What is a Document-by-Document evaluation?
What is a Course-by-Course evaluation?
What is an Expert Opinion evaluation?
Which type of credential evaluation do I need?
What documents should I submit?
What is the difference between a certified translation and a notarized translation?
Will you accept photocopies and faxes?
Do you use work experience for non-immigration evaluations?
Will I get the equivalent I am requesting?
Will I get transfer credit for all the courses that I have taken?
Will a Course-by-Course evaluation get me my teacher certification?
Why do I need an Expert Opinion evaluation?
Do you have an expert in my field?
How are FIS' Credential Evaluations different from those of FIS' competitors?
What is a certified copy?
How long will it take to complete my credential evaluation?

What is a Document-by-Document evaluation?
A Document-by-Document evaluation names and describes your educational and/or professional certificates, diplomas and credentials, and gives the U.S. equivalent for each. Employment experience can also be incorporated in evaluations for a variety of immigration purposes.

What is a Course-by-Course evaluation?
A Course-by-Course evaluation lists post-secondary courses completed, credits, grades, and the grade point average in U.S. equivalents. It also names and describes all educational diplomas and certificates and gives the U.S. equivalent for each.

What is an Expert Opinion evaluation?
The Expert Opinion evaluation provides an evaluation of educational credentials and professional work experience or technical training by a university professor or official in the specialty field. The Expert Opinion evaluation is a letter from an expert in the specialty field to meet the demands of USCIS regulations.

Which type of credential evaluation do I need?
It depends on the purpose of the evaluation and the institution or agency to which the evaluation will be submitted. Please check with the institution or agency as to which type they require. Typically, a Course-by-Course evaluation is required for education or licensing purposes, while a Document-by-Document evaluation is required for immigration, and an Expert Opinion evaluation is recommended for immigration purposes when the individual is relying primarily or solely on work experience to establish their credentials.

What documents should I submit?
You should submit all educational documents you want evaluated, including diplomas and certificates, as well as marks sheets, transcripts, or other records of the courses you have completed. Submit the original-language documents and English translations in the same format as the original-language documents. Certified translations are required for all marks sheets, transcripts, or other records of the courses you have completed.

What is the difference between a certified and a notarized translation?
A notarized translation is one that bears a notary's seal, however it may have been performed by a translator who has not met the certification requirements. FIS defines a certified translation done in the United States as one completed by a translator who is a member of the American Translators Association (ATA). For translations done outside the United States, FIS considers them certified if they are completed by an embassy or consulate, if they are issued in English by the university or school (where applicable), or if the translator is certified by his or her governing national translation association.

For foreign credential evaluations, we will also accept translations done outside the United States if they come from an individual with a degree in translation studies (proof is required). All certified translations must state the credentials of the translator, including the translator's ATA identification number or the identification number from their governing national translation association.

Will you accept photocopies and faxes?
Original documents are preferred, however, we are able to work with high-quality photocopies (color copies are best) and high-quality copies submitted via fax or e-mail attachment. A notation will be made on the evaluation as to whether we are working from copies or originals. If original documents are submitted, they will be returned to you via regular mail service unless otherwise requested. Note that some official documents are not to be released to the student

Do you use work experience for non-immigration evaluations?
If you submit a resume or employment verification, we can mention that in our report, however, we do not use work experience in degree equivalencies for non-immigration purposes.

Will I get the equivalent I am requesting?
We will work with you to provide the equivalent requested, however, we cannot guarantee that our evaluation will indicate the degree equivalent you are seeking. The FIS staff has extensive experience in international education, and our reports are also based on numerous reference materials and current practices at public and private educational institutions in the U.S. We do our best to provide a fair and accurate evaluation and to let you know ahead of time if we cannot grant the equivalency you are seeking. If the equivalency you have requested is not possible, we will contact you prior to completing the file to discuss alternative options.

Will I get transfer credit for all the courses I have taken?
Each college and university has its own rules regarding the acceptance of transfer credit and will make its own decision as to whether your credits will transfer. You should check with the school before we do an evaluation for you.

Will a Course-by-Course evaluation allow me to get my teacher certification?
The evaluation is one step in the process. You should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in the state where you are seeking certification for more information on certification in that state.

Why do I need an Expert Opinion evaluation?
The Expert Opinion letter may serve two purposes. First, an Expert Opinion letter may strengthen an equivalency that is based on a combination of education and experience, or one that is based on experience only before an application is submitted to the USCIS. Second, an Expert Opinion letter may be needed to respond to and challenge a USCIS denial, "kickback," or request for evidence.

Do you have an expert in my field?
FIS has a network of university-level professors and officials who represent a wide range of disciplines. Due to the large number of colleges and universities with which we work, we are usually able to accommodate your needs. Please contact us if you have questions about a specific field.

How are FIS' Credential Evaluations different from those of FIS' competitors?
FIS Evaluations are different for several reasons. As one of the founding members of NACES, we have worked with the USCIS for over 25 years to provide accurate and professional evaluations. We do not have a separate fee schedule for education and experience evaluations. Finally, unlike the practice at many other evaluation companies, our friendly and professional evaluators are always available to speak with you regarding your evaluation.

What is a certified copy?
A certified copy is one that we make from the original document, or one that is sent to us from the school in a sealed envelope. A notarized copy is not certified.

How long will it take to complete my credential evaluation?
Turnaround time for Credential Evaluation services varies depending on the service requested. Document-by-Document evaluations can be completed as quickly as the same day for an expedited processing charge. Expert Opinion evaluations are generally offered with a standard two week turnaround time, however, rush service may be offered depending on availability of subject matter experts. Course-by-Course evaluations are usually completed within one month with a two week rush service available. Pricing for Credential Evaluation services varies depending on the type of evaluation and turnaround time requested.

Please contact us if you have need additional information.