Visto n' Visa
Blog
Notícias e artigos
Destinations
Careers
Immigrants

How does diploma revalidation work?

The revalidation of foreign diplomas in the U.S. is essential to validate your education, complying with laws and avoiding fraud to study, work, or participate in exchange programs.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on January 19, 2026
2 min read
Share

When it comes to immigration and using diplomas obtained outside the United States, the revalidation process – commonly known as educational credential evaluation – is an essential step for those intending to study, work, or participate in exchange programs such as the J visa. This evaluation aims to determine whether your foreign academic training is equivalent to that offered by U.S. institutions.

In practice, revalidation consists of submitting your transcripts, diplomas, and certificates to a specialized credential evaluation agency. These companies conduct a detailed analysis of your documents, comparing them to the U.S. education system. This process may involve sworn translation of the documents, recognition of completed courses, and, in some cases, verification of specific programs to see if they correspond to an equivalent American degree.

This procedure is fundamental so that employers, educational institutions, or government agencies can better understand the level and quality of the education received. It”s important to highlight that when seeking revalidation of your diploma in the United States, you must strictly observe immigration and education laws and regulations. Always look for specialized and recognized companies and professionals to perform the evaluation, as this helps avoid possible frauds and unfounded promises that could jeopardize your process.

After all, scams and marketing campaigns that guarantee quick approval may not only compromise your documentation but also put you at risk with immigration authorities. Remember that each case is unique and procedures may vary depending on the objective – whether study, work, or exchange experiences. For this reason, it is always advisable to check the specific requirements of the visa program you intend to obtain and closely follow guidance from the agencies responsible for credential revalidation.

In this way, you will be better prepared to face the challenges of the process, remain compliant with the laws, and ensure a smoother transition to the American environment.

Learn more about J-1 Visa

Type
Cultural exchange
Duration
Program duration
2-year rule
Applies in some cases
Processing
2-6 weeks
All about J-1 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

How does diploma revalidation work?

The revalidation of foreign diplomas in the U.S. is essential to validate your education, complying with laws and avoiding fraud to study, work, or participate in exchange programs.

Recommended reading about J-1

More content about J-1