Do academic evaluation costs need to be justified and proportional for EB-2 NIW?

It helps to start by setting aside the premise: in an EB-2 NIW petition, USCIS does not evaluate how much you spent on your academic evaluation, nor does it require you to show that the price was proportional. The cost is your own logistical decision. What truly matters is that the evaluation is credible and demonstrates the equivalency of your qualifications obtained outside the United States.

That is why the focus should be on the credibility of the service, not the amount paid. To strengthen this aspect:

• Choose a recognized evaluator or institution that specializes in validating international credentials.
• Make sure the evaluation clearly explains its methodology and the equivalency to the U.S. educational system.
• Keep invoices and contracts for your own personal records, but understand that they are not what supports the merits of your case.

In short, what carries weight is the quality and credibility of the evaluation, not a justification of expenses. Since each case has its own particularities, confirm what is relevant with USCIS or a qualified professional before engaging the service.

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.