When you’ve submitted your educational documents for credential evaluation—especially for immigration, higher education, or professional licensing—naturally, you want to know how and when you will receive your assessment report or get back your original documents (if applicable). A frequent question among applicants is: “Can I collect my documents or assessment in person?”
In this in-depth blog, we’ll explore the conditions under which personal pickup is possible, the benefits and limitations of in-person collection, important identification and authorization requirements, and alternative options if pickup isn’t allowed. Whether you’re applying domestically or internationally, understanding your retrieval options helps you better plan your next steps.
Why You Might Want to Pick Up Documents in Person
There are many reasons someone might prefer to collect their documents or completed assessment report in person rather than wait for it to arrive by mail or courier:
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Urgency: You may need your assessment quickly for a university admission deadline, job application, or visa interview.
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Security: Original academic documents are often irreplaceable. Picking them up directly reduces the risk of loss or damage in transit.
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Location Proximity: If you live near the credential evaluation agency or are visiting the city temporarily, in-person pickup may be more convenient.
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Tracking Issues: International shipments sometimes face delays, customs holdups, or lost packages. A direct collection avoids this uncertainty.
Does In-Person Pickup Depend on Policy?
Yes, whether or not you can collect your documents or assessment in person entirely depends on the policies of the credential evaluation agency you’re working with. While some organizations allow in-person pickups, others operate strictly through mail or courier delivery.
Here are the most common types of policies:
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Pickup Allowed by Appointment Only
Some agencies permit personal collection, but only by scheduling an appointment in advance. Walk-ins may not be accepted for security and administrative reasons. -
Pickup Allowed With ID and Authorization
In cases where pickup is permitted, you are usually required to present a valid government-issued photo ID. If someone else is picking up the documents on your behalf, they must carry a signed authorization letter and a copy of your ID. -
Pickup Not Permitted
For security, operational efficiency, or international service consistency, some evaluation services do not offer any form of in-person collection. In such cases, all documents are dispatched through trusted courier services or standard postal systems. -
Digital Delivery of Assessment Reports
Increasingly, some organizations issue electronic credential evaluation reports. While this eliminates the need to pick up anything physically, it also means that hard copies are mailed, not available for pickup.
What You Need to Bring for Pickup
If the agency does allow in-person pickup, make sure you’re prepared with the following:
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A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, national ID, etc.)
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Your application or reference number
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The pickup confirmation email or letter, if one was sent
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If authorizing someone else:
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A signed authorization letter from you
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A copy of your ID
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The representative’s own photo ID
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Failure to bring the necessary documentation may result in denial of access to your documents or assessment report.
What Documents or Reports Can Be Picked Up?
Depending on your situation, the following may be eligible for in-person pickup:
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Completed credential evaluation reports
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Original degree certificates, mark sheets, or transcripts submitted for temporary review
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Uncollected or rejected submissions
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Supplementary requests or add-on services, like additional copies of reports
Note: Transcripts that were sent directly from your institution in sealed envelopes may not be returned, as they are generally kept on file permanently.
Advantages of In-Person Pickup
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Faster Access: Especially helpful if you are on a tight deadline.
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Reduced Risk of Loss: No need to worry about postal delays or courier mishandling.
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Immediate Confirmation: You can confirm that all your documents are intact and correct right away.
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Cost-Saving: No shipping or courier fees if you collect directly.
When Pickup Is Not an Option
If in-person pickup is not allowed by the evaluating organization, here’s what you can do:
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Choose Expedited Courier Delivery: If time is a concern, opt for faster shipping services offered by the agency.
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Track Your Shipment: Make sure to request a tracking number once the report or documents are dispatched.
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Notify in Advance: If you are moving or changing your address, inform the agency early so your documents don’t get lost.
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Request Additional Copies: In case your documents don’t arrive or get delayed, you can usually request duplicates or reprints.
Final Thoughts
The ability to collect your documents or credential evaluation report in person depends entirely on the internal policies of the credential evaluation service you are working with. While in-person collection offers advantages such as speed and security, it may not always be permitted, especially for international applicants or services that rely on sealed, official communication.
If personal collection is important to you, be sure to check the guidelines early in the application process. Reach out to customer support or consult the FAQ sections for specific instructions. And if you’re working with a credential services facilitator or documentation expert, they can often help arrange secure pickup or courier return on your behalf.
