What documents are important to support the Academic Evaluation in an EB-2 NIW petition?

A key clarification upfront: the Academic Evaluation is not a universal requirement of the EB-2 NIW, but it is a widely used tool when you need to show that a degree earned outside the United States is equivalent to American academic standards. It helps the officer understand your level of education.

When an evaluation is relevant to your case, the documents that typically support it are:

• Original academic records: diploma, certificate of completion, and transcripts, which form the basis of the analysis.
• Certified translations: for any document not in English, faithful to the original.
• Credential evaluation report: issued by an accredited agency in the United States, comparing your credentials to the local academic system.
• Supporting documentation: course syllabi, program descriptions, or materials showing course load and depth, when transcripts do not make that clear.

A well-organized submission of these materials can make a real difference in how your case proceeds. Use reputable agencies and guidance, confirm what applies to your profile at the official source (USCIS), and consult a qualified professional if needed — without being swayed by guarantees of a specific outcome.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.