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Terms & Conditions

APPLICATION INFORMATION

It is the responsibility of the applicant to know the requirements of the receiving institution and to provide the appropriate documentation. Please submit all relevant educational documents (i.e. diploma, transcript, mark sheets). The evaluation will indicate if originals, certified copies, or photocopies were submitted. Credentials equivalent to completion of professional or vocational training will not be included in the evaluation. If both secondary (high school) and university-level credentials are submitted, the Foundation for International Services, Inc. (FIS) will analyze the post-secondary studies only, unless requested at the time of application. English translations (preferably certified translations) are required for all non-English documents that are necessary to perform an evaluation. FIS offers translation services (these fees are in addition to the evaluation price).

Requests for Next Day Services must be received before 2:00pm (Pacific). Requests for Same Day Services must be received before 12:00pm (Pacific). Adding translation services will extend the turnaround time/due date.

The fastest turnaround timing we offer for a combined Document by Document evaluation with translations is a total of 3 business days (this is with the purchase of a Next Day Service).

One Week Document by Document or Course by Course Evaluation combined with Translation services is extended to a total of 7 business days.

FIS translation services are separate fees in addition to the evaluation price.

Timing begins once payment is received and all necessary/requested documents are on file. 

Evaluation reports are delivered via email as a high-resolution, color PDF. Delivery times are for email delivery only. If purchased, hardcopy of evaluation reports will be sent following email delivery, and delivery times by USPS and FedEx are not guaranteed.

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 canceled.

EVALUATION/EXPERT/TRANSLATION SERVICES

Document-by-Document Evaluations: A Document-by-Document report evaluates each foreign academic program to determine its corresponding US educational equivalent. These reports include institutional accreditation/recognition, program duration, dates of study, and entrance requirements. For an additional fee, the report may be modified to include a cumulative grade point average (GPA) per program/degree.

Expert Opinion Services: Expert Opinion services include Industry Standard, Extraordinary Ability, and 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.

Course-by-Course Evaluations: Course-by-Course evaluation fees include all post-secondary years of study. In addition to discussing institutional accreditation/recognition, program duration, dates of study, and entrance requirements, this comprehensive report includes a listing of the coursework completed within each program, along with the equivalent US credit hours and US grade per subject.

As a corporate member of the American Translators Association (ATA), FIS provides translation services in nearly every written language. Complete and legible documents are required and should be submitted electronically. FIS translations are completed by professional translators.

If you need a price quote, go to: Request Certified English Translation Quote

ADDITIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

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 the next business day service. Corporations, law firms and other approved organizations may be invoiced upon credit approval. A $25 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.

Canceled files?

Evaluations: Files canceled 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 canceled, but the refund will be applied only if the documents are verified as authentic.

Translations: After payment is received and the translation process is underway, cancellations may be possible, but are often subject to a fee. If the translation has already been partially or fully completed at the time of the cancellation request, no refund is possible.

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 emailed directly to the recruiter listed on the application. The applicant/recruit does not receive a copy, but can request a copy as noted below. 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 new evidence is submitted or preferential changes requested, a $55 fee will apply for Document-by-Document reports and a $110 fee for Course-by-Course reports. Only the individual or organization who requested and paid for the original report can apply for a revision. Revisions are available up to five years after the original issue date of the evaluation or translation. Revisions for Document-by-Document reports have a 1-2 business day turn-around time, Course-by-Course reports have a 1 week turn-around time.

For Expert Opinions, re-evaluations occur when there is additional evidence or criteria submitted, which will incur a fee. Revisions to Expert Opinions which consist of only word changes must be made within five business days, or a late fee will apply.

Can I obtain additional copies of my report?

Additional electronic and paper copies may be requested for a $30 reprint fee. Reprints are available for five years from date of original issuance.

SUBMITTING DIGITAL DOCUMENTS:

FIS requires digital documents to be emailed directly from the foreign institution or shared directly from a secured portal to FIS. Please email them to info@fis-web.com.

FIS will not accept printouts from university websites, documents without signatures or editable PDF documents (documents that are “unsecured” or can be changed by anyone) unless we are able to verify them via a QR code or secure link.

*DO NOT send FIS your personal, student account login information.

FROM AN INSTITUTION:

FIS accepts digital documents emailed directly from an foreign institution IF FIS can verify that the sender has the authority to send academic records (such as a Controller of Examinations or Registry Officer).

Original documents must be mailed to the FIS office directly from the foreign institution if originating from the following countries - Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and directly from Consultoria Juridica Internacional (CJI) or Bufete de Servicios Especializados (BES) for Cuba.

FROM A SECURED PORTAL:

FIS accepts documents verifiable on a secure online portal such as My eQuals, Parchment, and DigitaryIF the appropriate information (pin number, link, etc.) to download/verify the documents is also submitted. Printouts from a secured portal WILL NOT be accepted.

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 your 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 terms and conditions provided with the application forms and posted on the website and agree to the terms stated therein.

The Foundation for International Services, Inc. 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.

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