How Can I Get My Degree Recognized in the USA?

Achieving educational and professional goals in the United States requires more than ambition and academic qualifications; it requires the recognition and validation of your international degrees. Degree evaluation plays a crucial role for individuals planning to study, work or live in the US. It acts as a bridge, aligning foreign qualifications with American standards. This process is not only essential for academic endeavours, but also for employment, where understanding an applicant's educational background is key. Moreover, for immigrants, a validated degree can significantly streamline the visa and residency application process, making degree evaluation a fundamental step towards success in the United States.

What is Degree Evaluation?

Degree evaluation is the detailed assessment conducted by qualified agencies to compare foreign educational credentials with their U.S. counterparts. The purpose of this evaluation is twofold: to ensure that individuals meet certain educational standards and to facilitate their integration into the American academic or professional environment. Evaluators examine various aspects of your education, such as course content, hours of study, and overall academic performance. The result is an official document that confirms the equivalency of your foreign degree to a U.S. degree, facilitating further educational opportunities, meeting employment requirements, and complying with immigration regulations. In essence, degree evaluation is an indispensable tool for those seeking to validate their academic and professional achievements in the US context.

Why is a degree evaluation necessary?

Academic admission and credit transfer:

Degree evaluation is crucial for international students seeking to enroll in US educational institutions. Universities and colleges need to understand the level and relevance of your previous academic work to determine your eligibility for admission. In addition, a comprehensive assessment will help with the transfer of credits from foreign institutions, ensuring that you receive due recognition for your past studies. This not only streamlines the admissions process, but also potentially reduces the time and cost of obtaining a US degree.

Employment and professional licensure:

For international professionals seeking to work in the United States, transcript evaluation validates their educational credentials to potential employers. In industries where specific degrees are required for employment, a U.S.-recognised credential is essential. Similarly, many professions require licensing or certification, which cannot be obtained without an evaluation that proves your foreign degree meets U.S. standards. This makes degree evaluation an essential step for employment and career advancement in the United States.

Immigration petitions:

Degree evaluation plays a key role in the immigration process, particularly for individuals seeking work visas or permanent residency. Immigration authorities, such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), often require evidence that your education meets US standards. A validated degree can greatly enhance your visa application by demonstrating your qualifications and supporting your immigration case. For those who wish to build a life in the USA, having a degree that is recognised and valued is a critical component of the immigration process.

The Degree Evaluation Process

Obtaining a degree evaluation is a systematic process that involves several key steps. Understanding these steps can help streamline your evaluation process and ensure a smooth transition to your endeavours in the USA.

1. Select an evaluation agency:

The first step is to select a reputable credential evaluation agency that is recognised by U.S. institutions or employers. Agencies should be members of national organisations such as NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators).

2. Submitting the application:

Once you have chosen an agency, complete their application process. This usually involves completing a form detailing your personal information, the purpose of the assessment and your specific requirements for the type of assessment required.

3. Collect documentation:

You will need to provide detailed documentation of your academic history. This will normally include

Official academic transcripts: Records from your educational institution listing the courses you have taken and the grades you have received.
Diplomas or degree certificates: Documents proving the completion of your studies and the degree awarded.
Course syllabi or descriptions (if available): Detailed descriptions of the courses you have completed, which may be essential for a course-by-course evaluation.

4. Translation of documents:

If your documents are not in English, they must be translated by a sworn translator. The translation should be accurate and include all seals, signatures and academic terms.

5. Submission and fees:

Submit the required documentation with the application to the evaluation agency. There will be a fee, which will vary depending on the agency and the type of assessment requested.

6. Evaluation process:

The agency will review your documents to assess the equivalency of your degree to US standards. This involves verifying the authenticity of your documents and comparing your academic achievements with those required in the USA.

Types of degree evaluation:

There are two general types of evaluation:

General evaluation: This provides an overall equivalency of your degree to a US degree. It is often sufficient for employment purposes or immigration applications where a general assessment of your level of education is required.

Course-by-Course Evaluation: This is a detailed evaluation that lists each subject you have studied and equates it to the US education system. It is usually required for academic purposes such as college admissions, transfer credits, or graduate school applications, as it provides a clear picture of your educational background in relation to US standards.

Understanding the differences between these two types of evaluations and choosing the one that best suits your needs is critical to making the most of your foreign degree in the United States.

Choosing the right evaluation service:

When embarking on an academic or professional journey in the United States, choosing an appropriate evaluation service for your foreign credentials is crucial. Here's how to ensure you choose the most appropriate service to evaluate your credentials:

1. Recognition by US institutions:

Prioritise services that are recognised by US educational institutions, employers and immigration authorities. Choose evaluators affiliated with respected organisations such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), as this recognition often reflects adherence to high standards.

2. Turnaround time:

Different services offer different turnaround times. If your situation requires urgency, look for services that offer expedited evaluations. However, make sure that the speed of the service does not compromise the quality and accuracy of the assessment.

3. Cost:

Fees for evaluations vary depending on the complexity and speed required. Evaluate the cost against the service provided, bearing in mind that lower prices do not always reflect value or acceptance by US institutions. Transparency in pricing is essential to avoid hidden costs.

4. Customer service:

Quality customer service is essential, especially if you have any doubts or special needs during the evaluation process. Look for services that offer responsive and clear communication to guide you efficiently through the process.

5. Reviews and reputation:

Do your homework on the evaluation service's track record. A reputable agency should have a track record of positive feedback and a proven history of providing accurate assessments. Reviews from former clients can provide valuable insight into their experience and satisfaction.

6. Additional services:

Depending on your specific needs, you may benefit from additional services such as document translation or field-specific equivalency guidance. Evaluate whether the agency offers these additional services, which could streamline your assessment process.

As you prepare for your academic or professional journey in the US, incorporating these factors into your decision-making can significantly impact the outcome. For further guidance, please refer to our blog article "Top 5 Credential Evaluation Companies". This resource can provide insight into credible agencies and help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements. Remember, the right credential evaluation service can make a significant difference to your transition and success in the United States.

How to prepare for your degree assessment:

A step-by-step guide to preparing your documents:

1. Identify the documents required: Start by listing the documents you will need for your assessment. Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, diplomas, degree certificates, and course syllabi. Check with the assessment service for specific requirements.

2. Obtain official documents: Request official copies of your academic records from your educational institutions. Make sure they are the most recent and complete versions, as incomplete records can delay the evaluation process.

3. Organise your documents: Arrange your documents in a logical order, usually by level of education (high school, undergraduate, graduate). This will make it easier for the evaluator to understand your academic history.

4. Translate non-English documents: If your documents are not in English, they must be professionally translated. MotaWord offers translation services that ensure your academic documents are translated accurately and professionally, preserving the integrity and meaning of the original text.

Tips for ensuring accurate and complete document translation

1. Use professional services: Use professional translation services such as MotaWord to ensure that your documents are translated accurately. Professional translators understand the nuances of academic terminology and can ensure that your translation meets the standards required by evaluation services.

2. Check for accuracy: After translation, compare the translated documents with the originals to ensure that all information has been accurately translated. Pay particular attention to names, dates and academic terms.

3. Maintain original formatting: Ensure that the translated documents reflect the format of the originals. This includes the layout, headings and organisation of information. Accurate formatting helps maintain the integrity of the document and makes it easier for the reviewer to understand.

4. Include all components: Translate every part of your documents, including seals, stamps and signatures. While these cannot be replicated in translation, their presence should be noted and accurately described.

5. Obtain certification: Once the translation is complete, obtain a certificate from MotaWord attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation. This is often required by evaluation services and US institutions.

6. Keep copies: Make copies of both your original documents and the translated versions. Having backups can be useful if you need to submit documents to multiple institutions or if questions arise during the evaluation process.

By following these steps and using MotaWord's translation services, you can ensure that your academic documents are well prepared and accurately translated, paving the way for a smooth degree evaluation process.

Using your evaluated degree in the USA:

Once you have successfully completed the degree evaluation process, the next crucial step is to make effective use of this asset. Here's how to make the most of your evaluated credentials:

1. Present your evaluated degree: When presenting your assessed diploma to universities, employers or immigration authorities, make sure the documentation is complete and readily available. Include the original assessment report and copies of your academic records. It's a good idea to have both electronic and physical copies available for interviews or admissions and immigration meetings. Highlight the equivalency as determined by the assessment service and emphasise how it aligns with US standards. This demonstrates transparency and preparedness, qualities valued in all professional and academic settings.

2. Academic applications: When applying to U.S. educational institutions, include your evaluated transcript with your application materials. Include a cover letter explaining the rating and how it reflects your academic performance. For example, if you're asked, "How can I transfer my degree to the U.S.?" for academic purposes, your evaluated degree serves as the answer, demonstrating the U.S. equivalency of your foreign education. If possible, draw parallels between your academic background and the programme's requirements or objectives to illustrate your suitability and readiness for study.

3. Job search: In the job market, your credentialed degree can add significant value to your resume. Clearly state the US equivalency of your degree next to your qualifications and consider mentioning it in your cover letter. This can be especially helpful if you're in a field that requires a specific level of education. During interviews, be prepared to discuss equivalence and how your educational background makes you a good fit for the position. If you are asked, "How can I get my U.S. degree equivalent?" you can confidently point to your evaluated transcripts as proof of your qualifications.

4. Professional Licences and Certifications: If your profession requires a specific certification or licence, your evaluated degree is often a necessary component of your application. Submit the evaluation report to the licensing or certification board and explain any relevant coursework or work experience that meets US requirements. This is where a course-by-course evaluation can be particularly useful.

5. Immigration purposes: For immigration purposes, an evaluated degree can be an important element in proving your educational qualifications. Attach the assessment report to your application and refer to it in any supporting documents or interviews. This is crucial for visas that require a certain level of education, or for points-based immigration systems where your degree contributes to your eligibility.

6. Networking and professional development: Use your evaluated degree as a networking tool, especially with professionals in your field who may not be familiar with your country's education system. Explain the US equivalency of your degree and how your background and skills translate across cultures. This can open doors to mentorship, professional development opportunities, and career advancement.

Remember, your evaluated degree is a testament to the compatibility of your academic and professional background with US standards. By strategically presenting and using your transcript, you can enhance your academic and career prospects in the United States and answer the key question, "How can I get my degree recognised in the US?" with confidence and credibility.

 Conclusion:

Degree evaluation is pivotal for individuals with foreign qualifications aiming to navigate the academic and professional landscape of the USA. It's advisable to initiate this process early and leverage professional services to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Streamline your transition to the U.S. by utilizing MotaWord's expert services for your document translation and degree evaluation needs. Kickstart your journey by visiting Get a Quote on MotaWord today. Achieve your American dream with confidence and clarity.