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How do you demonstrate that your Academic Evaluation meets the criteria required by USCIS?

In the EB-2 NIW, your Academic Evaluation is most persuasive when it comes from a recognized agency and includes a clear report of how your degree is equivalent to the American academic standard, supported by original documents and official translations.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 16, 2026
1 min read
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In the EB-2 NIW, the Academic Evaluation serves to show USCIS that credentials earned outside the United States are equivalent to the American academic standard. Demonstrating that it meets the criteria means, above all, ensuring the evaluation is conducted by a recognized agency and that the report is clear and well-supported.

The goal is for the adjudicating officer to read the document and see, without difficulty, the equivalence between your educational background and the level expected for the category.

  • Hire a specialized and recognized agency to issue the evaluation.
  • Submit original diplomas, transcripts, and certificates, along with official translations.
  • Request a report that details how your degree is equivalent to the American standard.
  • Highlight the relevance of your field of study and institution to your area of expertise.

The more objective and well-structured the report, the easier the review. Since criteria are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, it is worth checking updated requirements and reviewing the full package with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW

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.

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How do you demonstrate that your Academic Evaluation meets the criteria required by USCIS?

In the EB-2 NIW, your Academic Evaluation is most persuasive when it comes from a recognized agency and includes a clear report of how your degree is equivalent to the American academic standard, supported by original documents and official translations.

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