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Do I need to have my credentials evaluated for the H-1B?

Credential evaluation is recommended for foreign degrees when applying for the H-1B visa, ensuring that your education is equivalent to what is required in the U.S.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on November 12, 2025
2 min read
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The H-1B visa is intended for professionals working in specialized occupations, and for this, it is necessary to prove that the candidate has an academic background compatible with the offered position. When the diploma is issued by a United States institution, it is generally recognized automatically.

However, if you obtained your qualification in another country, it may be recommended to have a credential evaluation performed. This evaluation is carried out by specialized entities with the purpose of demonstrating that your foreign education is equivalent to an American bachelor’s degree or higher.

In many cases, the employer in the U.S. requires this equivalency to ensure that the candidate meets the educational standard required for the H-1B visa. Therefore, if your diploma was obtained outside the United States, it is important to check with your future employer or with a consultant experienced in immigration matters if this evaluation will be necessary in your case.

It is essential to remember that following immigration laws and seeking information from reliable sources is crucial in this process. Avoid falling for scams or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous solutions or approval guarantees. If you have doubts, seeking guidance from specialists or official agencies can be very helpful to make a well-informed decision.

In summary, if you already have a diploma recognized in the U.S., credential evaluation is usually not required. For foreign diplomas, it is often an important step to prove the equivalency of your degree to the one required for the H-1B visa.

Learn more about H-1B Visa

Initial validity
3 years
Extension
Up to 6 years total
Annual cap
85,000 visas
Processing
6-12 months
All about H-1B Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Do I need to have my credentials evaluated for the H-1B?

Credential evaluation is recommended for foreign degrees when applying for the H-1B visa, ensuring that your education is equivalent to what is required in the U.S.

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