it.

The issue can involve whether the foreign education is equivalent to the U.S. degree required for the specialty occupation.

USCIS training material specifically states that a foreign credential should not be assumed to be equivalent merely because the foreign credential is called a bachelor’s degree. It explains that an advisory professional education evaluation may be used to determine the level and major field of educational attainment in U.S. terms.

USCIS also states that an education evaluation from a credentialing company should evaluate formal education, rather than practical experience, and should provide a detailed explanation rather than only a conclusory statement.

This distinction is important.

Education evaluation and work-experience evaluation are not automatically interchangeable.

If the issue involves professional experience, the appropriate evaluation methodology may be different.

Learn About Work Experience Evaluation

Can Work Experience Be Used in an H-1B Degree Equivalency Analysis?

This is one of the most misunderstood areas of foreign credential evaluation.

The H-1B regulations contain provisions under which education, specialized training and/or progressively responsible experience may be considered in determining degree equivalency in appropriate circumstances.

USCIS decisions demonstrate why the details matter. The agency has examined whether claimed education and experience were sufficiently related to the specialty and whether the supporting evidence actually established the claimed equivalency.

Therefore, the commonly repeated statement:

“Three years of work experience always equals one year of college.”

is an oversimplification.

The analysis involves more than simply counting employment years.

Relevant considerations can include:

• The nature of the experience
• Whether the experience is specialized
• Whether it is progressively responsible
• Whether it relates to the specialty
• The applicant’s formal education
• Evidence supporting the employment history
• The requirements of the applicable immigration classification

For cases involving education and professional experience, EEE of America provides Work Experience Evaluation services.

What Documents Are Needed for a Foreign Credential Evaluation?

The exact documents depend on the evaluation type and the purpose of the report.

Commonly requested materials can include:

Academic documents

• Degree certificate
• Diploma
• Academic transcripts
• Mark sheets
• Certificates
• Other records showing completed education

Identification and background information

• Resume or CV
• Name-change documentation, when applicable
• Information about institutions attended

For work-experience evaluations

Additional documentation may include:

• Employment verification letters
• Dates of employment
• Job titles
• Job duties
• Joining and relieving documentation
• Professional certifications
• Resume/CV

EEE of America’s current work-experience evaluation page describes academic records, employment letters and a CV/resume among the documents used in its evaluation process.

The most important principle is simple:

Do not order a report based only on a search-engine description of what you think you need. Confirm the receiving organization’s requirements first.

How Does a Foreign Credential Evaluation Work?

Although the exact process varies by provider and evaluation type, a professional evaluation generally involves several stages.

Step 1: Identify the Purpose

The evaluator needs to understand why the report is being prepared.

Is it for:

• Immigration?
• Employment?
• University admission?
• Professional licensing?
• Transfer credit?
• Another specific purpose?

The purpose helps determine the appropriate report format.

Step 2: Review the Documents

The submitted academic records are examined to understand the credential, institution, program and academic history.

Step 3: Analyze the Foreign Education System

The evaluator considers the educational context in which the credential was earned.

A credential cannot always be understood correctly by translating its title alone.

Step 4: Determine the U.S. Equivalency

The evaluator provides a professional assessment of the credential’s U.S. educational comparability.

Step 5: Prepare the Report

The final report explains the basis for the evaluation.

This is important because USCIS guidance states that an acceptable education evaluation should contain a detailed explanation of the material evaluated and briefly state the evaluator’s qualifications and experience.

How Much Does a Foreign Credential Evaluation Cost?

Prices vary considerably between providers because services, report formats, turnaround times and levels of analysis are different.

EEE of America publishes its pricing rather than requiring every visitor to request a quote.

At the time of this publication, EEE of America lists:

Prices and turnaround times can change, so check the EEE of America pricing page before ordering.

How Long Does a Credential Evaluation Take?

Processing time depends on the report type and whether all required documentation is available.

EEE of America currently lists:

• Education evaluation: 2 business days
• Education + work experience evaluation: 3 business days
• Course-by-course evaluation: 3 business days
• Position evaluation: 5–6 business days

Expert opinion letters are listed separately according to their service category.

The clock should not be treated as a substitute for document completeness.

Missing, unclear or additional documents can affect the time required to complete a report.

Is a Foreign Credential Evaluation the Same as USCIS Approval?

No.

This distinction is important.

A credential evaluator prepares an independent professional evaluation. USCIS makes the immigration adjudication decision.

USCIS explicitly states that it does not endorse or recommend individual credential evaluators.

Therefore, consumers should be cautious about companies or websites using phrases such as:

• “USCIS-approved evaluator”
• “USCIS guaranteed evaluation”
• “Guaranteed visa approval”
• “USCIS-approved degree equivalency”

A credential evaluation can be supporting evidence in an immigration filing, but it does not guarantee the outcome of the petition.

How to Choose a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service

Before ordering an evaluation, ask these questions:

1. Does the provider offer the report format you need?

A university may need a course-by-course report while another organization may require a general education evaluation.

2. Does the report explain the basis of the evaluation?

USCIS guidance specifically emphasizes explanation rather than merely providing a conclusion.

3. Are evaluator qualifications identified?

The qualifications and experience of the person providing the professional opinion should be clear.

4. Is pricing transparent?

Compare the actual service rather than looking only at the advertised starting price.

5. Is the turnaround clearly stated?

Check whether the stated turnaround begins when the order is placed or after all required documentation is received.

6. Does the company handle your specific type of case?

For immigration matters, you may need more than a standard education evaluation.

EEE of America provides education evaluations alongside work experience evaluations, position evaluations, expert opinion letters and certified translations.

What If Your Case Requires More Than a Degree Evaluation?

Some immigration cases involve questions that go beyond the U.S. equivalency of a degree.

For example, a case may involve:

• Professional work experience
• Specialty occupation analysis
• Position requirements
• Extraordinary ability evidence
• National Interest Waiver documentation
• O-1 evidence
• L-1 documentation

EEE of America provides additional professional documentation services for these situations.

Expert Opinion Letters

Expert opinion letters provide a professional analysis tailored to the subject and evidence being evaluated.

Explore Expert Opinion Letter Services

Position Evaluations

A position evaluation can address whether the requirements of a particular position align with applicable specialty-occupation or immigration criteria.

Explore Position Evaluations

EB-1 Expert Opinion Letters

EEE of America provides expert opinion letter services relating to EB-1 cases, including EB-1A and EB-1B matters.

View EB-1 Expert Opinion Letter Services

O-1 Expert Opinion Letters

EEE of America also provides expert opinion letter services for O-1A and O-1B cases.

View O-1 Expert Opinion Letter Services

EB-2 NIW

For National Interest Waiver cases, EEE of America provides specialized expert opinion letter services.

View EB-2 NIW Expert Opinion Letter Services

Foreign Degree Evaluation: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Choosing a report before checking the requirement

A more detailed evaluation is not automatically the correct evaluation.

First determine what the receiving organization actually requires.

Mistake 2: Assuming every “bachelor’s degree” is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree

The title of a foreign credential alone does not establish its U.S. equivalency.

USCIS specifically warns against assuming equivalency solely from the degree title.

Mistake 3: Treating translation as evaluation

A translated document and a credential evaluation answer different questions.

Mistake 4: Assuming work experience automatically replaces education

Experience-based equivalency is governed by specific requirements and must be analyzed in context.

Mistake 5: Selecting an evaluator based only on price

The cheapest report may not provide the format, detail or analysis required by the receiving organization.

Mistake 6: Waiting until the last minute

If the report is needed for an immigration filing, employment deadline, university application or licensing process, allow enough time to gather documents and address questions.

Foreign Credential Evaluation for Indian Degrees

Indian educational credentials are among the international qualifications that frequently need to be explained in U.S. terms.

However, there is no single answer for every Indian degree.

The evaluation can depend on:

• Degree type
• Institution
• Program
• Duration
• Admission requirements
• Academic records
• Country-specific educational framework
• Purpose of the evaluation

A three-year degree should not automatically be treated as equivalent—or not equivalent—to a U.S. bachelor’s degree without examining the actual credential and the applicable requirements.

USCIS decisions illustrate that foreign-degree equivalency questions can depend heavily on the evidence and evaluation presented in an individual case.

If you earned your degree in India and need a U.S. evaluation, start with the appropriate Education Evaluation service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a foreign credential evaluation?

It is a professional assessment of education completed outside the United States that explains the credential’s comparability within the U.S. education system.

Is a credential evaluation required for immigration?

Not every immigration case requires the same type of evaluation. The requirement depends on the immigration classification, the petition facts and the evidence being submitted.

Does USCIS approve credential evaluation companies?

USCIS states that it does not endorse or recommend individual credential evaluators.

What is the difference between an education evaluation and a course-by-course evaluation?

An education evaluation generally focuses on the credential and its U.S. equivalency. A course-by-course evaluation provides detailed information about individual courses, credits, grades and GPA.

Can work experience be included in an evaluation?

Yes, EEE of America provides work experience evaluation services. However, whether experience can be used for a particular immigration purpose depends on the applicable rules and the facts of the case.

How much does a foreign credential evaluation cost?

Costs depend on the report type. EEE of America’s currently published education evaluation price is $60, while its course-by-course evaluation is $155. See the current pricing page for the complete schedule.

How long does an evaluation take?

EEE of America currently publishes turnaround times ranging from 2 business days for its standard education evaluation to longer periods for specialized services. The actual processing period can depend on receipt of the required documentation.

Can I use the same evaluation for immigration and university admission?

Not necessarily. Different organizations can have different requirements. Confirm the report type accepted by the organization receiving your evaluation before ordering.

Do you provide certified translations?

Yes. EEE of America provides certified document translation services.

View Translation Services

Need a Foreign Credential Evaluation?

The right evaluation starts with the purpose of the report.

If you need to establish the U.S. equivalency of a foreign degree, begin with EEE of America’s Education Evaluation Service.

If your case requires detailed academic analysis, review the Course-by-Course Evaluation.

If professional experience is part of the analysis, see the Work Experience Evaluation.

For immigration cases involving a professional position or specialized evidence, explore Position Evaluations and Expert Opinion Letters.

You can also review EEE of America’s current pricing before getting started.

EEE of America

Foreign Credential Evaluations | Work Experience Evaluations | Course-by-Course Evaluations | Position Evaluations | Expert Opinion Letters | Certified Translations

This article provides general information about credential evaluations and immigration-related documentation. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee the outcome of an immigration petition, application, admission decision, licensing decision, or employment decision. Requirements should be confirmed with the organization or qualified professional responsible for your case.