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foreign credential evaluation service

Will Passing Immigration Reform Further Backlog USCIS Caseloads?

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TheObama administration had made immigration reform a high priority issue. Will this increase in case load of the non-documented slow down processing for legal worker? (EMAILWIRE.COM, November 05, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale/Miami FL, The current presidential administration has declared immigration reform to be a high priority issue. At present, the administration has focused primarily on the country’s economics and the need for reform of the American healthcare system. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), however, is preparing for the eventual announcement that the President is turning his eyes to comprehensive immigration reform, commonly referred to as CIR. Once this reform has been initiated, USCIS expects a considerable increase in numbers of cases. Prior to the most recent presidential election, Obama indicated his resolve to significantly reform the immigration process. He has made it clear that this reform will involve the large numbers of undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States. In fact, part of the reform proposal is expected to contain a plan for status legalization for many of these people. Sheila Danzig, executive director of a foreign degree evaluation agency Career Consulting International, has stated that America’s present economic condition makes it likely that legalization will be strongly opposed, and the current lack of jobs for legal residents and U.S. citizens makes opposition even more likely. Despite this, USCIS is aware that at least some cases will be presented to that agency for consideration, and this is likely to bog down an already backlogged immigration service even further. At present, persons who apply for I-140 visas (which are also known as “green cards”) must wait up to one year after their petition is filed for an interview to be scheduled. The process can be complicated by documentation or education issues. Sometimes, the USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, or RFE, indicating that some aspect of the petitioner’s application – possibly the labor certificate or educational credentials – requires further investigation. Many companies who employ legal residents, as well as workers residing in the U.S. on temporary work visas, such as H1B visas, are concerned that this anticipated increase in USCIS’s caseload will further slow the visa approval process. Many employers depend on highly trained or skilled workers who enter the country on employment-based visas, and could experience a shortage of trained employees if this potential problem does become a reality. The USCIS caseload is already backlogged, and the H1B visa cap did not fill for 2009 as a consequence, in part, of the recession. If the economy does recover substantially, and visa applications do increase significantly in the coming year, USCIS will need to meet the usual demands of H1B visa season, as well as Obama’s proposed immigration reform. Career Consulting International, other foreign credential evaluation agencies, immigration attorneys, and the American public will watch the reform proposals with interest. How they affect the USCIS remains to be seen, but an increased caseload is almost certain. For more information about foreign credential educational evaluations for H1B or I-140 Visas, visit www.thedegreepeople.com or call 1-800-771-4723.]]>

How Many Years Does it Take to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree?

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U.S. universities are responding to students’ needs for accelerated programs that let them finish an undergraduate degree quickly. Three-year degrees, popular in Europe, India, and other parts of the world, are rapidly becoming more accepted in the U.S. (EMAILWIRE.COM, October 29, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL October 29, 2009 How Many Years Does it Take to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree? Although the answer to this question frequently depends on the university you choose to attend, many colleges and universities throughout the United States have begun to offer three-year degree programs. Why? More students are anxious to save time, as well as money, and begin their careers. Fewer people have the extra financial resources to stay in college an extra year and “take it easy” academically. As a result of ever-increasing tuition expenses and the need to secure a good job and support one’s family, many students are opting for creative degree programs that allow them to finish their education and begin working as quickly as possible. Recognizing this trend, many universities and colleges have started to offer students accelerated degree programs or the option of taking extra classes in an effort to assist them in finishing school more quickly. Unfortunately, though, the United States isn’t at the forefront of this educational trend. Ten years ago, in June 1999, European countries joined together to sign the Bologna Accord, a document in which the majority of European countries agreed to standardize educational requirements throughout the continent. This agreement resulted in the widespread acceptance of a three-year Bachelor Degree program, into which students entered after completed an extra year of schooling at the secondary level. Other countries, such as India and Pakistan, have long offered three-year degree programs after twelve years of elementary and secondary education. Many foreign credential evaluation agencies recognize these programs as equivalent to only three years of secondary education. Likewise, the USCIS often does not recognize these programs as equivalent to a four-year degree for H1B and I-140 visa applicants unless accompanied by a detailed evaluation and even then there is no guarantee. Career Consulting International, however, a foreign credential evaluation service headed by Executive Director Sheila Danzig, has for several years assisted clients with three-year degrees to demonstrate that their degrees are in fact equal to a U.S. four-year degree program. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Education acknowledges that some three-year Bachelor Degree programs, such as that offered by University of Sydney, Australia, are equivalent to U.S. four-year degrees. (This university is accredited by the AACSB, an accrediting board recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.) Similarly, certain U.S. regional education accreditation bodies, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, do not require that a U.S. Bachelor Degree program be four years in duration. A number of three-year Bachelor Degree programs are already offered by accredited U.S. colleges and universities, such as those at Drexel University,, University of Notre Dame, and Georgetown University and several others already offer their students the option of completing their undergraduate degree within three years. In addition many US universities recognize 3 year degrees from other countries as equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree for purposes of applying to masters degree programs. They generally require a foreign credential evaluation from a foreign credential evaluation agency showing this equivalency. As more colleges and universities continue to acknowledge the pressing concerns of finance and career stability recognized by students today, this trend will continue. This is likely to have significant positive implications on graduates from foreign degree programs. Until then, however, American students will have to “shop around” and look for a college degree program that will most effectively meet their educational and financial needs. Immigration visa applicants desiring more information about three-year degree programs at foreign colleges and universities may visithttp://www.thedegreepeople.com/press/articles/three-year-degrees-and-i-140-visas-an-impossible-combination-2/, or call Career Consulting International at 1-800-771-4723 with questions or visitwww.TheDegreePeople.com/]]>

How Many Years Does it Take to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree?

Press

U.S. universities are responding to students’ needs for accelerated programs that let them finish an undergraduate degree quickly. Three-year degrees, popular in Europe, India, and other parts of the world, are rapidly becoming more accepted in the U.S. (EMAILWIRE.COM, October 29, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL October 29, 2009 How Many Years Does it Take to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree? Although the answer to this question frequently depends on the university you choose to attend, many colleges and universities throughout the United States have begun to offer three-year degree programs. Why? More students are anxious to save time, as well as money, and begin their careers. Fewer people have the extra financial resources to stay in college an extra year and “take it easy” academically. As a result of ever-increasing tuition expenses and the need to secure a good job and support one’s family, many students are opting for creative degree programs that allow them to finish their education and begin working as quickly as possible. Recognizing this trend, many universities and colleges have started to offer students accelerated degree programs or the option of taking extra classes in an effort to assist them in finishing school more quickly. Unfortunately, though, the United States isn’t at the forefront of this educational trend. Ten years ago, in June 1999, European countries joined together to sign the Bologna Accord, a document in which the majority of European countries agreed to standardize educational requirements throughout the continent. This agreement resulted in the widespread acceptance of a three-year Bachelor Degree program, into which students entered after completed an extra year of schooling at the secondary level. Other countries, such as India and Pakistan, have long offered three-year degree programs after twelve years of elementary and secondary education. Many foreign credential evaluation agencies recognize these programs as equivalent to only three years of secondary education. Likewise, the USCIS often does not recognize these programs as equivalent to a four-year degree for H1B and I-140 visa applicants unless accompanied by a detailed evaluation and even then there is no guarantee. Career Consulting International, however, a foreign credential evaluation service headed by Executive Director Sheila Danzig, has for several years assisted clients with three-year degrees to demonstrate that their degrees are in fact equal to a U.S. four-year degree program. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Education acknowledges that some three-year Bachelor Degree programs, such as that offered by University of Sydney, Australia, are equivalent to U.S. four-year degrees. (This university is accredited by the AACSB, an accrediting board recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.) Similarly, certain U.S. regional education accreditation bodies, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, do not require that a U.S. Bachelor Degree program be four years in duration. A number of three-year Bachelor Degree programs are already offered by accredited U.S. colleges and universities, such as those at Drexel University,, University of Notre Dame, and Georgetown University and several others already offer their students the option of completing their undergraduate degree within three years. In addition many US universities recognize 3 year degrees from other countries as equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree for purposes of applying to masters degree programs. They generally require a foreign credential evaluation from a foreign credential evaluation agency showing this equivalency. As more colleges and universities continue to acknowledge the pressing concerns of finance and career stability recognized by students today, this trend will continue. This is likely to have significant positive implications on graduates from foreign degree programs. Until then, however, American students will have to “shop around” and look for a college degree program that will most effectively meet their educational and financial needs. Immigration visa applicants desiring more information about three-year degree programs at foreign colleges and universities may visithttp://www.thedegreepeople.com/press/articles/three-year-degrees-and-i-140-visas-an-impossible-combination-2/, or call Career Consulting International at 1-800-771-4723 with questions or visitwww.TheDegreePeople.com/]]>

Academic Credentials: Is your Foreign Degree Equivalent to a U.S. Degree?

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Some foreign degrees are equivalent to U.S. education, while others are not recognized as accredited education in the United States. Pre-evaluation services, such as those offered by CCI, can help people to determine whether their education is accredited (EMAILWIRE.COM, June 10, 2009 ) June 10, 2009 Fort Lauderdale, FL If you earned your degree in a foreign country, you know what your degree meant in that nation. When you decide to work or go to school in the United States, you hope that your degree is at least as valuable as it was in your home country. Unless you have your academic credentials evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation service, though, you can’t know for sure whether your foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. degree. Some countries have different requirements for high school graduation than the U.S. does. In addition, these countries often have differing levels of high school diplomas. Some people may receive vocational diplomas, which would not entitle them to enter college in their home country. In this case, a person may or may not have the U.S. equivalence of a high school diploma. Generally, however, if the high school diploma issued permits an individual to attend university in his or her home country, this is recognized as equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. In contrast, some countries may have requirements for high school graduation that exceed those of U.S. high school graduation. In these nations, students may be required to take a thirteenth year of secondary school, or take ‘A’ level exams. This extra year of secondary school often qualifies as one year of undergraduate education. Often, in these situations, a student is required to complete only three more years of education in order to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Demonstrating a U.S. Bachelor Degree equivalency for these students is a relatively straightforward process. In some countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, however, a student attends elementary and secondary school for a total of twelve years. Bachelor Degrees from these countries may consist of a two- or three-year degreeprogram. A two-year degree is usually evaluated as the educational equivalent of a U.S. Associate Degree. Sometimes, the three-year degree can be shown, through an extensive research process, to be equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor Degree. Credential evaluation services such as Career Consulting International (CCI), which specializes in evaluating three-year degrees, have extensive research files and databases that allow them to demonstrate this equivalency. Sheila Danzig, Executive Director at CCI are also aware that many people want to get an idea of what their degree is worth in terms of educational credentials before spending the money on a full educational evaluation. Therefore, they offer pre-evaluation services for a small fee. This service allows an individual to know whether his or her degree is recognized as accredited education, as well as to what level of U.S. education his or her degree is equal. For more information about pre-evaluations, visit www.applypay2.com or call 1-800-771-4723.]]>

Academic Credentials Evaluations: Which one should you Choose?

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Many people with foreign degrees or diplomas require academic credentials evaluations to show that their education is equivalent to a U.S. diploma or degree. Review the difference between a document evaluation and a course-by-course evaluation here. (EMAILWIRE.COM, April 15, 2009 ) Academic Credentials Evaluations: Which one should you Choose?

Most people who complete their education outside the United States need academic credentials evaluations to show that their degrees or diplomas are equivalent to accredited U.S. education. Many countries have different requirements, even for high school graduation. Therefore, this is often the only way universities and employers can be sure that a person’s diploma meets U.S. requirements.

Most credential evaluation services offer several different types of credentials evaluations. The two kinds of evaluations needed by most people are document evaluations and course-by-course evaluations. But how can people tell which kind of evaluation they should order?
Document evaluations are generally used by employers to confirm that an individual’s foreign degree or diploma is actually the equivalent of an accredited U.S. degree. For example, many countries only require 10 or 11 years of high school instead of the 12 required by a U.S. high school. Therefore, if a job requires graduation from high school, a person with a foreign high school diploma must show that his or her education is equivalent to U.S high school graduation.

High school diplomas almost always require only document evaluations if they are being used for employment. Similarly, most of the time a four-year college degree from another country usually requires only a document evaluation.

If the job position requires special skills or education, though, the employer may require a course-by-course evaluation to prove that the person’s academic credentials meet the skills and knowledge levels required for the job. Likewise, if a person is planning to apply to a United States college or university, the university will in nearly all cases require a course-by-course academic credentials evaluation.
Credential evaluation services can be costly. Some credential evaluation agencies charge as much as $100 for a document evaluation. Many people who are searching for jobs don’t have extra money to spend. Occasionally, a concerned employer might pay for or even reimburse the cost of these evaluations, so it never hurts to ask.
Career Consulting International, a foreign credential evaluation service owned and managed by Professor Sheila Danzig (see www.thedegreepeople.com), always guarantees that its clients will receive the lowest price for a credentials evaluation. Furthermore, she recognizes that many people often start by requesting document evaluations, unaware that they may need a more complicated evaluation.

Instead of charging twice, CCI’s policy is to upgrade a person’s evaluation if needed. The cost of the upgrade is only the difference in price between the original document evaluation and the course-by-course evaluation plus copies and postage.

If you have questions, call a credential evaluation service to ask before ordering. If you do order, check to make sure that the agency will upgrade the evaluation if necessary. Don’t pay more than you need to for your evaluation, but don’t find yourself paying twice for an evaluation because the agency charged for a second evaluation when you upgraded.]]>

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