Dreaming of a new career or academic journey in a different country? Your foreign degree is a huge asset, but it often needs a little translation. That’s where an international credential evaluation comes in. It’s the crucial step that validates your hard work for employers, universities, and immigration officials.
In this guide, we will walk you through the Step-by-Step Guide to the foreign degree evaluation process, making this often-daunting task clear and manageable. Let’s get started on turning your global education into a local advantage.
Step 1: Understand Why You Need an Evaluation
The first and most important question to ask yourself is: Why do I need this evaluation? The answer will determine the type of evaluation you need and the service provider you choose.
Many international students and professionals find themselves asking why they should get a credential evaluation or what the top reasons are to get one. The reasons typically fall into three main categories.
For Academic Purposes (University Admissions)
If you’re an international student applying to a U.S. or Canadian university, a credential evaluation is a non-negotiable part of your application. Universities need to understand your academic history to make fair admissions decisions.
This is where a course-by-course evaluation becomes essential. It provides a detailed breakdown of every course you took, your grades, and the U.S. or Canadian equivalent.
For Employment and Professional Licensing
Many U.S. and Canadian employers require a credential evaluation to verify a job candidate’s educational background. This is especially true for regulated professions like nursing, teaching, engineering, and accounting, where an evaluation is needed for professional licensing. It ensures that your education meets the specific requirements of the profession in your new country.
For Immigration Purposes
For those seeking to immigrate, such as through Canada’s Express Entry program or for a U.S. H-1B visa, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a mandatory requirement. The report helps immigration officers confirm that your foreign degree is equivalent to the required level of education (e.g., a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree) in the destination country.
Step 2: Choose the Right Credential Evaluation Service
Choosing the right credential evaluation provider is a crucial step. The service you select must be recognized and accepted by the institution or authority to which you are submitting it. Here are some key factors to consider.
- Accreditation: Look for providers that are members of official organizations. In the U.S., this includes the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). In Canada, look for a provider designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Report Type: Make sure the provider offers the specific type of report you need. As mentioned earlier, a university will likely require a course-by-course evaluation, while an employer or immigration body may only need a document-by-document evaluation.
- Cost and Processing Time: Compare the fees and the average turnaround time. Expedited services are often available for an extra fee.
Step 3: Gather All Your Required Documents
This is where the process can get tricky, and it’s also where many applicants make common mistakes in credential evaluation. A successful application hinges on submitting all the correct documents in the proper format.
The specific documents you need will depend on your country of education and the evaluation service you choose. However, the list almost always includes:
- Academic Transcripts: These must be official, sealed, and sent directly from your educational institution to the evaluation service.
- Degree Certificate or Diploma: A clear, high-quality scan of your original degree.
- Certified Translations: If your documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator.
- ID Documents: A copy of your passport or other government-issued ID.
For a comprehensive checklist of what you’ll need, review our guide on the required documents for credential evaluation.
Step 4: The Application and Evaluation Process
Once you have your documents ready, you can start your application.
- Create an Account: Go to the provider’s website and create an online account.
- Fill Out the Application: Enter your personal and academic information. This is where you’ll specify the type of report you need.
- Submit Your Documents: Follow the provider’s instructions carefully for submitting your documents. Many services now accept secure, electronic submissions directly from your university, which can speed up the process and reduce the risk of documents getting lost.
- Pay the Fee: Submit the required payment.
- Wait for the Report: The evaluation service will now verify your documents and conduct the evaluation. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so plan accordingly.
The landscape of credential evaluation is always changing. We recommend you read our article on key considerations for credential evaluations in 2025 to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, such as the increased shift to digital submissions and the new validity policies of certain evaluation reports.
Step 5: Receiving and Using Your Evaluation Report
Once your evaluation is complete, the service will send the report to you and any designated recipients (like a university or employer).
Your report will detail the U.S. or Canadian equivalency of your degree and may include a converted GPA. It’s important to understand what’s in your report so you can use your credential evaluation to support your job search or academic application effectively. For example, on your resume, you can state: “Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor of Science in Engineering.”
Get Your Credentials Evaluated With My Evaluation Pal
Starting your journey abroad begins with a trusted credential evaluation. At My Evaluation Pal, we provide fast and accurate assessments that are designed to meet admission, immigration, or job requirements with ease. Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on the opportunities ahead.
Book a Free Demo | Talk to Our Experts
Conclusion
Getting your international credential evaluated is a vital step toward achieving your academic and professional goals in a new country. While the process may seem daunting at first, breaking it down into these manageable steps makes it much more achievable. By understanding your needs, choosing the right provider, and preparing your documents carefully, you can navigate the process smoothly and successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a credential evaluation take?
The processing time can vary significantly depending on the service you choose and the type of evaluation you need. A basic “document-by-document” evaluation can take as little as a few business days, while a detailed “course-by-course” report may take several weeks. Many services offer expedited options for an extra fee if you are on a tight deadline.
How much does a credential evaluation cost?
The cost also varies by provider and report type. A simple evaluation can start at around $100, while a comprehensive, course-by-course report can cost $200 or more. Remember to also budget for additional fees, such as expedited shipping, extra copies of the report, or notarized translations.
What if I don’t have my official transcripts or diploma?
This is a common issue. In most cases, credential evaluation services require official documents sent directly from your educational institution. They typically do not accept personal copies. Suppose your institution is closed or you are unable to obtain the documents. In that case, you should contact the evaluation service directly to see if they have alternative solutions or processes for document verification.
Can I get a credential evaluation for a degree from an unrecognized institution?
Credential evaluation services rely on official records and the recognized status of your educational institution to produce an accurate report. If your institution is not recognized by the country’s Ministry of Education or other official bodies, it may be difficult or impossible to get your credentials evaluated. It’s best to check with the evaluation service before applying.
How long is a credential evaluation report valid?
The validity of a report depends on its purpose. For immigration to Canada, an ECA report is typically valid for five years from the date it was issued. For academic or employment purposes, the report usually does not expire, but a recipient institution may require a new or updated report if significant time has passed or if your academic history has changed. Always check the specific requirements of the organization you are submitting the report to.
Do all credential evaluation services provide the same results?
While all accredited services adhere to a similar standard, the final report can have slight variations. This is due to the subjective nature of comparative education and different evaluation methodologies. To ensure your report is widely accepted, it’s crucial to choose a service that is a member of NACES (in the U.S.) or is a designated organization for your specific purpose, like an ECA for immigration.