What are the main aspects that USCIS analyzes in an Academic Evaluation?

An Academic Evaluation is used to demonstrate that a degree obtained outside the United States is equivalent to a comparable credential in the American education system. In the EB-2 NIW, it helps support the applicant’s qualifications, and USCIS examines both the content of the evaluation report and the credibility of the evaluator who issued it.

In practice, the most commonly reviewed points are:

• The reputation and accreditation of the foreign institution that issued the degree.
• The structure of the program, including coursework, contact hours, and subject matter.
• The comparison with equivalent programs in the United States.
• The authenticity and consistency of documents such as transcripts, diplomas, and certificates, translated when necessary.

A well-structured evaluation, produced by a specialized and recognized company, adds greater strength to the overall petition by presenting a well-grounded equivalency argument. Even so, the analysis is conducted on a case-by-case basis, so make sure all documents are complete and accurate.

Before ordering the evaluation, it is worth confirming the current guidelines from the official source (USCIS) and selecting trusted professionals, avoiding anyone who promises a guaranteed outcome.

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.