Visto n' Visa

My degree is foreign, should I get a credential evaluation for the EB-1?

Evaluating the equivalency of a foreign degree can strengthen your EB-1 case by showing that your education meets the standards recognized in the U.S. See when this step is worth taking.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 20, 2026
1 min read
Share

It can be important, yes. The EB-1 requires demonstrating qualifications and achievements, and evaluating the equivalency of a foreign degree helps show that your education meets the academic and professional standards recognized in the United States.

Not every immigration case requires a formal credential evaluation, but in many situations it strengthens the overall documentation package. The equivalency assessment is typically issued by an accredited organization or company specializing in educational credential evaluation.

  • Choose organizations with a proven and reputable track record.
  • Be cautious of services that do not follow official procedures.
  • Treat the credential evaluation as one piece of a well-prepared case.

Each case has its own characteristics and is assessed individually by the relevant authority. It is worth checking the current requirements on the USCIS website and consulting a specialist to determine whether a credential evaluation makes a difference for your particular profile.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

My degree is foreign, should I get a credential evaluation for the EB-1?

Evaluating the equivalency of a foreign degree can strengthen your EB-1 case by showing that your education meets the standards recognized in the U.S. See when this step is worth taking.

Recommended reading about EB-1

More content about EB-1