What documents help prove academic evaluations in the EB-2 NIW?

When putting together an EB-2 NIW petition, questions often arise about how to document academic evaluations. One important point to clarify: what matters to the USCIS is the evaluation as evidence of your qualifications, not the amount paid to obtain it. The cost itself is not a criterion for this visa category.

The equivalency evaluation (credential evaluation) translates your foreign academic record into U.S. standards, helping to demonstrate the level of your education. For that reason, the focus of your documentation should be on the credibility and completeness of these records.

• The equivalency report (credential evaluation) issued by a recognized service.
• Original diplomas and academic transcripts, with certified translation when required.
• Information confirming the credentials and experience of the evaluator.

Keep all documents organized, legible, and consistent with one another. If you need to confirm which evaluations are accepted or how to present them, consult the official USCIS guidelines or seek guidance from a specialist before filing your petition.

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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.