How can you show that your Academic Evaluation was conducted according to rigorous standards?

In the EB-2 NIW, an Academic Evaluation (foreign credential evaluation) translates the degrees you earned outside the United States into a reference that U.S. authorities can interpret. Demonstrating that it was carried out with rigor strengthens the credibility of your evidence package, since the document serves as supporting evidence assessed within the broader record.

Several indicators help show that the evaluation followed a serious methodology:

• Being conducted by a recognized credential evaluation service, such as those affiliated with industry associations like NACES.
• A report that clearly explains the methodology: how your degrees and coursework were compared to U.S. equivalents and how the authenticity of the documents was verified.
• Keeping the original documents, correspondence, and the evaluation certificate itself on hand to address any questions.

The more transparent and detailed the report, the easier it is to demonstrate that the evaluation is reliable. Describing the step-by-step methodology carries more weight than an unsupported conclusion.

Because accepted guidelines and agencies can change over time, it is worth confirming current guidance with USCIS and aligning your choice of evaluator with a specialist before finalizing your petition package.

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.