Step-by-Step Guide to Foreign Credential Evaluations in the United States

Bringing Your Education To The United States

If you earned your education outside the United States and want to study, work, or apply for immigration here, you will almost always need a foreign credential evaluation. This process helps U.S. universities, employers, and government agencies understand what your international education is equal to in the U.S. system.

In another blog, “What Is a Credential Evaluation Service and Why Do You Need One?“, we explain the basics of how credential evaluation works and why it matters. In this guide, we go deeper into the practical side: the exact steps you can follow to complete a foreign credential evaluation from beginning to end.

As you go through this guide, remember that your goal is simple: to show your education clearly and accurately so decision-makers in the United States can see your real qualifications.

Step 1: Confirm What You Need the Evaluation For

Before you start, it is important to know exactly why you need a foreign credential evaluation.

Different organizations may require different formats, levels of detail, or evaluation types.

Common reasons people need foreign credential evaluations include:

• Applying to a U.S. college, university, or graduate program.
• Looking for professional employment in the United States.
• Meeting requirements for a professional license, such as nursing, teaching, or engineering.
• Supporting an immigration or visa application where education is part of eligibility.

Once you are clear on the purpose, check the official instructions from the university, employer, licensing board, or immigration program.

They may list specific evaluation types or preferred terminology such as “course-by-course evaluation” or “document-by-document evaluation.”

Step 2: Gather Your Educational Documents

The next step is to gather all the documents that prove your education. Try to collect the most complete and official set of records you can.

IMPORTANT: Missing or unclear documents are one of the most common reasons for delays.

Documents that are commonly requested include:

• Diplomas or degree certificates showing the qualification you earned.
• Official academic transcripts or mark sheets listing courses and grades.
• Secondary school certificates if they are required for your program.
• Identification documents, such as a passport or national ID card.
• Any official translations if your documents are not in English.

Make sure that names, dates, and school information are consistent across all documents.

If anything has changed, such as your last name, you may also want to prepare supporting documents like a marriage certificate to avoid confusion.

Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Foreign Credential Evaluation

Not all evaluations are the same. Choosing the correct type is essential because it affects how much detail appears in your report and how useful it is for your goals.

The two most common types of credential evaluations are:

• Document-by-document evaluation – This type focuses on the overall level of your degree. It states the U.S. equivalent of your qualification, such as “Bachelor’s degree equivalent.” It is often enough for employment or general immigration purposes.
• Course-by-course evaluation – This type goes deeper. It lists individual subjects, credits, and grades and often calculates a U.S. grade point average (GPA). U.S. universities and many licensing boards prefer this format because it allows them to compare your coursework to their own requirements.

If you are unsure which option to choose, review the instructions from the institution or ask their admissions or HR office directly.

When in doubt, a course-by-course evaluation is usually the safer choice for academic admission.

Step 4: Select a Credential Evaluation Service

Once you know what type of evaluation you need, you are ready to choose a credential evaluation service. A good service will make the process simpler, not more stressful.

When comparing foreign credential evaluation services, look for:

• Clear explanations of the evaluation types they offer.
• Transparent pricing and estimated processing times.
• Experience with international degree evaluation and foreign credential evaluation services.
• Membership or involvement with professional organizations in international education and translation.
• Helpful customer support so you can ask questions when needed.

At this stage, you can also visit the Veri Eval home page to learn more about our foreign credential evaluation services and see how our Free Pre-Evaluation can help you understand what to expect before you commit to a full evaluation.

Step 5: Submit Your Documents for Evaluation

After choosing an evaluation provider, the next step is to submit your documents. Most reputable services, including Veri Eval, allow you to upload your files through a secure online portal.

In general, the submission process includes:

• Creating an account with your basic contact information.
• Selecting the type of evaluation you need (document-by-document or course-by-course).
• Uploading clear scans or photos of your diplomas and transcripts.
• Uploading certified translations if your documents are not in English.
• Paying the evaluation fee using the accepted payment methods.

Some institutions may require documents to be sent directly from your school or may ask for sealed hard copies. Always follow the instructions from both the evaluation service and the institution that will receive your report.

Step 6: Review and Use Your Evaluation Report

Once the evaluation is complete, you will receive your foreign credential evaluation report. This document is the key to using your international education in the United States.

Your report may include:

• The name of each institution you attended and the country where it is located.
• The title of each degree or diploma and the year it was awarded.
• The U.S. equivalent of each qualification, such as “equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.”
• For course-by-course evaluations, a list of courses, credits, and converted grades.
• Explanatory notes that help universities, employers, or agencies interpret your education correctly.

Review your report carefully and make sure your personal information and degree details are correct. If you notice any issues, contact the evaluation service as soon as possible to ask about corrections or clarifications.

After that, you can start using your report to support university applications, job applications, licensing processes, or immigration cases.

Final Tips Before You Start Your Evaluation

Foreign credential evaluations may seem complicated at first, but following a clear step-by-step approach will make it much easier.

A few final tips to keep in mind:

• Always read the instructions from your university, employer, licensing board, or immigration program carefully.
• Start early so you have enough time to gather documents and complete the evaluation before deadlines.
• Keep digital copies of all your documents and your final evaluation report in a safe place.
• Consider requesting extra copies or electronic delivery options if you plan to apply to multiple institutions.

Your education represents years of hard work.

A professional foreign credential evaluation helps ensure that this work is recognized and respected in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What documents do I need for foreign credential evaluation?

In most cases, you will need your diplomas or degree certificates, academic transcripts or mark sheets, and a copy of your identification. If your documents are not in English, certified translations are usually required as well.

2. How long does foreign credential evaluation take?

Processing times vary by provider, but many evaluations are completed within a few business days after all documents and payments are received. If you are working with strict deadlines, ask about rush or expedited options.

3. Are foreign credential evaluation reports accepted by U.S. universities?

Yes. Many U.S. colleges and universities require an official foreign credential evaluation before they can review an application from an international student. Always check each school’s specific policy and make sure your evaluation meets their requirements.

4. Do I need certified translations for my documents?

If your academic documents are not in English, certified translations are almost always required. The evaluator must be able to read and understand the content clearly in order to complete the foreign degree evaluation accurately.

5. Can I use one credential evaluation report for multiple applications?

In most situations, yes. Once you receive your foreign credential evaluation report, you can usually use it for several universities, employers, or agencies as long as it remains current and they accept evaluations from your chosen provider.

6. How do I start my credential evaluation with VeriEval?

To get started, you can visit the Veri Eval home page and complete a Free Pre-Evaluation. This helps you understand what type of service you need and what documents you should prepare before moving forward with a full foreign credential evaluation.

7. Do government agencies and immigration offices accept foreign credential evaluations?

Many immigration programs and government agencies require or strongly recommend foreign credential evaluation as part of their review process. The evaluation helps them verify your education level and confirm that you meet the requirements for the visa or benefit you are applying for.