Do I need a credential evaluation for the H-1B?

It depends on where you earned your degree. The H-1B is designed for specialty occupations and requires demonstrating that your education meets the level required by the position. When the degree comes from a United States institution, it is generally recognized without additional steps.

A foreign degree, on the other hand, typically goes through a credential evaluation conducted by organizations that specialize in this type of assessment. The goal is to show that your education is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the relevant field.

In practice, many U.S. employers request this equivalency to confirm that the candidate meets the educational standard required for the visa. It is worth checking with your prospective employer or an immigration specialist to determine whether an evaluation will be required in your specific case.

• U.S. degree: generally recognized without an additional evaluation.
• Foreign degree: usually requires an equivalency evaluation.
• The employer may request the evaluation as part of the process.

Since each case has its own specifics, verify the current requirements with USCIS or a qualified immigration professional before ordering an evaluation.

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.