Do You Need a Foreign Degree Evaluation for Your H-1B Visa?
If you earned your degree outside the United States and your employer is filing an H-1B petition on your behalf, a foreign degree evaluation may be a required part of your application package.
Key Takeaways
- H-1B visa eligibility generally requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty occupation. A foreign degree evaluation helps establish that equivalency.
- A credential evaluation is typically requested by your employer or immigration attorney as part of the H-1B petition package — it is not submitted directly to USCIS by you.
- For most H-1B petitions, a document-by-document evaluation is sufficient — but your immigration attorney determines the type required for your specific case.
- Processing takes approximately 3 weeks. Rush processing may be available for eligible applications.
- A credential evaluation does not guarantee visa approval. Immigration decisions are made by USCIS, not by the evaluation agency.
What Is an H-1B Visa and Who Needs One?
You have a job offer from a U.S. employer. The role is in your area of expertise. Your employer is ready to move forward. Then your HR department or immigration attorney asks for something you may not have expected: a foreign degree evaluation.
The H-1B is a nonimmigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign nationals in specialty occupations — roles that typically require the equivalent of at least a U.S. bachelor's degree in a specific field. Common H-1B fields include technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, architecture, and research.
Because the H-1B requires demonstrated educational qualifications, internationally educated professionals whose degrees were earned outside the United States often need to provide evidence that their credentials meet the required standard. That evidence frequently takes the form of a foreign degree evaluation.
Why a Foreign Degree Evaluation May Be Required for H-1B
USCIS — the agency that reviews H-1B petitions — does not automatically recognize degrees earned in other countries. Because educational systems vary significantly around the world, a degree title alone does not confirm that the credential meets U.S. standards for a specialty occupation.
A credential evaluation bridges that gap. It provides an independent, professional assessment of your international degree and explains how it compares to U.S. educational standards — specifically whether it is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
In practice, the evaluation is typically requested by your employer or immigration attorney, who includes it as part of the H-1B petition package submitted to USCIS. You are generally responsible for obtaining the evaluation and providing it to your employer or attorney within their timeline.
Important: Alianza Academic Evaluations does not provide legal or immigration advice. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only. For guidance specific to your H-1B case, consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.
Document-by-Document vs. Course-by-Course — Which One for H-1B?
There are two primary types of foreign degree evaluations. Understanding the difference helps you request the right report from the start.
Document-by-Document
Course-by-Course
For most H-1B petitions, a document-by-document evaluation is sufficient. However, your immigration attorney is the right person to confirm which type is needed for your specific case. Do not order an evaluation until you have confirmed the type with your attorney or employer.
What Documents Do You Need?
Document requirements vary by evaluation agency and by country of origin. The following are commonly requested for a foreign degree evaluation used in an H-1B petition:
Degree certificate or diploma — the official document issued by your institution confirming completion of your program.
Official academic transcripts or mark sheets — records of your coursework, grades, and academic performance.
Certified English translations — required when original documents are not in English. Translations must be completed by a qualified translator.
Additional documentation — some countries or institutions may require supplementary records such as examination results, course descriptions, or institutional accreditation documents.
Always confirm the exact documentation requirements with the evaluation agency before submitting. Missing documents are one of the most common causes of processing delays.
How the Foreign Degree Evaluation Process Works
Alianza Academic Evaluations has more than two decades of experience evaluating international credentials. As an Endorsed Member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), Alianza follows established standards of methodology and professional ethics in every evaluation.
Our process follows four steps:
Document Submission
Submit your academic documents online: degree certificate, transcripts, and certified English translations when applicable. Our team will confirm receipt and notify you if anything is missing.
Document Review
Our evaluators review the completeness, authenticity, and academic level of your submitted documents. If additional information is needed, we will contact you promptly to avoid delays.
Institutional Research and Equivalency Analysis
We research the institution, program structure, and educational system of your country to determine how your credential compares to U.S. standards — including whether it is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher.
Evaluation Report Issued
We issue a formal evaluation report that you can provide to your employer or immigration attorney for inclusion in the H-1B petition package. Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks. Rush processing may be available for eligible applications.
Learn more about our Foreign Degree Evaluation services and what each report type includes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a Foreign Degree Evaluation for Your H-1B?
Alianza Academic Evaluations helps internationally educated professionals obtain the credential evaluations they need for employment, visa, and licensure purposes in the United States. Start your application today and receive your report in approximately 3 weeks.
Alianza Academic Evaluations does not provide legal, immigration, or professional licensing advice. For guidance specific to your H-1B case, consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.