Moving to the United States with a university degree from Latin America opens many doors, but those qualifications often need to be officially recognized before they can be used for work or further studies. **Validating your foreign degree** ensures that U.S. institutions and employers understand the level and value of your academic background.

When preparing your documents, it's also wise to **[compare final expense insurance in the U.S](https://www.finalexpense.insurance/es-us)**. This type of insurance can offer immigrant families peace of mind as they plan their academic and professional future.


## What does it mean to "validate" a degree?

Validation (or "credential evaluation") is the process of comparing your foreign academic credentials to U.S. educational standards. It's not a government procedure — instead, it's handled by **private evaluation agencies** or, sometimes, directly by universities or employers.

The result is usually an official report that states the U.S. equivalent of your degree (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s).


## Who needs to validate their degree?

You may need to validate your university degree if you plan to:

- Apply to a U.S. university for graduate studies  
- Apply for jobs in professional fields (engineering, teaching, healthcare, etc.)  
- Get licensed in regulated professions (law, medicine, architecture, etc.)  
- Meet immigration requirements for certain visa categories


## Step-by-step: how to validate your university degree

1. **Choose a recognized credential evaluation agency**  
   Look for agencies that are members of **NACES** (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or **AICE** (Association of International Credential Evaluators).

2. **Prepare your documents**  
   Most agencies will require:
   - University diploma (original or certified copy)
   - Academic transcript
   - Certified translation (if documents are not in English)
   - Copy of passport or ID

3. **Select the type of evaluation**  
   Options include:
   - **Document-by-document** (for job applications)
   - **Course-by-course** (for academic admissions)
   - **Professional licensing reports** (for regulated professions)

4. **Submit your application and pay the fee**  
   Fees range from $100 to $300 depending on the service and urgency.

5. **Receive your evaluation report**  
   Processing time can vary from 5 business days to 4 weeks.


## Are the requirements different by country?

Generally, most credential evaluation agencies in the U.S. require the same basic documents regardless of your country of origin. Here's a list of the standard requirements you should be prepared to submit:

| Required Document                 | Description                                                                 |
|----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **University Diploma**           | Original or certified copy of your degree                                  |
| **Academic Transcript**          | List of courses, grades, and credits earned                                |
| **English Translation**          | Certified translation if documents are not in English                      |
| **Identification Document**      | Copy of your passport or national ID                                       |
| **Application Form**             | Filled out on the agency's official website                                |
| **Payment**                      | Fee depending on type of evaluation                                        |

> **Certified translations** are almost always required unless your original documents are already in English.

### **Special notes by country**

While the process is mostly the same, there are **small differences depending on the country** where your degree was issued:

- 🇻🇪 **Venezuela**: Many agencies **recommend apostilled documents** due to frequent verification issues. Apostille adds credibility but is not always mandatory.

- 🇨🇴 **Colombia**: Some agencies accept transcripts **in Spanish without translation**, especially if they already understand the Colombian education system. However, most still require English versions.

- 🇲🇽 **Mexico**: Copies of diplomas and transcripts are generally accepted **without apostille**, and most agencies are familiar with Mexican institutions. Translation into English is still required.

If you're unsure whether a document is needed based on your country, it’s best to **contact the credential agency directly** or check their FAQ section.



## Trusted credential evaluation agencies

Here are some reputable services to consider:

- [Academic Evaluations](https://academicevaluations.org/)
- [Transcript Research](https://transcriptresearch.com/)
- [WES – World Education Services](https://www.wes.org/)
- [Josef Silny & Associates](https://www.jsilny.org/)
- [ECE – Educational Credential Evaluators](https://www.ece.org/)

Always check if the organization is accepted by the institution or employer where you plan to submit your evaluation.


## How long does the validation take?

| Service Type               | Estimated Time      |
|---------------------------|---------------------|
| Standard evaluation       | 2–4 weeks           |
| Rush evaluation           | 5–7 business days   |
| Translation services      | 3–10 business days  |


## How much does it cost?

| Service                    | Estimated Fee Range |
|---------------------------|---------------------|
| Document evaluation       | $100–$150           |
| Course-by-course report   | $150–$300           |
| Translation (per page)    | $20–$50             |
| Rush service (optional)   | +$50–$100           |


## Tips for a smooth validation process

- 📝 **Make photocopies** of all documents before sending anything  
- 🌐 **Use certified mail or tracking** when mailing original documents  
- 📧 **Contact the agency** if you're unsure about any document requirement  
- 🗣️ **Request help in Spanish** — many agencies offer bilingual support  
- 📅 **Plan ahead** — delays can happen, especially during school admissions seasons


Validating your university degree is a crucial step to continue your professional or academic life in the U.S. Whether you're planning to pursue a master’s degree or apply for a qualified job, having your credentials officially recognized opens many doors. 

And as you prepare for your future, don’t forget to also **[compare final expense insurance in the U.S](https://www.finalexpense.insurance/es-us)** — a smart way to protect your loved ones as you build a new life.


How to validate university degrees from Latin America in the U.S.

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