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

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. 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:

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
• Transcript Research
• WES – World Education Services
• Josef Silny & Associates
• ECE – Educational Credential Evaluators

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?

How much does it cost?

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 — a smart way to protect your loved ones as you build a new life.