How do I know if my degree is ‘equivalent’ to a master’s degree?

In the EB-2 NIW, a common question is whether your foreign education is equivalent to a master’s degree in the United States. This equivalence is not assumed: it is assessed based on the actual content of your program, not just the name of the credential.

In practice, the entities that perform this analysis are institutions or agencies that specialize in educational credential evaluation. They compare your education with U.S. degree standards, looking at elements such as:

• The curriculum and course content of your program.
• The total hours and duration of your studies.
• Your academic transcripts and completed coursework.
• Official translations of your documents, when required.

Because each country and each program has its own characteristics, this type of evaluation must be carried out by qualified professionals who can determine whether your education meets the expected standard. Services that promise a guaranteed outcome without thorough review should be avoided.

To proceed with confidence, keep your documentation complete and up to date and confirm the requirements with the USCIS or with a specialist, ensuring that the evaluation of your credentials aligns with what the process requires.

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.