Education Verification for Visa & Immigration Cases

You need a U.S. equivalency opinion for a foreign degree before you file an H-1B petition or an employment-based green card case.

This guide walks through the credential evaluation process, required documents, provider selection, and what to expect if USCIS questions the result.

• Education verification confirms your foreign degree matches a U.S. bachelor's or higher for visa eligibility.
• Credential evaluation must come from a NACES member or a regionally accredited university evaluator.
• Foreign transcripts and degree certificates are the core evidence; translations follow USCIS standards.
• Processing time ranges from a few business days to several weeks depending on the provider and service level.
• Next step: gather your academic records, choose a NACES evaluator, and request a course-by-course report.

Table of contents

• Complete Guide: Education Verification Service 2026 at a glance
• Step 1: Confirm you need a credential evaluation
• Step 2: Gather foreign transcripts and degree records
• Step 3: File with a NACES evaluation provider
• Worked Example: Priya verifies her Mumbai bachelor degree
• Who qualifies and the cost of education verification US
• How long does education verification take
• Should you DIY verification or use an attorney
• What if your evaluation is refused or delayed
• FAQ
• Sources
• Practical preparation checklist before you request a report
• What happens after the evaluator accepts your file
• Common mistakes that stall a credential file
• How USCIS treats an evaluation inside an RFE

Complete Guide: Education Verification Service 2026 at a glance

The education verification process is a required step when a U.S. employer relies on a foreign degree.

USCIS doesn't evaluate degrees itself.

Independent evaluators who follow recognized standards issue the opinions USCIS accepts.

The most widely accepted standard comes from the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

You can review the current member list at https://www.naces.org/members.

Each section below covers documents, typical costs, and how to handle problems that arise.

Step 1: Confirm you need a credential evaluation

USCIS requires a credential evaluation when a petitioner relies on a foreign degree for H-1B specialty occupation or EB-2 advanced-degree claims.

The agency doesn't perform the evaluation itself. It accepts opinions from independent evaluators who follow recognized standards.

If your degree comes from a U.S. institution, you don't need this step.

When the degree is from outside the United States, you must obtain a course-by-course report.

That report should state U.S. comparability and, where relevant, the major field of study.

Policy Manual guidance says the evaluator must explain the basis for that conclusion.

The explanation should cover the source of the foreign credential and the U.S. educational framework used for comparison.

See the policy guidance at https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-h.

How to verify foreign degree starts with checking whether your occupation requires a specific degree level.

H-1B specialty occupations generally require a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty.

EB-2 advanced-degree positions require a U.S. master's degree or a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience.

If your role fits either category and your degree is foreign, move to the next step.

Step 2: Gather foreign transcripts and degree records

Foreign transcripts are the primary evidence.

You need complete, official transcripts issued by the awarding institution.

Those records should show all courses, grades, and the date the degree was conferred.

If the institution issues a separate degree certificate or diploma, include that as well.

Academic credentials not in English require a certified translation that meets USCIS standards.

The translator must certify competence and that the translation is complete and accurate.

The translation should mirror the original layout, including seals, signatures, and grading scales.

Documents needed for credential evaluation typically include:

• Official transcripts in sealed envelopes or electronic delivery directly from the registrar
• Degree certificate or diploma (front and back if seals appear on the reverse)
• Certified English translations for any non-English documents
• Grading scale or key if the transcript does not explain the grading system
• Proof of institution recognition such as ministry of education listing or accreditation body confirmation

Some evaluators also request a copy of your passport biographic page to confirm identity.

Keep a complete set for your records. You may need to submit the evaluation with multiple petitions over time.

Step 3: File with a NACES evaluation provider

NACES evaluation providers are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Membership signals adherence to published standards and a code of ethics.

USCIS doesn't endorse a specific company.

Reports from NACES members and from evaluators affiliated with regionally accredited U.S. universities are generally accepted.

The current member list is published at https://www.naces.org/members.

When you select a provider, confirm:

• They offer a course-by-course evaluation (not a document-by-document summary)
• The report names a U.S. bachelor's or higher match (for example, "U.S. bachelor's degree in Computer Science")
• They include the basis for the conclusion: years of study, credit conversion, grading scale, and institutional recognition
• They provide a signed report on letterhead with the evaluator's credentials

Most providers accept scanned copies for the initial review.

Originals or sealed transcripts are requested only if needed.

Turnaround options usually include standard (5-10 business days) and expedited (1-3 business days) for an additional fee.

Save the final PDF and any correspondence. You'll attach the evaluation to the H-1B petition or I-140 package.

Worked Example: Priya verifies her Mumbai bachelor degree

Priya holds a three-year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Mumbai.

Her U.S. employer wants to file an H-1B petition. She follows these steps:

1. Confirms requirement: The job description lists a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field. Her degree is foreign, so a credential evaluation is necessary.
2. Collects documents: She requests official transcripts and the degree certificate from the University of Mumbai registrar. She also obtains the university's grading scale explanation. All documents are in English, so no translation is needed.
3. Chooses evaluator: She selects a NACES member that advertises experience with Indian three-year degrees. She uploads scanned transcripts and pays for standard service.
4. Receives report: The evaluator issues a course-by-course report stating her Mumbai program matches a U.S. bachelor's degree in Computer Science. The report notes the three-year program plus the Indian higher secondary certificate satisfies the four-year U.S. standard.
5. Submits to employer: Priya sends the PDF to the employer's immigration attorney. Counsel includes it in the H-1B petition package with a cover letter referencing the evaluation. The petition is filed without a Request for Evidence on the degree issue. Priya keeps the original evaluation for future green card processing.

For example, this scenario shows how a three-year degree can meet the four-year U.S. standard when the evaluator applies the correct framework.

Who qualifies and the cost of education verification US

Any applicant with a foreign degree who must prove U.S. comparability for an immigration benefit qualifies.

This includes H-1B beneficiaries, EB-2 and EB-3 green card applicants, and certain J-1 waiver cases.

TN applicants with degrees from Canada or Mexico often present the degree directly.

Cost of education verification US varies by provider, service level, and document complexity. Typical ranges:

Fees are paid directly to the evaluator.

USCIS doesn't charge a separate fee for reviewing the evaluation. Review is part of the petition filing fee.

Always confirm the current fee schedule on the provider's website before ordering.

How long does education verification take

How long does education verification take depends on three factors.

Those factors are transcript issuance, the evaluator's workload, and the service level you purchase.

Transcript issuance can take days to weeks depending on the university's registrar.

Once the evaluator has complete documents, standard service is typically 5-10 business days.

Expedited service is 1-3 business days.

Plan for at least two to three weeks from the day you request transcripts to the day you receive the final report.

If your petition filing deadline is tight, order expedited service and ask the registrar for electronic delivery.

Should you DIY verification or use an attorney

You can order a credential evaluation yourself and provide it to your employer or attorney.

This works well when the degree is straightforward (for example, a four-year bachelor's from a well-known university) and the evaluator's report is clear.

An attorney adds value when:

• The degree is a three-year program and the comparability argument is nuanced
• The institution's accreditation status is unclear or contested
• You have a combination of degrees and experience that must meet EB-2 "bachelor's plus five years" rules
• USCIS has previously issued a Request for Evidence on a similar evaluation

Attorneys don't perform evaluations.

They review the report for immigration sufficiency and draft the cover letter that frames the finding for the adjudicating officer.

If you're unsure, a brief consultation with an immigration attorney before ordering can prevent a costly rework.

What if your evaluation is refused or delayed

USCIS doesn't "refuse" an evaluation.

It may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) questioning the conclusion. Common triggers include:

• The evaluator is not a NACES member and lacks university affiliation
• The report lacks a course-by-course breakdown
• The statement is vague or missing the major field
• The institution's recognition cannot be verified

If you receive an RFE, you can submit a new evaluation from a different provider.

You can also send a supplemental letter from the original evaluator addressing the specific gaps, or expert opinion letters from university faculty.

Respond by the deadline on the notice. Keep copies of everything you submit.

FAQ

Sources

• U.S. Department of Education, Recognition of Foreign Qualifications: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
• USCIS, H-1B Specialty Occupations: https://www.uscis.gov/h-1b
• USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2 Part H: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-h
• NACES Member Directory: https://www.naces.org/members
• U.S. Department of Education, Accreditation: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation

Disclaimer: This page is educational and editorial only. It is not legal advice.

Immigration rules change; verify every requirement against official government sources and consult a licensed attorney for your situation.

Practical preparation checklist before you request a report

Education verification goes faster when you assemble a complete packet before you pay a NACES member.

Missing pages are the most common reason a file sits in “pending documents.”

Passport identity page: match the name on every transcript to the name you'll use on the petition.

Degree certificate: include the award date and the awarding institution’s official seal.

Official transcripts: request sealed copies or a secure electronic send from the registrar.

Syllabi or mark sheets: attach them if the major field isn't obvious from the diploma title.

Certified translation: follow USCIS translation rules if any page isn't in English.

See https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance.

Confirm the evaluator will send a course-by-course report, not a document-by-document summary, when the job needs a specific major.

Note: rules and member lists change. Recheck https://www.naces.org/members on the day you order.

After the packet is complete, move to how you track the file once it is submitted.

What happens after the evaluator accepts your file

Status email usually arrives first.

Many firms then post a portal update that lists each received document.

Analysts compare credits, years of study, and the awarding body’s recognition.

They write a U.S. comparability statement you can attach to Form I-129 or Form I-140.

Download the signed PDF and keep the invoice. Counsel often needs both for the petition exhibit list.

Ask the provider how they handle a later USCIS request for evidence.

Some will issue a short addendum. Others require a new order.

For example, if an officer questions the major, you may need syllabi the first report didn't quote.

Don't assume a short processing quote covers university verification delays. Registrars abroad set their own calendar.

When the PDF is in hand, review the refusal patterns below so you don't create a new delay.

Common mistakes that stall a credential file

Name mismatch: a married name on the passport and a maiden name on the diploma without a linking document.

Partial transcript: one semester missing, or grades listed without credit hours.

Wrong report type: a general finding when the occupation needs a stated field of study.

Uncertified scan: a photo of a diploma with no registrar verification path.

Stale translation: a translator affidavit that doesn't name the language and the translator’s competence.

Fix the record with the school first. Then ask the evaluator to reopen the file.

USCIS still decides whether the opinion is persuasive.

Official policy is in Volume 2 of the Policy Manual at https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual.

If you need a second opinion, choose another NACES member rather than editing the first report yourself.

Educational information only. A licensed attorney can review your facts against current filing instructions.

How USCIS treats an evaluation inside an RFE

USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence if the petition’s education verification report is thin or unclear.

Officers look for the foreign school name, the credential awarded, and a stated U.S. equivalent.

Policy Manual volume 6 and volume 2 tell officers to weigh the evaluator’s reasoning, not a one-line stamp.

See https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual.

Name the sources. Cite catalogs, ministry lists, or AACRAO EDGE if the evaluator used them.

For example, a three-year Indian B.Com. needs that methodology in writing.

Match the job. The report should name the field that supports the specialty occupation on Form I-129 or the EB-2 advanced-degree claim.

Send the full PDF. Incomplete scans trigger another RFE cycle.

After you assemble the packet, read related filing guidance on the US Immigration Hub and YouSafe Consultancy immigration services.

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. A licensed attorney or regulated adviser should review your documents before you rely on a strategy or deadline.