Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation is an important process for those who have studied abroad and wish to continue their studies or work in the United States. This article provides a detailed guide to how this process is carried out, document by document.
Definition of Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation:
Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation is the process by which a U.S. institution evaluates and determines the academic equivalency of a foreign degree. This means that the level of education, the program content and the admission requirements of the country of origin are compared with those of the United States.
The credential evaluation process can vary depending on the U.S. institution and the type of credential, but the documents mentioned above are generally required. In addition, other supporting documents may be required, such as grade certificates or standardized exams.
Once the documents have been submitted, the U.S. institution will proceed to evaluate the foreign credential. This is generally carried out by an academic credential evaluator who will verify the authenticity of the documents, as well as the academic equivalency of the foreign degree.
It is important to note that academic credential evaluation agencies accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) are recognized by most U.S. institutions and are a reliable source for credential evaluation. Academic credential evaluation agencies issue reports that are accepted by U.S. institutions and employers.
Importance of Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation:
Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation is important for several reasons. First, it allows U.S. employers and academic institutions to better understand the academic credentials of foreign students and workers. Second, it helps ensure that U.S. academic standards are maintained, since it verifies that the foreign degree meets U.S. requirements and standards.
The academic equivalency of degrees is important to ensure that academic standards in the United States are maintained and to ensure the quality of education. The evaluation of foreign academic credentials allows U.S. academic institutions and employers to better understand the academic credentials of foreign students and workers. In addition, this evaluation ensures that foreign students and workers meet U.S. academic requirements and standards.
Purposes of Academic Degree Equivalency in the U.S.:
Academic degree equivalency in the United States has four main purposes:
- Admission to higher education institutions: Academic degree equivalency is necessary for admission to most higher education institutions in the United States. The evaluation of foreign academic credentials ensures that foreign students meet U.S. academic requirements and standards.
- Obtaining a professional license in the United States: Many professions in the United States, such as medicine, law and engineering, require a professional license. The evaluation of foreign academic credentials ensures that license applicants meet U.S. academic requirements and standards.
- Immigration processes before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): To be eligible for these visas, applicants must demonstrate that they possess extraordinary or exceptional abilities in their field of work. This is generally achieved by submitting evidence of academic achievements, publications, presentations, awards and other forms of recognition. For applicants with foreign academic credentials, an evaluation of foreign academic credentials is required to determine whether their education and experience meet the requirements for extraordinary or exceptional ability in the United States.
- Credential evaluation for employment and promotion in the United States: Employers in the United States may require an evaluation of foreign academic credentials in order to hire or promote a foreign employee. The evaluation ensures that foreign job applicants meet U.S. academic requirements and standards.
Requirements for Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation:
The Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation process varies depending on the institution and the type of credential, but the following documents are generally required:
- Degree or diploma: An original copy or a certified copy of the degree or diploma obtained in the country of origin is required. This document must be in the original language and must be accompanied by an English translation done by a certified translator.
- Academic transcript: An original copy or a certified copy of the student's academic transcript or academic record is required. This document must be in the original language and must be accompanied by an English translation done by a certified translator.
- Degree equivalency certification: In some cases, a degree equivalency certification issued by the country of origin is required. This certification indicates that the foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. degree in terms of level and content.
- Third-party evaluation: In some cases, an evaluation performed by an accredited academic credential evaluation agency is required. These agencies evaluate the foreign credential and issue a report indicating the academic equivalency in the United States.
Conclusion
Foreign Academic Credential Evaluation is important not only for admission to higher education institutions, obtaining a professional license, certification to teach in U.S. public schools and credential evaluation for employment and promotion in the United States, but also for immigration processes before USCIS, especially for extraordinary ability visas such as EB-1 and EB-2.
References
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (2019). “Standards for Credential Evaluation Services”. Retrieved from https://www.naces.org/standards
US Department of Education (2019). “Foreign Credentials”. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (2020). “A Guide to International Academic Standards”. Retrieved from https://www.aacrao.org/docs/default-source/PDF-Files/aacrao-intl-guide-2020-preview.pdf?sfvrsn=20aade41_8
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