Q1. What is a foreign credential evaluation?

A foreign credential evaluation is a professional assessment that translates and compares academic credentials earned outside the U.S., U.K., or Canada into equivalent credentials in those systems. The evaluation allows universities, employers, immigration authorities, or licensing boards to properly interpret your non-domestic education.

You may need one if you are: applying for admission to a U.S., U.K., or Canadian institution; pursuing professional licensing; seeking employment or immigration; or transferring credits. Many institutions will not proceed without a recognized evaluation.

Credentials that can be evaluated include secondary school diplomas, university bachelor’s or master’s degrees, higher national diplomas, professional certificates, and sometimes college-level coursework. At RIA, we assess the full spectrum of academic credentials submitted by clients.

You should submit official transcripts/mark sheets, diplomas or certificates, and any national exam results. If your documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Many evaluation services accept scanned or certified copies. However, RIA may require original or institution-sealed documents in certain cases—especially for licensure or detailed evaluations. Always check the documentation requirements specific to your country and purpose.

The timeline depends on document completeness, country of credential, and type of evaluation (general vs. detailed). For example, some services complete in about 5 business days after receipt of full documents.

If you cannot obtain certain records, notify RIA early. We will assess your situation and advise whether the evaluation can proceed, possibly with a “not‐verified” notation or conditional report. Note: missing documentation may delay the process or limit report acceptance.

RIA offers reports tailored to your needs: a general equivalency (e.g., “Bachelor’s equivalent”), a detailed course-by-course analysis (listing each subject’s U.S./UK/Canadian credit value), and specialty reports for licensure or employment.

While evaluations provide a widely recognized assessment, acceptance is ultimately determined by the receiving institution or board. RIA’s credentials and methodology align with industry standards, but you should confirm with your target institution in advance.

Yes. RIA can dispatch your evaluation report to third-party recipients (universities, employers, migration authorities) via mail or secure electronic delivery, as specified in your application.

Fees vary depending on the type of report (general vs. detailed), country of origin, required verification, and additional services such as translation or rush processing. Check RIA’s current fee schedule for your specific case.

If you complete further studies or require an updated evaluation, RIA can issue a revision or supplemental report, typically at a reduced fee if within defined time-frames. Some providers limit update eligibility within 5 years of original report.

RIA focuses on academic credentials (degrees, diplomas, transcripts). While professional experience may be noted in some contexts, the core evaluation is educational—not job-based.

RIA thoroughly researches foreign educational systems and uses qualified evaluators. We may verify documents directly with institutions when required and follow transparent evaluation standards.

RIA accepts major payment methods (check, credit card, bank transfer). Reports are issued as PDFs and can be mailed if requested. Delivery time begins once complete documents and payment are received.