Do I need to validate my academic transcript with WES or ECE?

The TN visa was created to facilitate the entry of qualified professionals from NAFTA (now USMCA) signatory countries into the United States. Thus, many applicants wonder if they need to submit an evaluation of their academic transcript through services like WES or ECE.

In most cases, if you hold a diploma issued by a recognized institution and your course meets the requirements of the professional category provided for the TN visa, validation through WES or ECE is not mandatory.

However, for some professions or when there are doubts regarding the comparability of your foreign degree with the U.S. educational standard, an evaluation can help demonstrate that your education is equivalent to what is required in the United States.

It is important to emphasize that any documentation presented must comply with the country”s immigration laws. For this reason, always check the specific requirements for your field, as depending on the position and sector of activity, consular authorities may request additional information about your education.

It is also recommended to consult official sources and, if necessary, use specialized companies-taking care to avoid scams or miracle promises-to ensure the entire process is done safely and correctly.

Staying updated with regulations is essential. This way, you will be prepared to submit a consistent process that complies with required procedures, avoiding future complications.

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.