In an increasingly interconnected world, academic and professional mobility across borders is more common than ever. Whether you’re migrating for education, employment, licensure, or immigration, your academic qualifications from your home country must be evaluated and recognized by authorities in the destination country. This is where the foreign credential evaluation process becomes crucial.
This blog provides a thorough step-by-step breakdown of the foreign credential evaluation process, helping international students and professionals understand how to get their educational qualifications assessed and accepted abroad.
What Is Foreign Credential Evaluation?
Foreign credential evaluation is the formal process of verifying and assessing academic degrees, diplomas, certificates, or transcripts earned from educational institutions outside the host country. The evaluation determines the equivalency of your foreign education to that of the host country’s standards.
The process is commonly required for:
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University admissions
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Employment in professional sectors
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Immigration and permanent residency applications
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Professional licensing (medicine, engineering, law, teaching, etc.)
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Credential verification for government or military roles
Why Is Foreign Credential Evaluation Important?
Different countries have different education systems, grading scales, credit hours, and accreditation norms. An evaluation serves to:
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Bridge the gap between education systems
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Confirm the authenticity and legitimacy of your institution
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Establish comparability with local qualifications
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Help decision-makers (universities, employers, regulators) understand your academic background
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Prevent delays, rejections, or legal complications in immigration or employment processes
Who Needs Credential Evaluation?
You may require a credential evaluation if you are:
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An international student applying for admission to a foreign college or university
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A working professional seeking skilled migration, licensure, or employment abroad
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A healthcare practitioner applying for licensing in medicine, nursing, dentistry, etc.
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A teacher or academic pursuing a job in foreign schools or universities
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An immigrant applicant undergoing assessment for programs like Canada’s Express Entry
Step-by-Step Guide to Foreign Credential Evaluation
Let’s explore the complete process from start to finish.
Step 1: Identify Your Purpose and the Recognized Evaluating Body
Different countries have designated organizations that conduct foreign credential evaluations. Based on your purpose (immigration, education, licensure), you need to choose the appropriate evaluation body.
For Canada:
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World Education Services (WES)
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International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
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International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
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Comparative Education Service (CES)
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Medical Council of Canada (MCC) for medical professionals
For the United States:
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WES (World Education Services)
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Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
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International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
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Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A)
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National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member bodies
For Other Countries:
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Australia: Australian Education International (AEI-NOOSR) or AHPRA (for healthcare)
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Germany: Anabin & ZAB
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UK: UK ENIC (formerly NARIC)
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New Zealand: NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority)
Tip: Always confirm with the receiving institution (university/employer/immigration body) about which credential evaluator they accept.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Evaluation Report
Evaluation agencies offer different types of reports depending on your end goal.
Common Report Types:
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Document-by-Document Evaluation:
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Verifies authenticity of each document
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Specifies the equivalent degree/diploma in the host country
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Commonly used for employment or immigration
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Course-by-Course Evaluation:
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Includes detailed breakdown of subjects, grades, credit hours
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Used for university admissions or transfer of academic credits
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Professional Licensure Evaluation:
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Designed specifically for regulatory/licensing boards in medicine, engineering, teaching, etc.
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Choose the appropriate report based on your goal. For example, WES ECA for Canadian PR typically requires a document-by-document evaluation.
Step 3: Collect and Prepare Academic Documents
You’ll need to gather official academic documents from your educational institution, including:
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Degree certificate
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Diploma or provisional certificate
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Final mark sheets or transcripts (semester/year-wise)
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Medium of Instruction certificate (if required)
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Any additional qualifications (post-graduate diplomas, vocational courses)
Important Points:
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Documents must be issued by a recognized institution
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Transcripts should be in a sealed envelope with a university stamp and signature across the flap
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Some evaluators accept digital documents directly from universities through secure portals
Step 4: Create an Account and Fill Out the Application
Once you’ve chosen your evaluation agency, visit their official website to:
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Create a personal account
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Fill in personal, academic, and application details
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Choose your report type and destination country
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Pay the required evaluation fee
Make sure you:
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Use the same name as in your passport
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Mention reference numbers (e.g., for WES or immigration) where applicable
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Choose correct delivery options (physical, digital, or both)
Step 5: Arrange for Document Submission to the Evaluating Body
Your documents must reach the evaluator either:
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Directly from your university/institution
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Via postal mail in sealed envelopes
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Through digital transfer, if supported by your institution and accepted by the evaluator
Tips:
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Don’t send original degree certificates unless required
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Use trackable courier services
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Clearly label envelopes with your reference number and application ID
For applicants residing outside their home country, several document facilitation services can collect, prepare, and submit your academic records to the evaluating body.
Step 6: Wait for Verification and Evaluation
Once the evaluator receives your documents, the following steps take place:
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Verification of institution legitimacy
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Cross-checking your transcripts for accuracy and authenticity
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Credential comparison with host country’s academic standards
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Preparation of your evaluation report
Processing Time:
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Standard evaluations: 20–30 business days
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Expedited services (if offered): 5–10 business days
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Delays may occur due to missing documents, document mismatch, or high volume
Track your application status using the agency’s online dashboard.
Step 7: Receive Your Evaluation Report
After the review is complete, your credential evaluation report will be:
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Sent to your address (physical copy)
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Delivered electronically to your target institution or agency (e.g., IRCC, WES, university)
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Made available in your online portal (PDF copy or view access)
For immigration and licensing, evaluators often send the report directly to the requesting body, such as:
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IRCC (Canada)
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Universities abroad
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Medical/nursing councils
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Regulatory or licensing boards
Additional Notes for Specific Purposes
For Immigration (e.g., Canada Express Entry):
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An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is mandatory
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Only designated agencies are accepted
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Your report must confirm your education is equivalent to a Canadian credential
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Reports are valid for 5 years
For Higher Education:
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Course-by-course evaluation is often required
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Ensure the evaluator sends the report directly to the university
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Some universities may request a GPA conversion based on local systems
For Professional Licensing:
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Check with your regulatory board about special report formats
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Additional exams or certifications may be required (e.g., NCLEX for nurses, USMLE for doctors)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting unofficial or incomplete transcripts
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Not checking institutional recognition in the destination country
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Sending unsealed or tampered envelopes
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Choosing the wrong evaluation agency not accepted by your recipient
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Not verifying delivery format requirements (digital vs physical)
Final Thoughts
The foreign credential evaluation process is one of the most important steps in transitioning your academic journey from one country to another. It serves as the foundation for your career, education, or immigration goals abroad.
While the process may seem complex, being organized and proactive makes all the difference. Understand your purpose, choose the right evaluator, collect accurate documents, and follow submission protocols. In return, you’ll receive a certified assessment that brings your qualifications to life in a new country.
For added convenience, especially for international applicants or those living away from their universities, working with a professional transcript and document facilitation service can simplify the process end-to-end.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
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- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
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