Every year, more Latinos arrive in Texas with the dream of continuing their studies or practicing their professions in the United States. However, for a university degree earned abroad to be recognized in the U.S., it must go through a **validation process**.

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## What Does “Validating a Degree” Mean in the U.S.?

Validation is the process through which a foreign university or technical degree is evaluated to determine its equivalency within the U.S. educational system.

In Texas, this step is especially important for:

* Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who want to work in hospitals or clinics.
* Engineers and architects who want to obtain state certification.
* Lawyers seeking to validate credentials (with additional requirements).
* Professionals who want to pursue postgraduate studies at universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, or University of Houston.




## Basic Steps to Validate Your Degree in Texas

The process may feel overwhelming, but it usually follows clear phases:

1. **Collect documents from your home country**: diplomas, transcripts, study programs.
2. **Certified English translation**: documents must be translated by an official translator.
3. **Evaluation by accredited agencies**: organizations such as WES or ECE analyze equivalency.
4. **Submission to universities or employers**: each institution decides whether to accept the results.
5. **Additional requirements**: some professions require state exams, licenses, or supervised practice.




## Main Agencies for Degree Validation in the U.S.

Before applying to a university or employer in Texas, it helps to know which agencies are most recognized:

| Agency / Organization                                              | Main Role                                      | Best For                           |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| **WES (World Education Services)**                                 | Compares foreign degrees with U.S. equivalents | Universities & employers in Texas  |
| **ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators)**                        | Evaluates undergraduate and graduate degrees   | Migrants pursuing further studies  |
| **NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services)** | Network of recognized evaluation agencies      | Technical & healthcare professions |
| **SPANTRAN**                                                       | Texas-based, works with Latino migrants        | Fast processing & Spanish support  |




## Common Challenges for Latinos in Texas

* Difficulty obtaining official documents from the home country.
* High costs for translations and evaluations.
* Long waiting times with agencies or universities.
* Extra exams that require significant preparation (e.g., USMLE for doctors).




## Tips for Success

* Keep both physical and digital copies of all academic documents.
* Use sworn or certified translators in the U.S.
* Verify that the evaluation agency is accredited by NACES.
* Seek legal guidance if you plan to work in regulated fields like medicine, law, or accounting.





## Conclusion

Validating foreign degrees in the U.S.—especially in Texas—requires patience, organization, and expert guidance. With the right documents and support, you can advance your professional career in this country.

**For help in Spanish and to move forward with confidence, visit [compare final expense insurance in the U.S.](https://www.finalexpense.insurance/) and connect with experts who can guide you through every step of your process.**


How to Validate Professional Degrees and Studies in the U.S. if You Are a Latino in Texas

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