How to Get Your Bachelor’s Degree Recognized in the U.S.: A Step-by-Step Guide

You did the work, earned the degree, and moved countries, only to find that in the eyes of a U.S. employer or university, your bachelor’s degree feels invisible. This "diploma disconnect" is a critical hurdle for millions; while the U.S. hosted a record 1.2 million international students in 2025, recent 2026 industry snapshots reveal a sharp 17% decline in new enrollments, largely driven by the increasing complexity of visa and credentialing hurdles. For you, these aren't just market statistics; they represent the frustration of having a lifetime of academic achievement stalled by a "maze of forms" and a lack of formal US degree validation.

The emotional toll of seeing your hard-earned qualifications questioned can be overwhelming. Whether you are navigating a high-stakes H-1B application or applying for a competitive graduate program, the pressure to prove foreign degree equivalency quickly is immense. The biggest point of confusion is often the simplest: translation is not evaluation. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward reclaiming your academic identity and unlocking the professional opportunities you moved here to pursue.

In this article, we’ll talk about the exact steps to get recognized in the U.S., what documents you need, how to choose the right evaluation, and the mistakes that cause delays.

Let's get right into it!

Step 1: Understand the U.S. Degree Recognition Process

U.S. schools, employers, and immigration officials can’t just “take your word for it” because education systems vary widely by country. A foreign credential evaluation service turns your diploma and transcripts into a standardized U.S. format, so reviewers can confirm level, program length, and whether your school is recognized. It’s a compliance step that has grown even more rigid; federal hiring and USCIS policies have increased scrutiny on formal documentation to combat record-breaking levels of credential fraud.

The goal of this process isn't to question the validity of your education, but to make it comparable within a U.S. decision-making framework. Bachelor's degree recognition US usually centers on a "statement of equivalency." This document certifies that your three-year degree from Europe or your four-year degree from Asia meets the rigorous standards of a U.S. bachelor's degree. Without this bridge, even the most prestigious foreign credentials can remain "lost in translation."

The Terminology Trap

You’ll often hear terms like validation, equivalency, and assessment used interchangeably, but they serve different functions. Validation refers to the authenticity check of the physical document, while foreign degree equivalency is the outcome of the evaluation. Understanding these nuances helps you order the correct report for your specific needs, whether that is for licensure or a green card application.

It is important to note that some specialized cases require unique approaches. For instance, if you want to join the military, you might need a military academic evaluation. Similarly, if your education consists of multiple shorter programs, you should be aware that foreign degrees often cannot be combined for a single equivalency statement under current USCIS guidelines.

Step 2: Know the Difference Between Translation and Evaluation

A certified translation for a degree is the literal conversion of your academic documents from the original language into English. "Certified" means the translator provides a signed statement confirming the translation is an accurate and complete representation of the source. This is the first gate you must pass; major evaluation stakeholders report that "incomplete or incorrect translations" remain a primary cause for application delays.

Conversely, a credential evaluation is an analytical report. It doesn't just translate the words; it interprets the value of those words. An evaluator reviews your school’s accreditation, the program’s credit structure, and the grading scale to issue a report that U.S. universities and licensing boards can use. You cannot have one without the other; most evaluators will not even look at your file if the non-English documents aren't first professionally translated.

Why Certification Matters for USCIS

If you are pursuing a visa, the translation requirement is even stricter. USCIS requires specific certification language that a standard "bilingual friend" cannot provide. Using a professional service ensures that your US degree validation process doesn't get rejected due to a missing translator's signature or incorrect formatting. For a deeper look, see our USCIS certified translation guide.

Step 3: Choose a Recognized Foreign Credential Evaluation Service

Not all evaluation reports are created equal. The value of your foreign degree equivalency is only as strong as the reputation of the agency that issued it. Many U.S. institutions, particularly state licensing boards and certain high-tier universities, strictly require that evaluations come from members of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services).

However, for the vast majority of use cases, including most employment screenings and visa applications, MotaWord provides a high-speed, cost-effective solution that bypasses the long wait times associated with legacy agencies. We specialize in providing the US degree validation required for the modern workforce.

Important Note: Please verify with your prospective U.S. schools whether they require a NACES-member evaluation service before ordering, as some academic admissions have specific membership requirements.

Step 4: Gather Your Academic Documents

To evaluate foreign diploma details accurately, you need more than just the piece of paper that hangs on your wall. You will need your official transcripts, which list every course taken, the credits earned, and the final grades. If your school provides a grading legend (a key explaining what an "A" or a "10" means in their system), include it. This prevents the evaluator from having to guess, which often leads to a lower U.S. GPA conversion.

If you are applying for professional licensure—such as in nursing or engineering—you may also be required to provide course descriptions or a syllabus. These documents prove that the content of your education matches U.S. curriculum standards. For a detailed guide on handling these prerequisites for earlier stages of education, you can check our post on evaluating international high school diplomas.

Handling Missing Records

In cases where an institution has closed or is located in a conflict zone, gathering records becomes significantly harder. You may need to provide secondary evidence, such as graduation letters or national exam results. Documenting these "alternate pathways" clearly and chronologically helps evaluators build a defensible case for your US degree validation. Remember to scan all documents in high resolution, ensuring that stamps, seals, and signatures are crystal clear. It’s worth mentioning also that even if an institution has closed or is no longer accredited in your country, what matters for the degree is that the institution was accredited when your degree was issued. That can be proven (in most cases) using public records about the institution.

Step 5: Translate Your Academic Documents (Certified Translation)

This is the phase where most applicants lose time. Even with digital-first verification, most evaluators will not begin their work until every non-English document is supported by a certified translation. This includes everything from the diploma itself to the smallest stamp on the back of a transcript. A missing translation for a single "grading legend" can put your entire application on hold for weeks.

A professional translate academic transcript service provides a page-for-page mirror of your original records. At MotaWord, we understand that "academic voice" matters. We ensure that the terminology used in the translation aligns with common U.S. academic standards, making the subsequent evaluation process much smoother.

Step 6: Submit for Degree Evaluation (Course-by-Course vs. General Report)

Once your certified translations are in hand, you must choose the right report type. A "General Report" (Document-by-Document) simply states that you have the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's. This is usually sufficient for general employment or basic immigration filings. However, if you are planning to go back to school or get a professional license, you will almost certainly need a "Course-by-Course" report.

This more detailed analysis breaks down every single class you took and assigns it a U.S. credit value and grade. It is a more labor-intensive process, providing the essential "GPA conversion" that graduate admissions offices demand. At MotaWord, we've optimized this process to be faster and more affordable than traditional routes.

Pricing and Speed

We offer Standard Evaluations and Single Source Evaluations for $65. For those requiring a deeper dive, we offer three types of Course-by-Course evaluations for $120. While other services can take over a month, you can expect your MotaWord report within 72 hours, ensuring you meet deadlines with ease.

Evaluation Report Comparison: General vs. Course-by-Course

Choosing between these two reports can be the difference between a smooth career transition and an administrative standstill. Here is how they stack up at MotaWord.

Step 7: Use Your Evaluation for Work, School, or Visas

Once you have your evaluation in hand, it becomes your primary tool for US degree validation. For job seekers, attaching your evaluation report to your resume can proactively answer an HR manager's questions about your foreign education. It places you on an equal footing with U.S.-educated candidates by providing a recognizable "GPA" and "Degree Level."

The job market has become increasingly "skills-based", but formal education requirements still serve as a foundational filter for most professional roles. Having your evaluation ready allows you to apply for "Bachelor's Required" positions with confidence, knowing you have the paperwork to back it up.

Strategic Advantage for Visas

For those on the immigration path, your evaluation supports the education requirement for status-related filings. Whether you are filing for an H-1B, O-1, or EB-2, having a professional evaluation helps avoid a "Request for Evidence" (RFE). We provide the formal language that USCIS officers look for when determining if a candidate meets the educational threshold for a specialty occupation. If you are handling an H-1B case, consider our H-1B expert opinion letters as additional support.

Step 8: Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Recognition Process

The most common mistake is assuming that "official" documents you hold in your hand are always the same as "official" documents sent by a school. While we can work with your high-quality scans for most employment purposes, some academic institutions require that transcripts be sent directly from your home institution via a secure digital portal.

Another frequent pitfall is name mismatches. If your degree is in your maiden name but your current ID is in your married name, you must provide the legal bridge (marriage certificate). Without it, your US degree validation will be flagged for identity verification, adding weeks to your timeline.

Proactive Checklist

Before you hit "submit," use this checklist to ensure your file is clean:

• High-resolution scans of the original diploma and transcripts.
• Certified translation for degree and transcripts (if not in English).
• Correct report type (Standard vs. Course-by-Course) selected.
• Legal name change documents included (if applicable).
• Verification of whether your target school requires NACES membership specifically.

MotaWord Makes It Simple: Academic Evaluation Services You Can Trust

Getting your degree recognized shouldn’t feel like a second job. We streamline the two steps that traditionally cause the most stress: certified translation and credential evaluation. Because we handle both, you don't have to worry about your evaluator rejecting a translation from an unknown source. We ensure your documents are "review-ready" the moment they hit the desk.

We offer:

• Industry-Leading Speed: 72-hour turnaround for evaluations, 24-hour typical for translation.
• Cost-Effective Pricing: $65 for standard reports, $120 for course-by-course.
• USCIS Acceptance: Built to meet the rigorous demands of federal reviewers.
• Digital Convenience: Secure portals for easy upload and tracking.

Ready to stop guessing and start your U.S. career? You can start the process in minutes through our certified translation service for USCIS.

FAQ

What is the difference between evaluation and certified translation?

Certified translation is the language conversion of your documents into English, verified by a professional's signature. Evaluation is a separate analytical report that determines the U.S. equivalency of your degree level and grades. You usually need the translation first so the evaluator can read your documents.

Can I work in the U.S. with a foreign bachelor’s degree?

Yes, but most professional employers and HR departments will require a credential evaluation to confirm your foreign degree equivalency. For regulated professions like nursing or law, a course-by-course evaluation is usually mandatory for licensing.

How long does it take to evaluate a foreign diploma?

With MotaWord, you can receive your evaluation report within 72 hours. Traditional legacy agencies often take 4 to 7 weeks, making our solution ideal for urgent filing deadlines.

Do I need an evaluation for USCIS documentation?

Often yes, particularly for H-1B and employment-based visas. While USCIS primarily focuses on the certified translation for degree to verify your documents, an evaluation report provides the "expert evidence" needed to prove you meet the educational requirements for the visa category.

Is MotaWord accepted by U.S. universities and employers?

Absolutely. We provide certified translations and evaluations that meet the specific academic and legal standards required for US degree validation. With that said, we always recommend checking if your university requires a NACES-member evaluation specifically before ordering.

Get Recognized and Move Forward with MotaWord Academic Evaluations

Degree recognition is the bridge between your past achievements and your future in the United States. By gathering your documents, securing a professional certified translation, and choosing an efficient evaluation partner, you transform an "invisible" degree into a powerful professional asset. In today’s job market, speed and compliance are your greatest advantages.

Don't let your education be a question mark. We provide the end-to-end support you need to evaluate foreign diploma details and secure your US degree validation without the typical administrative headaches.

Are you ready to make your degree count in the U.S.? Start your journey with MotaWord’s Academic Evaluation Services today and get the recognition you've earned.

Mark Rogers - Head of Evaluation Services at MotaWord

Mark is a credentials evaluator expert with over five years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a thorough understanding of international education systems, contributing to his reputation as a trusted authority in the field of credentials evaluation.