What is an Academic Evaluation and how does it affect my EB-2 NIW case?

In the context of the EB-2 NIW, an Academic Evaluation (academic assessment) is a report produced by a specialized service that reviews degrees and certificates earned outside the United States and states their equivalent within the American educational system. In practice, it translates your foreign credentials into a reference that USCIS can interpret.

This document matters because the EB-2 NIW is premised on the candidate having an advanced degree or exceptional ability. When your diploma was issued in another country, the Academic Evaluation helps demonstrate, in an objective way, the level of your qualifications. It typically contributes to the case by:

• Establishing the equivalency of your academic degree to the U.S. standard.
• Giving the officer a clear reference for understanding your educational background.
• Strengthening the foundation on which the argument of merit and national interest is built.

It is worth noting that the Academic Evaluation supports the qualifications portion of the case, but does not replace the central argument of the EB-2 NIW, which is demonstrating the relevance of your work to the country. Since criteria are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, use only recognized evaluation services and check the latest guidance at USCIS, ideally with the support of a specialist.

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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.