When applying for a credential evaluation report—whether for immigration, employment, licensure, or higher education abroad—one of the most common and important questions that arises is: “Do I have to submit all of my academic documents?” The short answer is yes, but with certain conditions and nuances that depend on the purpose of your evaluation, the country you’re applying to, and the specific type of report you require.
In this comprehensive blog, we will walk you through why complete documentation is essential, what constitutes a complete academic record, how to prepare and submit your documents, and what happens if you leave something out. Whether you are a fresh graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone re-entering academic or professional life after a break, understanding these requirements is crucial to avoid delays, errors, or rejections.
Why Submitting All Documents Is Essential
Credential evaluators assess your qualifications by comparing them to the educational standards of another country. This process requires a full and accurate understanding of your academic background. Submitting only a portion of your documents may lead to:
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An incomplete evaluation report.
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An inaccurate comparison of your education.
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Rejection or deferral of your application.
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Requests for additional information, causing delays.
To ensure a thorough and fair evaluation, most assessment bodies require all post-secondary academic records, and in some cases, even high school documents, depending on the purpose of the evaluation and the country of destination.
What Types of Documents Are Usually Required?
Here is a general list of academic documents that credential evaluators may require:
1. Secondary (High School) Education Records
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Final mark sheets or transcripts
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School leaving certificates
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National board exam results (if applicable)
2. Post-Secondary Education Records
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All year/semester-wise mark sheets
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Degree or diploma certificates
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Statement of marks or transcripts
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Provisional certificates (if final certificate is not issued yet)
3. Other Academic or Professional Certifications
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Postgraduate diplomas
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Certifications from professional bodies
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Continuing education courses
4. Additional Required Documents (if applicable)
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Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI)
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Official curriculum/syllabus
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Internship or practical training reports
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Thesis/dissertation abstracts
Note: Submitting only a final year transcript or a degree certificate is typically not sufficient. Evaluators need to see the complete progression of your education.
Understanding What “All Documents” Means
Many applicants misunderstand this term. “All documents” doesn’t simply mean the most recent or highest level of education. Instead, it means:
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Every document that contributed to your qualification—from the first year to the last.
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Transcripts for each academic year or term, not just the final summary.
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All levels of education, especially if your post-secondary education builds on prior qualifications.
For example, if you’re applying for a course-by-course evaluation for graduate school and you hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, you must submit documentation for both—starting from your undergraduate years, even if the graduate school is only interested in your master’s qualification.
What If I Don’t Submit All Documents?
Submitting an incomplete academic history can significantly affect your application. Here’s what might happen:
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Evaluation will be delayed while the agency requests missing documents.
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Your qualification might be downgraded, as incomplete records can lead to misinterpretation.
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Your application might be placed on hold or rejected if the evaluator cannot verify your academic progression or course content.
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You may incur additional costs for re-submission or supplementary evaluation.
Exceptions and Special Cases
There may be situations where not all documents are available. This includes:
1. Lost or Damaged Records
If documents have been lost or destroyed, contact your issuing institution. Most universities and boards can reissue transcripts or certificates upon request. You may need to submit a formal affidavit or a police report in some cases.
2. Closed or Defunct Institutions
If your college or university has shut down, reach out to the parent institution, university board, or education ministry that governed it. They may still maintain records.
3. Military or Confidential Training
In cases of sensitive training or service records, consult the credential agency for acceptable alternatives or affidavits.
4. Partial Education
If you did not complete a course or program, you should still declare and submit any transcripts or documents from your time in that program. Evaluation agencies value transparency and may still recognize partially completed credits.
Preparing for Document Submission: Tips and Best Practices
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Request transcripts directly from your institution to be sent to the evaluation agency wherever possible. Many evaluators require that transcripts come in sealed envelopes or through secure digital portals.
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Check the agency’s specific document requirements—some may have country-specific rules or formats.
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Translate non-English/French documents through certified translators.
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Avoid submitting original documents unless required, as some agencies don’t return them.
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Retain certified copies for your own records, especially if sending physical documents by post.
Medium of Instruction and Additional Supporting Documents
In some cases, especially for immigration or healthcare credentialing, you may also need to submit:
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Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI): Confirms the language in which your program was taught.
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Internship completion certificates: Especially relevant for medical, nursing, or technical degrees.
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Syllabus/Course Descriptions: Required for course-by-course evaluations to help evaluators understand curriculum content.
These may not always be requested initially but are often needed later to complete your evaluation.
How to Ensure You’re Submitting Everything Correctly
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Make a checklist of all your completed academic programs.
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Gather all associated documents—transcripts, certificates, diplomas, MOI, etc.
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Check the credential agency’s country-specific document requirements.
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Contact your university or board for official documents, especially if they need to be sent directly.
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Verify the format of submission—whether physical copies, digital uploads, or direct institutional submission is accepted.
Conclusion
The accuracy and completeness of your academic documentation play a critical role in the success of your credential evaluation. Submitting all your documents—across every level of education relevant to your application—not only ensures that your academic achievements are correctly recognized but also speeds up processing and eliminates the risk of delays or rejections.
