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TheDegreePeople.com: What Canadians and Mexicans Need to Know About the TN Visa

TN visa has opened up the US border making it easy for certain non-US nationals to access US soil to do jobs or businesses. Although it is more difficult for Mexicans to get the visas than it is for Canadians it can be a worthwhile process. (EMAILWIRE.COM, February 15, 2010 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL The TN visa being well over a decade old – as it was created by virtue of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) – still remains unclear to many people of which it was tailored for. What exactly is the TN visa? This category of visa was introduced as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Some people refer to it as a specific H1B visa as it is tailor made for certain nationals. With the TN status, Canadian and Mexican nationals are allowed within US borders temporarily for vocational and/or business purposes. The number of workers granted TN status is not subject to any control or regulation by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services but applicants are expected to meet a number of qualifications. For eligibility, you should currently be a citizen of Mexico or Canada. Permanent residents or landed immigrants awaiting these two nations’ citizenship do not qualify. Applicants should be willing to enter US borders on a temporary basis and for the duration necessary unless a petition for extension is made by the hiring company or by the applicant him or herself under instruction from the company. Prior to applying for a job in the US, the Canadian or Mexican needs to ensure that minimum qualifications for the profession are met. Ms. Sheila Danzig, director of a foreign degree evaluation agency, TheDegreePeople.com, strongly advocates that such individuals need a degree equivalence evaluation from reliable [foreign] credential evaluators,” she adds. These are just but a few of the requirements for eligibility for a TN Visa. For a more comprehensive list and access to credential evaluation services, visit Career Consulting International, www.TheDegreePeople.com or call 1-800-771-4723. TheDegreePeople.com is a foreign credential evaluaiton agency with recognition by the U.S. Department of Education as an education resource. While already in the US the Canadian and Mexican citizens may extend their visas for up to three years at a single petition. There is also no cumulative limit on time on the TN status. The only thing that should remain constant is your assurance that you are planning to be in the US only temporarily. Processing time for this visa varies because Canadians are exempt from having to attain the TN visa at their US consulate. It takes a longer time for Mexicans since they are not endowed this exemption and have to go through the US consulate office in Mexico to get the visa. The good thing about the TN visa is that you don’t have to incur any charges to process it (just like for the H1B) – your employer or sponsoring company is responsible for paying all filing, legal and any other fee required for your papers to be processed. The TN Visa has been responsible for increased trade and business partnerships.]]>

Legal Avenues to Work in the US

Based on NAFTA some Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify to work in the US on a temporary nonimmigrant basis. The TN Visa is available to them. (EMAILWIRE.COM, November 17, 2009 ) Sunrise, FL On the basis of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), some Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify to work in the United States on a temporary basis under nonimmigrant TN status. Given below are the terms and conditions that must be satisfied in order to become eligible for the TN Visa: • The occupation should be on the NAFTA list. • The foreign national must hold the required academic or training record for a specific occupation. • The applicant’s proposed position must fall under the category of professional positions. • It is mandatory for the applicant to work for a U.S. employer. In the case of Canadian citizens, there’s no need for filing a petition for employment. All that needs to be done is to simply acquire TN status at a port of entry. On the other hand, applicants from Mexico must submit application at the U.S. consulate in Mexico. In addition to the degrees, diplomas, or any kind of educational credentialsgranted by any foreign educational institution, the applicant must submit a foreign credential evaluation report prepared by a specialized credential evaluation service. One firm offering this credential evaluation service for the TN Visa iswww.TheDegreePeople.com This foreign degree evaluation must be secured prior to crossin the border.]]>

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

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?

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?

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.]]>

Career Consulting International Takes on U.S. Armed Services

www.TheDegreePeople.com, doesn’t care.

In fact, Ms. Danzig has posed a challenge to every foreign-educated member of the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, and all active reservists within those branches. And the foreign education credential evaluators at CCI are daringservice personnel to take Ms. Danzig at her word.

“I’m prepared to offer foreign degree evaluations free to 50 active military people each month.” When asked what she would do for the 51st person, Ms. Danzig responds, “There won’t be 51. I don’t expect 50 military people who were educated outside the U.S. to come forward and take advantage of this offer every month.” She quickly adds, however, “The 51st will be the first evaluation performed on the first day of the next month.”

Individuals who have attended high schools or universities outside the United States require foreign credential evaluations in order to demonstrate evidence of the U.S. equivalency of their foreign degrees or diplomas. People generally need these evaluations for further study at US universities, employment or for immigration purposes. These evaluation reports, however, can be costly, ranging from $70 to hundreds of dollars. This hasn’t deterred Sheila Danzig, however from offering them at no charge to our military.

“Our military goes unnoticed as they work to defend all of us,” Ms. Danzig states. CCI consultants agree. U.S. Military personnel, both domestic and abroad, offer their duty to their country unreservedly. Offering the services of that foreign education credential evaluation agency free of charge is one way Ms. Danzig can demonstrate her support, as well as those of her foreign credential evaluation agency.

CCI has agreed to continually update Armed Services personnel regarding how many soldiers respond to this challenge each month. When asked whether she’s met her match in issuing this challenge to the entire United States Military, Sheila Danzig just laughs. “I’m from Brooklyn,” she says. “I am up for the task!”

For more information about foreign credential evaluation agencies, visitwww.thedegreepeople.com/ The agency  specializes in difficult cases such as those that have received RFE’s or Denials from USCIS.  However they are happy to do simple evaluations as well.

For a free consultation and to learn whether your foreign diploma is the educational equivalency of a degree at a US accredited college or university:]]>

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