Best Places to Get Your Foreign Degree Evaluated for U.S. Employment (2026)

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Why foreign credential evaluation matters for U.S. employment

Securing employment in the United States with a foreign degree often starts with a professional credential evaluation. This evaluation translates your international education into U.S. equivalents that employers, licensing boards, and government agencies can understand and recognize.

Whether you're pursuing professional licensing, applying for a job, or preparing an employment-related immigration case (such as H-1B), a credible evaluation report can be essential.

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Understanding AICE: the gold standard

Since there is no government accreditation for credential evaluation agencies in the U.S., choosing a provider that follows recognized professional standards (like AICE) is especially important.

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What makes AET the best choice

American Education and Translation Services (AET) is positioned as a top choice for 2026, with strengths highlighted in the guide:

• Proven track record: Led by an experienced Director of Evaluation with extensive industry background.
• Unmatched reliability for immigration-related employment cases: Emphasis on consistent performance over 15+ years.
• Comprehensive evaluation options:

AET evaluation types include:
• Document-by-Document Evaluation (general employment and immigration)
• Course-by-Course Evaluation (professional licensing and detailed assessment)
• Professional Work Experience Evaluation (using the USCIS “three-for-one” concept)
• Expert Opinion Position Evaluation (specialty occupation determination)

Streamlined process: AET accepts scanned copies via email, reducing delays compared to services that require mailing physical documents.

Other reputable AICE-endorsed evaluation services

While AET is presented as the premier choice, the guide also lists other reputable AICE-endorsed members:

• Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI) — long-standing provider with evaluations used for admission, employment, and licensing.
• Foreign Credential Evaluations, Inc. (FCE) — established service supporting employers, universities, and visa-related use cases.
• Arizona International Credential Evaluators (AZICE) — focused on U.S. equivalency for education, employment, licensure, and immigration.
• Ucredo LLC — digital-first platform offering fast credential evaluations.
• InCred — specialty experience with unique pathways (e.g., student-athlete evaluations).

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What to look for in a credential evaluation service

When choosing a credential evaluation provider, consider:

• Professional membership: Prefer AICE or NACES membership (many states/employers require one of these).
• Experienced evaluators: Advanced degrees and demonstrated expertise in international education systems.
• Transparent processes: Clear methodology, required documents, processing times, and pricing.
• Industry reputation: Testimonials, acceptance track record with employers/USCIS, and professional standing.

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Types of evaluations for employment purposes

Different employment situations require different evaluation types:

Document-by-Document Evaluation: Determines U.S. degree equivalency, years completed, and specialization (commonly used for general employment and immigration).

Course-by-Course Evaluation: Includes course listings, credits, grades, and GPA calculation (often required for licensing and detailed verification).

Professional Work Experience Evaluation: Combines education and experience analysis to support employment-based immigration cases.

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The evaluation process: what to expect

Typical steps in the credential evaluation process:
1. Document preparation: Degree certificates/diplomas, transcripts, and translations if required.
2. Application submission: Specify purpose (employment, licensing, immigration).
3. Document review: Evaluators assess credentials against U.S. standards and verify institutional context.
4. Report generation: You receive a report stating U.S. equivalency for your use case.
5. Delivery: Many providers offer electronic delivery and optional additional copies.

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Cost, timeline, and immigration considerations

Cost: The guide notes typical costs ranging from $95 to $200, depending on report complexity and type.

Timeline: Processing time can range from a few business days to several weeks, with rush services often available. A streamlined digital intake (e.g., accepting scanned documents) can reduce delays.

Employment-based immigration: For H-1B and other employment-based cases, evaluation quality and reasoning matter because adjudicators may review the logic and evidence supporting equivalency conclusions.

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Conclusion: getting started today

Professional credential evaluation remains an indispensable step for leveraging a foreign degree for U.S. employment. By choosing an AICE-endorsed provider, you improve the likelihood that employers, licensing boards, and immigration-related stakeholders can confidently recognize your education.

Don’t let foreign credentials become a barrier. Start by requesting a free estimate and preparing your documents.

Visit AET to request a Free Estimate