How to effectively document academic evaluation costs?

It is worth clearing up a common misconception: in the EB-2 NIW, the amount spent on an academic evaluation is not a factor the authority weighs when deciding your case. What matters is the content of the credential equivalency report, that is, what it says about your background, not the price you paid for it.

That said, keeping your receipts organized is a good personal process management practice. It helps you track expenses, confirm payments with the service provider, and keep everything traceable in case you need to resolve any issue with the evaluating agency.

• Keep original receipts showing the provider name, date, and service description.
• Retain bank statements or transfer confirmations that verify the payment.
• Collect in one place any confirmations of payments made online.

Focus the strength of your petition on the evidence that demonstrates the merit and relevance of your work, which is what the EB-2 NIW actually evaluates. If in doubt about what to include, confirm the latest guidance with USCIS or a qualified specialist.

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.