Foreign credential evaluation is a key requirement in many U.S. immigration cases, particularly for employment-based visas such as H1B. Applicants often face Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or denials when USCIS requires additional proof that foreign education meets U.S. academic standards. In such cases, expert opinion letters and professional credential evaluation services provide essential support. These documents help clarify academic equivalency, validate job requirements, and strengthen visa petitions.
What Is a Foreign Credential Evaluation?
A foreign credential evaluation is a formal assessment of academic qualifications earned outside the United States. USCIS uses this evaluation to determine whether a foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher. Credential evaluations are commonly requested when applicants hold degrees from international universities or when the academic structure differs from the U.S. education system.
USCIS may request a credential evaluation to confirm:
- The level of the foreign degree
- The field of study and relevance to the job role
- Whether a three-year bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree
Receiving such a request does not indicate rejection. It means USCIS requires clearer documentation to continue processing the petition.
Why USCIS Requests Credential Evaluations
Credential-related RFEs are among the most common in H1B cases. USCIS must ensure that applicants meet the educational requirements of a specialty occupation. When academic records are unclear or when the degree structure differs from U.S. standards, USCIS issues an RFE asking for further evidence.
Common reasons include:
- Three-year foreign bachelor’s degrees
- Lack of clarity regarding course content
- Differences in grading or credit systems
- Incomplete academic documentation
A professionally prepared credential evaluation addresses these issues by presenting the information in a format USCIS can easily review and understand.
How Expert Opinion Letters Support Immigration Cases
Expert opinion letters complement credential evaluations by providing professional analysis of education, work experience, and job requirements. These letters are written by qualified experts who assess whether an applicant’s background aligns with U.S. immigration standards.
Expert opinion letters help by:
- Explaining how foreign education compares to U.S. degrees
- Supporting specialty occupation eligibility
- Validating the relevance of academic and professional experience
- Clarifying job duties and required qualifications
When combined with credential evaluations, expert opinion letters directly respond to USCIS concerns raised in RFEs.
Importance of Credential Evaluation for H1B and Employment-Based Visas
Credential evaluations are especially important for H1B visa applicants, where education plays a central role in determining eligibility. USCIS requires proof that the applicant’s degree matches the educational requirements of the offered position.
Credential evaluations assist by:
- Establishing equivalency to U.S. academic standards
- Supporting employer job descriptions
- Strengthening the overall petition package
This is particularly relevant for applicants with three-year degrees or degrees earned outside the United States.
Fast and Affordable Credential Evaluation Services in the USA
Timely response is critical when dealing with immigration RFEs. TheDegreePeople provides fast and affordable foreign credential evaluation and expert opinion letter services designed for U.S. immigration needs. Services focus on accuracy, clarity, and compliance with USCIS expectations.
Applicants can expect:
- Transparent and competitive pricing
- Evaluations prepared by qualified professionals
- Clear documentation aligned with USCIS requirements
- Turnaround times suitable for RFE deadlines
Affordable services ensure applicants can respond effectively without unnecessary financial burden.
When to Seek Professional Credential Evaluation Help
Professional credential evaluation services are recommended when:
- USCIS questions degree equivalency
- An RFE requests academic clarification
- A three-year degree requires U.S. equivalency
- Previous documentation was considered insufficient
Seeking professional assistance early helps reduce delays and improves the quality of the response submitted to USCIS.
Cost of Foreign Credential Evaluation and Expert Opinion Letters
The cost of credential evaluations and expert opinion letters depends on case complexity and documentation requirements.
Typical pricing includes:
- Credential evaluations: approximately $500–$1000
- Expert opinion letters for complex cases: approximately $600–$1200
These costs reflect the level of academic review, analysis, and documentation preparation required for immigration cases.
Steps to Reduce Credential-Related RFEs
Applicants can reduce the risk of RFEs by:
- Submitting complete academic records
- Obtaining credential evaluations early
- Ensuring education aligns with job requirements
- Including expert analysis where needed
Proper preparation strengthens immigration petitions and helps avoid delays.
About Sheila Danzig
Sheila Danzig is the executive director of TheDegreePeople.com and a leading expert in foreign degree evaluations. She is widely recognized for her innovative approach to difficult cases, helping thousands of clients successfully obtain visa approvals even when facing RFEs or denials. Her expertise in USCIS requirements and commitment to providing personalized, effective solutions make her a trusted resource for professionals navigating the immigration process.
Get a Free Review of Your Case
If you’ve received an RFE, don’t wait. Sheila Danzig and TheDegreePeople.com offer a free review of your case to determine the best course of action. Our expertise has helped thousands of professionals, including H-1B applicants, secure approvals even in challenging cases.
To get your free case review, visit www.ccifree.com today. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.