Embarking on the process of getting your educational credentials evaluated for immigration, employment, or further studies abroad can be overwhelming, especially when you realize you might not have every required document in hand. Many applicants find themselves in situations where they lack certain academic records—perhaps due to misplaced certificates, the closure of their educational institution, or incomplete studies. Understandably, one of the most pressing questions is: Can a credential evaluation still be completed if some documents are missing?
The answer is layered and depends greatly on the policies of the evaluation body, the nature of the documents you are missing, and the level of flexibility available for special cases. This blog explores the implications, potential solutions, and best steps forward if you are unable to provide all required academic documents for your evaluation.
The Importance of Providing Complete Documentation
Credential evaluation is a rigorous process designed to assess the authenticity, comparability, and equivalency of your foreign academic qualifications. Evaluation agencies rely heavily on complete, official academic records to ensure an accurate and credible assessment. These typically include:
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Official transcripts or mark sheets
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Degree certificates or diplomas
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Medium of Instruction letters (when needed)
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Supplementary records for postgraduate studies
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Proof of completion or graduation
Each document plays a specific role in helping evaluators determine the level, scope, and academic rigor of your studies. Missing even one of these can significantly compromise the integrity of the evaluation process.
Can an Evaluation Be Completed Without All Documents?
In general, credential evaluation agencies cannot complete an evaluation if required academic documents are missing. This includes official transcripts that show completed courses and grades, as well as certificates proving the successful conferral of a degree or diploma. Without these essential components, evaluators are unable to verify your academic achievements or make a valid comparison with the education system of the destination country.
However, there are some nuances to consider:
1. Nature of the Missing Documents
The type of document you’re missing plays a significant role in how your application is processed:
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Missing Degree Certificate, But Transcript Available: In some cases, if your transcript clearly indicates graduation or completion, and is officially issued by the university, evaluators may proceed with the assessment. However, the final report might be limited or contain disclaimers.
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Transcript Missing, But Degree Available: This is more problematic. Most evaluators require a transcript to determine the courses completed, credits earned, and overall academic performance. Without this, it is unlikely that the evaluation can proceed.
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Missing Documents from an Incomplete Program: If you did not complete a degree but wish to have coursework evaluated, some agencies may consider partial evaluations, provided official transcripts are submitted.
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Lost or Damaged Records: If your documents were lost due to natural disaster, political unrest, or personal circumstances, evaluators may require legal affidavits, police reports, or supporting letters to consider your case.
2. Whether Your Institution Can Resend the Documents
Even if you don’t possess the documents personally, many evaluation agencies accept official academic records sent directly from your institution. You should contact your university or college and request that they send:
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Transcripts in sealed envelopes
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Degree confirmation letters
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Digital records via secure portals (if supported)
If the university complies and sends the documents directly, your lack of physical copies may not be an issue at all.
3. If Your Institution Has Closed or No Longer Operates
In cases where the academic institution has shut down, merged with another, or no longer maintains student records, you should:
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Identify the education board or archival authority that holds past records
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Contact national education departments or ministries for guidance
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Provide a letter explaining the situation
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Submit any available certified copies or notarized versions
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Include an affidavit or written testimony regarding your academic history
Evaluation agencies may review your case individually and provide alternative documentation pathways. That said, such exceptions are rare and time-consuming.
4. Submission of Incomplete Applications
Some evaluation agencies will accept your application even if all documents have not yet been received, but they will place the file on hold or mark it as “incomplete.” You may be given a deadline by which all required documents must be submitted. If the deadline is not met, the application may be canceled or withdrawn.
You will not receive an evaluation report until all required documentation is on file and verified.
5. Risks of Proceeding Without Full Documentation
If you attempt to proceed without necessary academic records, you may encounter:
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Application delays or rejections
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Incomplete evaluations
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Reports that do not support your immigration or admission goals
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Wasted time and money on non-refundable processing fees
In some cases, an evaluation agency might issue a partial or descriptive report, but this is often insufficient for regulatory, educational, or immigration authorities.
What You Can Do If You Don’t Have the Necessary Documents
If you find yourself in this situation, take the following steps:
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Contact Your Institution Immediately: Try to retrieve your documents or arrange for them to be sent directly to the evaluation agency.
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Reach Out to Evaluation Support Teams: Describe your situation in detail. Some agencies may offer guidance on alternative documentation procedures.
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Use a Third-Party Transcript Retrieval Service: There are professional services that assist in obtaining academic records, especially from institutions in another country.
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Gather Supplementary Documentation: Submit affidavits, employment letters, old report cards, or other evidence of academic history. These may not replace required documents but can support your case.
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Wait Until You Can Submit Everything: If your case is not urgent, consider delaying your application until you have all required documentation in hand.
Conclusion
While it’s natural to hope that a credential evaluation can be completed with whatever documents are available, most agencies cannot and will not finalize your evaluation without receiving all required, official academic records. The integrity and credibility of your report depend on the authenticity and completeness of the documentation you provide.
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