IMPORTANT INFORMATION
please read before signing the application

The comparative education field is ever changing.  As such, the Foundation for International Services, Inc. (FIS) reserves the right to update equivalency/placement recommendations.  All policies and prices are subject to change without notice.  Applicants are advised to contact the receiving organizations to confirm that reports from private evaluation agencies such as FIS are acceptable.

Please submit all educational documents (including diplomas, certificates, transcripts, mark sheets, etc.). FIS will accept clear, legible photocopies of educational documents, but reserves the right to request either original or certified copies.Original documents are preferred, but not required.  Reports will indicate when photocopies of educational documents are used.  To perform a credential evaluation, FIS requires documents in both their original language and in English.  Documents not issued in English must be accompanied by English translations, preferably American Translators Association (ATA) certified translations. Translation services may be obtained through the FIS Translation Department for an additional fee.

The timing/prices take effect once all documents and necessary material are on file with FIS. All evaluations will be mailed by first class mail, unless otherwise specified. Evaluations may be returned via express courier for an additional charge ($30 for domestic/$50 minimum for international courier service) or if a courier billing number is provided by the client. Two official copies of each completed evaluation will be mailed; additional copies are available for $20 each. FIS strongly recommends sending and returning original documents via express courier. When sending via express courier, a return envelope can also be purchased in order to avoid the FIS additional charge.

In preparing an evaluation report, every effort is made to consult appropriate resources in order to provide the most accurate evaluation possible consistent with the purpose of the request. The Foundation reserves the right to contact institutions/agencies and to verify the accuracy/authenticity of any documents submitted for evaluation. This may affect the timing of the evaluation. The decision as to whether a formal evaluation report will be completed rests solely with FIS. Any file inactive for more than six (6) months may be cancelled.

EVALUATION SERVICES AND PRICES

  • Document-by-Document Evaluations:  A Document-by-Document credential evaluation provides an evaluation of foreign academic credentials to determine the educational equivalent within the U.S. educational system.  The report fully describes each academic credential, including years of attendance, requirement for entry, basis for recognition within the country and our other details, with an overall summary of our evaluation.  See the document by document evaluation application for specific fees and processing times.

  • Expert Opinion Services:  including Industry Standard, Extraordinary Ability, Business Necessity letters.  Expert Opinion evaluations may be needed for some types of immigration applications. Copies of the proposed job description, the RFE or DOL audit, and evidence of education and employment should be submitted to our Expert Opinion department for initial review.  Fees, timing, and availability vary.  Contact FIS and ask to speak to an expert opinion coordinator if you are interested in these services.

  • Course-by-Course Evaluations:   Course-by-course evaluation fees include up to the first four years of study, $25 per year thereafter.   One-week rush service may be available for $350 (base price).  Call us if our standard rush service (two-week) will absolutely not meet your needs.  Depending on our workload, we may be able to accommodate a one-week request. See the course by course application for specific fees and processing times.

TRANSLATION SERVICES AND PRICES: 

FIS provides certified translation services in almost all languages to and from English. Complete and legible documents are required.  FIS translations are provided by ATA or equivalent members and are notarized by the Foundation.  Translations performed by ATA members or the foreign equivalent are considered certified. All FIS translators are accredited members in their respective language pairs by the ATA, or nationally-governed language boards, if the ATA does not certify a particular language combination. FIS does not consider state-sponsored accreditations (i.e. Dept. of Social and Human Services) as certified translations.  Translations performed outside the U.S. are considered certified if they are completed by an embassy or consulate, if they are issued by the university, or if the country's national translation governing association certified the translator. FIS reserves the right to verify a translator's credentials.  Credential evaluation reports will indicate when translations are not certified.

Translation prices vary. Please contact FIS for final price quote, especially for multipage documents.  "A page" is generally regarded as no more than 300 words.

TRANSLATION/EVALUATION COMBINATION:
2-Business-Day Service           $150 minimum + $225 Call for availability.
3-Business-Day Service           $150 minimum + $175
7-Business-Day Service           $100 minimum + $125
1-Month Service                          $100 minimum + $75
Course-by-Course Combo      $100 minimum + Evaluation Fee (Based on processing time)

TRANSLATION ONLY:
2-Business-Day                          $150 project minimum
5-Business-Day                          $100 project minimum

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I pay for my evaluation? 
Applications for individuals must be prepaid by cash, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Personal checks will not be accepted for next business day service. Corporations, law firms and other approved organizations may be invoiced upon credit approval.  A $20 minimum service charge will be assessed on all returned checks.

How can I obtain a refund?
Refunds will be made only in the event of overpayment. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing of refunds.

Cancelled files?  
Files cancelled prior to evaluation will be subject to a $50 minimum cancellation fee. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing of any refunds. Files under verification may be cancelled, but the refund will be applied only if the documents are verified as authentic. Translations that have already been processed can not be cancelled. 

Is there a military rate?
Special prices have been established for armed services recruiters. These fees are for high school equivalency only, and regular FIS fees will be applied if the evaluation includes postsecondary education. One copy will be sent directly to the recruiter listed on the application. The applicant does not receive a copy unless an additional fee of $20 is paid and an address is supplied. In order to be eligible for special military prices, the application must be submitted by a recruiter.

Do I have to submit my original documents?  Do my translations need to be certified?
FIS prefers, but does not require, the submission of original documents, especially for credential evaluations used for continuing education, licensure, certification and employment purposes.  If copies are submitted, the final report will indicate this.  FIS prefers, but does not require, the submission of certified translations. If certified translations are not provided or if FIS cannot verify the credentials of the translator, the final report will indicate this. 

What is the Foundation's policy on fraudulent documents?  
When FIS suspects that documents submitted for evaluation were forged or altered in any way, no report will be prepared. All recipients indicated and appropriate agencies or organizations will be notified. No fees will be refunded and documents will be retained by FIS.

Is it possible to request a revision if I have additional information I want added to my report?
When additional evidence is submitted or additional language is requested, a $50 re-evaluation fee will apply.  Revisions may only be requested by and performed for the client (company, law firm, or individual) who submitted and paid for the original report.

Can I obtain additional copies of my report?
Two copies of each evaluation are included with the regular evaluation fee. Additional copies may be requested for $20 each. A copy request form is required before a copy can be issued. The additional copy can only be issued at the request of the owner (person or company that submitted the initial evaluation request), unless a release form is provided. The release form must state that the person and/or company allows FIS to provide the report to the person/company requesting it. The release form should be signed.

Acceptance of Terms and Conditions: 
By submitting an application of service to FIS, you are affirming and accepting the following:

  • You certify that the information provided on the application is true, accurate and correct to the best of your knowledge.
  • You understand that the evaluation is advisory in nature and the Foundation for International Services, Inc. assumes no liability for consequential damages when the desired equivalency cannot be recommended.
  • You agree to reimburse the Foundation for International Services, Inc. for any and all costs, including legal expenses, which it may incur as a result of any claim that you (or anyone having an interest in my earnings or services) may make based on the evaluation determination which the Foundation makes relying on this application.
  • You hereby certify that you have read the instructions and conditions provided with the application forms and posted on the website and agree to the terms stated therein.

Last Updated: June 2, 2010