How to obtain an Academic Evaluation for the EB-2 NIW?

For the EB-2 NIW, an Academic Evaluation is obtained through a specialized service that analyzes foreign degrees and indicates their U.S. equivalent. The process is well defined, and care in choosing the right service and ensuring document authenticity is what prevents delays.

In practice, the path typically follows these steps:

• Choose a recognized service: prefer agencies with strong references and experience in immigration cases, attentive to USCIS guidance.
• Gather your documents: diplomas, detailed academic transcripts (including grades and course hours) and, when in another language, translations by a qualified translator.
• Ensure authenticity: some services require documents to come directly from the issuing institution or to be sealed, precisely to verify their origin.
• Request the equivalency report: the service reviews the materials and issues the evaluation letter you attach to your case.

Choosing a serious evaluator matters, because a poorly prepared report can weaken rather than strengthen your case. Since requirements change and every case is unique, it is worth checking updated guidance on the USCIS website and, when possible, aligning your strategy with a specialist. Be wary of anyone who promises guaranteed results.

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.