What Documents Do I Need for an EB-2 NIW Credential Evaluation?

If you are preparing an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition, one of the first things your immigration attorney will ask for is a credential evaluation of your foreign academic degree. But many applicants are unsure exactly what documents they need to submit to the evaluation agency. This guide explains everything you need to know.

Why You Need a Credential Evaluation for EB-2 NIW

Academic Evaluation

USCIS requires applicants who hold foreign degrees to submit a credential evaluation confirming that their degree is equivalent to a U.S. advanced degree — specifically a master's degree or higher. Without this evaluation, your I-140 petition is incomplete and will likely result in a Request for Evidence (RFE), causing costly delays. The evaluation must be prepared by a qualified credential evaluator following AACRAO EDGE methodology. At AcademicEval Services, we specialize in evaluations for EB-2 NIW, H-1B, O-1, and EB-1 petitions.

The 3 Documents You Need

1. Your Original Diploma or Degree Certificate — You will need a copy of the diploma or degree certificate awarded by your university. If your diploma is in a language other than English, you will also need a certified English translation.

2. Official Academic Transcripts — Transcripts are the official record of every course you took, the grades you received, and the credits earned. USCIS and credential evaluators use transcripts to verify the level and field of your studies.

3. Certified English Translations — If any of your academic documents are in a language other than English, USCIS requires certified English translations. At AcademicEval Services, we offer certified translation services in-house — meaning we handle your credential evaluation and translations together, ensuring full consistency for USCIS review.

Course-by-Course vs. Document-by-Document Evaluation

For most EB-2 NIW applicants, a document-by-document evaluation is sufficient — it confirms the U.S. equivalent of your foreign degree. A course-by-course evaluation is more detailed and lists each course, credit hours, and GPA. It may be required when an attorney wants to demonstrate academic depth, particularly for applicants using a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive work experience to qualify for EB-2. Our evaluators review your case individually and recommend the right type.

How Long Does It Take?

Standard credential evaluations are completed in 2–3 business days. Rush service is available in 24 hours for urgent petition deadlines. We are based in Miami, Florida, and serve clients and immigration attorneys nationwide. Request a free quote and receive a response within 24 hours.