Do I need to get my degree revalidated by a U.S. government authority before applying for the NIW?

No. The EB-2 NIW does not require an official revalidation of your degree by a U.S. government agency. That type of government-level revalidation, common in other contexts, is not part of this process.

What typically takes its place is an academic credential evaluation, conducted by a recognized private specialized agency. Its purpose is to translate your foreign education and show that your degree is equivalent to an advanced degree issued by a U.S. institution.

In short, the distinction is one of nature:

• Official government revalidation: not what the NIW requires.
• Credential evaluation by a specialized agency: the standard approach to presenting your qualifications.

Because each academic background and career path has its own specifics, the type of evaluation and supporting documents may vary. It is worth confirming the current requirements at the official source (USCIS) and working with a specialist to determine which evaluation makes sense for your situation.

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.